Buchi Atuonwu, also known as Buchi, is a well-known Nigerian songwriter, author, poet, spoken word artist, and reggae gospel singer. He began his career as a disc jockey in nightclubs and is now a member of Christ Embassy’s LoveWorld Music and Arts Ministry.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Buchi Atuonwu |
| Date of Birth | June 24, 1964 |
| Place of Birth | Kaduna, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of Origin | Abia State |
| Spouse | Jane Atuonwu |
| Children | Four children |
| Occupations | Gospel Artist, Songwriter, Poet |
| Labels | Loveworld Records, BIG TOONZ |
| Net Worth | Approximately $400,000 to $500,000 |
Early Life and Education
Buchi Atuonwu, popularly known as Buchi, was born on June 24, 1964, in Kaduna, Nigeria. He hails from Abia State and began his education in Enugu. Buchi attended Methodist College in Uzuakoli and later Federal Government College in Enugu.
In 1983, he moved to Lagos to pursue a degree in English Language and Literary Studies at the University of Lagos, where he earned his BA in 1986 and an MA in 1988. He subsequently began lecturing at the university while working towards a PhD in Semantics and Social Linguistics.
Career
Buchi’s career took off as a disc jockey at the Floating Bukka nightclub in Lagos, where he was introduced to music by reggae artist Ras Kimono.
After a personal transformation, he joined the choir at Christ Embassy Church in 1992. His debut album, These Days, was released in 1999, followed by several successful albums such as So Beautiful (2002) and What a Life (2005).
Buchi is known for blending gospel music with reggae influences and has also made contributions as an author and poet.
Personal Life
Buchi Atuonwu is married to Jane Atuonwu, and together they have four children. His family plays a significant role in his life and music; notably, all his children featured on his song “Normally.”
The couple celebrated their marriage on November 26, 1994. Buchi often emphasizes the collaborative spirit within his family as an essential part of his artistic endeavors.
Buchi Atuonwu Net Worth
Buchi Atuonwu’s estimated net worth ranges between $400,000 to $500,000. This wealth reflects his successful career as a gospel musician, songwriter, and author in Nigeria, where he is recognized as a prominent figure in the gospel music scene.
Discography
Buchi has released several albums throughout his career that showcase his unique gospel reggae style. His major works include:
| Year | Album Title |
|---|---|
| 1999 | These Days |
| 2002 | So Beautiful |
| 2005 | What a Life |
| 2008 | Sounds of Life |
| 2011 | Judah |
| 2014 | I See |
| 2017 | Red, Gold & Green |
| 2020 | 11:59 |
Some of his popular songs include “Jesus Must Be Honoured,” “Mma Mma,” “What a Mighty God,” and “Born Again.”
Awards and Nominations
Throughout his career, Buchi Atuonwu has garnered several awards that highlight his contributions to gospel music:
- AMEN Awards: Best Gospel Album (1999)
- Faith Awards: Best Artiste (1999)
- POMP Awards: Best Reggae Artiste (1999)
- TOMA Awards: Best Gospel Album (1999)
In recognition of his influence in the genre, he received the Gospel Music Icon Award at the Eagle Gospel Awards in 2024.
