Nigerian singer Chinagorom Onuoha, popularly known as African China, has revealed that he may venture into politics after years of keeping his distance from the political space.
The singer, known for his socially conscious hit song Mr President, disclosed his changing position during an interview with Pulse Nigeria, saying his desire to see Nigeria improve has prompted him to reconsider his earlier preference for activism over politics.
“I might. In the past, I was always running away from politics. I just wanted to be an activist, but people are not taking us where we want to. However, I do not want to learn from people I don’t want to end up like,” he said.
African China also questioned calls for greater youth participation in leadership, arguing that a change in the age of those in power would make little difference without addressing corruption and weaknesses in the country’s legal system.
He added that young leaders would struggle to bring meaningful change if the legal system remained inadequate, stressing that laws should provide guidance and hold everyone accountable.
The singer also raised concerns about substance abuse among young Nigerians, claiming that 80 per cent of youths are involved in substance use. He said smoking and other forms of substance use had become increasingly common among young people he encounters, with some feeling pressured to participate to fit in.
Reflecting on his music and its social commentary, African China said his song Mr President was written to draw attention to governance challenges rather than celebrate a period of national prosperity.
He recalled that while some listeners now look back on the period when the song was released as a better time for Nigeria, the issues he addressed were already significant concerns. He said the song was intended as a wake-up call that, in his view, went largely unheeded.
The artiste also called for the revival of Nigerian industries, factories and infrastructure, arguing that stronger domestic production could reduce the country’s reliance on imported goods.
“If they could bring back those companies, start building infrastructure, factories and businesses, and reduce this constant dependence on importation, it would help,” he said, adding that importing machinery could support local manufacturing and production.
On Nigeria’s Independence Day, African China expressed disappointment with what he described as the gap between annual celebrations and the country’s everyday realities. He said the occasion should encourage reflection on national achievements and progress, but had increasingly become a routine celebration followed by a return to normal life.
His comments reflect his longstanding use of music to address governance and social concerns, while his consideration of a political career signals a possible shift from public commentary and activism towards direct participation in politics.
