Legendary Nigerian musician, Bongos Ikwue, has attributed his comfortable life in old age to the wise investments he made during the peak of his music career.
The celebrated singer and songwriter, who turned 84 on Monday, made the revelation during an appearance on People and Places, a radio programme hosted by veteran broadcaster Wordshot Amaechi Wordshot in Enugu.
Speaking on the programme, Bongos said that while many people focus on saving money, he chose to invest his earnings in ventures that would secure his future.
According to him, the decision has paid off significantly, allowing him to enjoy financial stability decades after achieving fame as one of Nigeria’s most respected musicians.
Wordshot, who later shared details of the interview on social media, described the encounter as a memorable experience, praising the music icon’s enduring voice and charisma.
“I had the privilege to host the legendary Bongos Ikwue. It was a sizzling experience. He is 84 today and still stands and sounds so strong and ever sonorous in that his inimitable baritone,” he wrote.
The broadcaster noted that listening to the “Still Searching” crooner brought back memories of an era when songs such as Still Searching, Mariama, Eche Une, and Ahinya dominated Nigerian airwaves.
One of the highlights of the interview was the long-standing curiosity surrounding Bongos’ hit song Mariama, which many had linked to former First Lady Mariam Babangida.
The veteran musician dismissed the speculation, explaining that although he once saw Mariam Babangida from a distance when she visited Oturkpo to commission a Better Life for Rural Women project, he never met her personally and had no connection between her and the song.
Despite health challenges, including arthritis and a previous stroke that required surgery, Bongos remains active in music. He disclosed that arthritis has affected his ability to play the guitar, as his fingers can no longer bend sufficiently to pick the strings.
However, the health setback has not diminished the quality of his voice.
The music icon revealed that he continues to perform with his band and has recorded new songs, including collaborations with two of his daughters based in the United States. One of them, he said, is pursuing music professionally.
Beyond music, Bongos built a business empire spanning construction, contracts, real estate and hospitality, investments he said were funded with proceeds from his successful music career.
Born and raised in Oturkpo, Benue State, the veteran entertainer has remained closely connected to his roots throughout his life.
Reflecting on his financial philosophy, Bongos said he always believed that “poor people save money while rich people invest money,” a mindset that influenced his decisions as a young artiste.
His story stands in contrast to that of many entertainers of his generation who struggled financially after their careers declined.
Recalling a popular anecdote, Bongos confirmed that a fan once paid his fare after spotting him in a public bus in Lagos and assuming he had fallen on hard times. The incident, he suggested, reflected the widespread perception that many veteran musicians faced financial hardship after their years in the spotlight.
Today, although he can no longer play the rhythm guitar he once loved, Bongos Ikwue continues to captivate audiences with the rich baritone voice that earned him comparisons to American country music legend Don Williams.
More than six decades after launching his career, the singer remains a symbol of artistic excellence, longevity and prudent financial planning—proof that success in entertainment can extend far beyond the stage when talent is matched with foresight and wise investments.
