Nigerian singer Francis Atela, known for his powerful vocals and his run as first runner-up on Nigerian Idol Season Six, has announced an exciting new venture that will see him tour the country performing the timeless songs of music legend Bongos Ikwue.
The 28-year-old artist shared the news with his over 64,000 followers on Instagram on Friday, 8 May 2025, revealing the “Atela and the Legends of Bongos Ikwue” tour, which aims to bridge generational divides through the power of music.
“After our last performance became a viral sensation, we knew we couldn’t stop there,” Atela wrote in his announcement, referencing a poignant moment in 2025. That performance featured Atela delivering a heartfelt rendition of Bongos Ikwue’s classic hit “Still Searching.” The legendary musician, though frail, was in the audience, deeply moved by Atela’s performance, ultimately joining him on stage to sing along – a moment that quickly resonated with music lovers across the country.
Atela highlighted this experience as the catalyst for the tour, stating, “That moment reminded us how powerful music is when it brings people together, young and old, and birthed an idea.”
The tour is described as a step towards bringing live musical experiences “on the road,” which Atela notes is “not so common around here.” He emphasized the tour’s purpose: “Time to bridge generations, celebrate our roots, and give you an unforgettable experience in every city we visit.”
Kicking off the tour close to his roots, Atela announced the first stop will be in Makurdi, Benue State, at Mango World. “Because they say charity begins at home,” he added, expressing his excitement to start there. Each stop is promised to be more than just a concert, but a “cultural experience, enjoying seasoned and contemporary performances— this is not just a concert, but a celebration of where we’ve come from and where we’re going.”
Born Francis Orterver Shima Atela in Jos, Plateau State, Atela hails originally from Benue State, making the Makurdi starting point particularly significant. Currently based in Abuja, the University of Jos alumnus rose to national prominence on Nigerian Idol. Known for his amiable nature, Atela has often been described as a “bridge builder,” a quality that seems to resonate with the core concept of this tour.
Bongos Ikwue, a revered figure in Nigerian music, captivated audiences in the 1970s and 80s with his distinct style. His enduring hit “Still Searching,” a touching exploration of love, has seen a recent resurgence in popularity, notably through a remix collaboration with Tuface Idibia and the moving 2025 live performance with Atela that inspired this tour.
Atela concluded his announcement with a call to his fans, “Let’s make history together.❤️” signaling his anticipation for sharing this musical journey celebrating a legend with audiences nationwide. Details regarding subsequent tour dates and cities are expected to be announced soon, but Jos, Port Harcourt, Makurdi and Abuja are on the list.
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