Renowned Nigerian gospel reggae artist, poet, and author Buchi Atuonwu has shared a harrowing account of his past life as a cultist, describing a midnight bush procession where he led 250 members in song beside men carrying coffins and red lamps, all the while hearing a divine warning that he did not belong there.
The startling revelation came during an interview on Black Flames, a culture-shaping podcast hosted by Gaise Baba (Akinnade Ibuoye) on YouTube. Atuonwu, now a celebrated Christian musician, recounted his dual life as a PhD-holding university lecturer at just 24 and a high-ranking cult member.
In vivid detail, Atuonwu described leading the secretive gathering between 1 and 2 AM without microphones, projecting his voice to command followers ranging from 20 to 70-year-olds. The surreal scene included:
– Cult members carrying coffins on their heads
– A red lamp procession through the bush
– A supernatural voice whispering warnings mid-song
Contrary to popular belief, Atuonwu stated that cults extend far beyond university students, uniting members across class, tribe, and age lines. “The cult is a leveller,” he noted, describing how it created bonds stronger than societal divisions.
The artist revealed how the mysterious voice marked the beginning of his disillusionment, culminating in his fleeing after a violent clash. His eventual redemption came unexpectedly when, while in hiding, he attended a church service out of boredom, setting him on a new path.
Atuonwu, who lectured at the University of Lagos during his cult days, now uses his story to warn youths about cultism’s dangers while advocating for national unity through legitimate means.
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