Artiste underscores need for sustainable growth in music industry

A songwriter and cultural ambassador Charles Mgba , popularly known as ‘Bukwild Da Ikwerrian’ has stressed on the importance of sustainable growth in the music industry through proper infrastructure.

He emphasised that the music industry must continue to build solid support systems that allow creators to be fairly compensated for their work.

“When you hear ‘Afrobeats to the world,’ Nigeria comes to mind. We’re doing something right,” he said.

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Bukwild stated this during the release of his highly anticipated EP, Time & Season. This six-track project, produced by Flo beats and Caution LXE, marks Bukwild’s full return to the spotlight, capturing the spirit and essence of traditional highlife music with his unique Bukwild sound and melodic storytelling.

“Music has always been something spiritual for me and my family gives me the peace I need to create,” he stated.

Bukwild’s decision to remain based in Port Harcourt speaks to his belief that true artistry transcends location.

He sees Port Harcourt as a significant and underappreciated cultural capital, from which he can create music that reflects Nigeria’s diverse cultural landscapes.

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“Where you live doesn’t define you,” he states, adding, “Once you market your product for the world, you travel to show them its beauty and return to your base.”

The new EP, Time & Season, embodies this spirit of rootedness and versatility, celebrating his background while drawing on influences from both traditional and contemporary music.

“In Port Harcourt, we have many who’ve broken through to international recognition—Burna Boy, Timaya, Omah Lay—and I believe one’s music can impact listeners globally while being created from your local environment,” Bukwild shares.

Bukwild who is a strong advocate for Nigerian music’s growing acceptance across the globe, especially music that incorporates traditional sounds and languages believes that Nigeria’s various regional cultures such as Yoruba, Igbo, and Niger Delta among others have rich sounds and stories to offer.

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“Music is universal and doesn’t need a language. I believe it’s high time we pushed our different melodies to the world so they can experience the uniqueness of Nigeria,” he stated.

While acknowledging the significant contributions of iconic figures like Fela Kuti, King Sunny Ade, and Jim Rex Lawson, Bukwild encourages young Nigerian artists to embrace and celebrate their roots.

“We need to educate young people that local sounds can become international. You can’t do jazz better than the Italians or rap better than Americans. But no one can do highlife better than Nigerians and Ghanaians,” he stated.

Explaining the release of his album, Bukwild said the project is about telling a story and delivering a message.

“Each song has something for listeners, whether it’s joy, reflection, or connection,” he said.

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Bukwild envisions a future where Nigerian music continues to flourish and reach new heights. He hopes Time & Season will inspire listeners to embrace Nigerian culture and celebrate the diversity of the country’s music.

“The world needs to hear the melody from the North, South, East, and West,” he said.

He noted that through his music, he is dedicated to showcasing the unique sounds of Nigeria, not just as a genre but as a culture and identity.