Pascal Chibuike Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, is no stranger to the spotlight. Born in Aba and raised in Imo State, he made a name for himself as a flamboyant nightlife entrepreneur, owning clubs and hosting extravagant events across Nigeria. But behind the glitz and glamour of the party scene, music had always been a silent calling in his life.
In 2024, Cubana Chief Priest decided it was time to step into the world of music—a bold move that surprised many in the entertainment industry. His debut singles, including “Idi Bad” and “Fire Fire”, showcased his signature blend of Afrobeat rhythms with catchy hooks, proving he was more than just a businessman with a flair for parties. Collaborating with artists like BoyPee and Brown Joel, Chief Priest was determined to make a mark not just as a host of parties, but as a creator of hit songs.
His musical journey, however, took on an unexpected twist during a public feud with Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy. The clash began when Chief Priest accused Burna Boy of financial irresponsibility, claiming the superstar had purchased a Ferrari on credit. Chief Priest also recalled paying Burna Boy N1 million in 2018 for a performance at his birthday party, a statement later clarified by media personality Bugzy Dvinci to refer to Obi Cubana instead.
Despite the back-and-forth, Cubana Chief Priest used the moment to make a bold declaration: he, too, would start singing. In a public Instagram post, he confidently stated, “I too go sing.” This was more than a challenge; it was a declaration of ambition, signaling to the world that he was ready to claim his space in the music industry.
The Chief Priest wasted no time expanding his musical repertoire. He teamed up with Nigerian star Kcee on the track “Federal Government”, a song that quickly gained traction. His later release, “Summer Adina”, featuring BoyPee and Zoro Swagbag, further cemented his growing influence in the industry, trending within 24 hours of its release. These songs revealed his ability to fuse Afrobeat, Amapiano, and traditional Nigerian sounds into music that resonated with fans.
Performances in cities like Abuja have shown that audiences are embracing his transition. From the nightclub floors to music stages, Cubana Chief Priest’s journey exemplifies resilience and the courage to follow one’s passion, even in the face of skepticism from critics and rivals alike.
Cubana Chief Priest’s story is more than just a celebrity feud or a career change. It’s a narrative about embracing long-held dreams, using challenges as motivation, and proving that it’s never too late to start over—or start singing. As he continues to release new music and collaborate with other artists, the Nigerian music scene is watching closely to see what this nightlife mogul-turned-musician will do next.