Nigerian artist, songwriter and cultural ambassador Charles Mgba, Aka Bukwild Da Ikwerrian, has returned to the music scene with the release of his highly anticipated EP, Time & Season.
This six-track project, which was 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.
Bukwild’s journey is one of passion, resilience, and a deep connection to his roots, having balanced his artistic ambitions with his roles as a husband, father, and entrepreneur.
He said: “Music has always been something spiritual for me. And my family gives me the peace I need to create.” This peace, alongside his commitment to his family, has been central to his ability to produce music that resonates across generations and borders.”
Now, with the support of his family and his management team at 36 Media & Management, Bukwild is fully dedicated to rekindling his presence in the music industry and sharing his artistry with fans worldwide.
On his place of residence, he noted that while Lagos is recognized as Nigeria’s entertainment hub, his 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.
“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.” With the power of social media and digital platforms, Bukwild has been able to share his music globally while remaining rooted in his home city.
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 is a strong advocate for Nigerian music’s growing acceptance across the globe, especially music that incorporates traditional sounds and languages.
He believes Nigeria’s various regional cultures—Yoruba, Igbo, and Niger Delta among others—have rich sounds and stories to offer. “Music is universal and doesn’t need a language,” he explains. “I believe it’s high time we pushed our different melodies to the world so they can experience the uniqueness of Nigeria.”
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,” he advises. “You can’t do jazz better than Italians or rap better than Americans. But no one can do highlife better than Nigerians and Ghanaians.”
For Bukwild, local sounds hold immense potential for international success, especially when they are authentic and true to their origins.
Source:The Nation
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