In the heart of United States Army barracks, an unlikely song resonates, calming the nerves of soldiers after a long day of strenuous drills. The song, titled, Big, Bigger, Biggest by Malachi Uche, a Nigerian-born artiste known by the moniker Sonofuche, is not a comparison of military might or economic power but a celebration of different body sizes.
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Growing up in Lagos, Sonofuche’s journey to becoming a singer-songwriter is a tale of perseverance and dedication. He began honing his musical talents as a choir boy at St. Dominic Catholic Church, Yaba.

Despite facing challenges and doing menial jobs, his love for music remained unwavering. A turning point came when he enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he found a new sense of purpose and discipline.

There in the U.S. Army, where side gigs are not frowned on, he has refused to let go of music as it has become his solace, a reminder of home and his roots. Big, Bigger, Biggest is not another dance floor croon, but a harmonious diatribe that inspires the listeners.

Sonofuche’s experiences in the U.S-military have shaped his music, infusing it with themes of resilience, self-love, and empowerment, and this is reflected in the new offering, an Afrobeats anthem that is a testament to his passion for music and his mission to promote self-love and confidence.

He believes humanity’s primary duty is to help others in every way, especially in improving their social and emotional wellbeing. Living in the U.S., he noticed that many people there struggle with self-confidence owing to their body size.

“While efforts are ongoing to address this, I want to use music — a universal language — to celebrate and uplift people in this situation,” he said in chat with The Guardian.
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Using both standard English and Nigerian pidgin, the Afrobeats song, highlights the beauty and uniqueness of all body sizes, aside from arousing listeners to build confidence and self-love.

On how his colleagues in the U.S. army take the song, the six-footer adds: “My colleagues are human. Our job as security ambassadors does not keep us grounded, but we find time to relax and unwind.

During those times, they love the song and the video as well. Yes, I use it to entertain them.” According to him, while the army tests his endurance, discipline and sacrifice, music keeps him grounded. From leading choirs as a child to embracing the stage name, Sonofuche, in honour of his late father, he uses his voice as a range.

“I find solace in music after gruelling training sessions in the military, and in every note, I find peace at home. Music for me is more than just a passion, it is my lifeline. During one of our drill sessions, Drill Sergeant, SFC Jarvis, told me, ‘You’re older than most of these soldiers; they will look up to you. The ability to inspire is no longer an option, but an obligation. That moment solidified my purpose, not just as a soldier, but also as a leader,” he enthused.
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