Winnipeg musician returns to tribal roots

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 28/09/2021 (1704 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

By all definitions, singer/songwriter and music producer Ndubuisi Okwumabua, popularly known as Ndu, meets the criteria for having the “it factor.”

In 2007, I spoke with Ndu as an upcoming young rapper. He had big dreams of becoming an international performer. He worked hard to meet his goals in Canada and his work did not fully give him the payoff he expected.

Now in his 30s, Ndu has abandoned his materially comfortable existence in Fort Rouge and now splits his time between Delta State, Nigeria – his ancestral homeland – and Winnipeg to focus on his music. Ndu now lives among his Anioma people, between the state capital Asaba and his village of Issele-Uku. He often reflects on the banks of the Niger River, praying to realize his dreams.

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Ndu has the blessing of his family in the pursuit of his musical ambitions.  
Unlike the usual migration to Toronto, New York City or Hollywood, Ndu opted for Nollywood, the third-largest movie capital in the world and is now getting the opportunity to write background music for movies coming out of Nigeria.

“I feel at home,” he said. “I’m realizing my dream. That’s important to me.”
He admits that living in Nigeria is not the same as living in Canada. Materially, Nigeria does not have the same accessible amenities Canada boasts, but he said that Nigeria is stronger spiritually.

“A simple life can be a good life,” he said. “I am among my uncles, aunties, cousins and family friends. I’m OK. Luckily my parents used to bring my siblings and me to visit Nigeria since we were children, so I’m chill here.”

Ndu said his work is changing to cater to the current state of the world. He is writing more about spiritual and mental transformation, internal peace and the love revolution, incorporating more afrobeats.

“I’ve written a lot during the pandemic and produced hundreds of songs for other artists and myself and background music for movies” he said. “People are getting to know me around here. That feels hopeful”

“I have a big interest in doing independent mixes with afrobeats. I want to do it all – dance music, reflection music and car-listening music.”

He is currently working on an EP and putting a band together to have more regular gigs at clubs and other venues in hopes of getting more attention so he can work with other prominent Nigerian artists and producers.

“Life is good in Nigeria, not perfect but good,” he said. “I am creating my music the way I want to. I would rather be free and be happy with myself in order to live longer,” said the man on a mission to succeed on his own terms.  

Check out Ndu’s music at www.ndumusic.com; on Instagram – @ndu_delta – and on Facebook.