From Past Perils to Future Stars: African China Recalls ‘Juju’ Protection as RCee Joins Apple Music ‘Up Next’

The West African music landscape continues to reflect a blend of harrowing historical narratives and the bright promise of emerging talent. This week, the industry sees a stark contrast between veteran Nigerian singer African China’s revelations regarding the physical dangers of political activism through music, and the celebration of Ghanaian artist RCee’s selection for a major global artist development program. Together, these stories highlight the evolving challenges and opportunities faced by creators across the region as they navigate fame, safety, and industry recognition.

Veteran Nigerian musician Chinagorom Onuoha, popularly known as African China, recently shared chilling details about the lengths he went to for self-preservation during the height of his career. Speaking on the "Beer Parlor Talk" podcast, the artist explained that his dedication to "conscious music"—songs that often critiqued social and political issues—made him a target for both law enforcement and local gangs. To navigate these threats, African China revealed that he not only mastered martial arts but also turned to "juju" (voodoo) for protection. He described a unique system of survival where his audience would signal him when danger was imminent during performances, a tactic that led many of his pursuers to believe he possessed supernatural abilities to evade capture.

In contrast to the survivalist era of the early 2000s, the contemporary Ghanaian scene is celebrating the rise of RCee, born Austin Antwi Boakye, who has been named the latest artist for Apple Music’s "Up Next" program in Ghana. Known for his sophisticated blend of Afrobeats, Highlife, and Afro-fusion, RCee aims to redefine the country’s modern sound. His debut EP, "How Did We Get Here?", featuring tracks such as "Knees & Bend" and "Blessings," has already garnered significant attention. By joining the "Up Next" initiative, RCee joins an elite group of emerging global talents, gaining access to a platform designed to amplify his reach to international audiences.

These developments underscore the dual nature of the African music industry. While African China’s story serves as a reminder of the personal risks artists once took to speak truth to power, RCee’s success via digital platforms like Apple Music demonstrates the shift toward institutional support and global commercial viability. RCee has emphasized the importance of authenticity and pushing creative boundaries, a sentiment that echoes the spirit of his predecessors while looking forward to a more integrated and supportive global music market.