Veteran Nigerian singer Chinagorom Onuoha, widely known as African China, has said he may step into politics after years of keeping away from the arena.

The “Mr President” crooner said he once preferred to stay in activism, but has grown worried that activists are not delivering the change the country needs. “I might. In the past, I was always running away from politics. I just wanted to be an activist, but people are not taking us where we want to,” he said, adding that he does not want to end up like the people he has learnt not to emulate.

Speaking on the push for young people to take over leadership, the singer questioned who exactly would be handed the opportunity. He argued that many young Nigerians have been taught nothing but corruption, and that simply transferring power to them would change little unless the laws are fixed.

According to him, only a properly structured legal system can keep everyone on track, and the current one falls short.

African China also raised alarm over drug use among young people, claiming that about 80 per cent of Nigerian youths are involved in substance abuse. He said many of the young people he meets are smoking one substance or another, to the point that those who do not often feel they do not belong.

Reflecting on his own music, the artiste rejected the idea that Nigeria was in a better place when he released his popular protest song. He said he sang about the country’s problems precisely because things were not good, describing the song as a wake up call that Nigerians ignored while dancing to the beat. In his view, the situation is now worse, and the country has reached its last stage.

On the economy, he called for the revival of industries, the building of infrastructure and the establishment of factories, so that Nigeria can reduce its heavy reliance on imported goods. He said the government should create an environment where businesses can thrive, and that the country should import machines that will help Nigerians produce for themselves.

With Nigeria marking Independence Day, African China said the occasion no longer carries the meaning it should. He described it as a day meant for reflection on the nation’s achievements, but said that for him it has become just another day, celebrated briefly before everyone returns to normal life as though it means nothing.