For legendary Nigerian musician Bongos Ikwue, the journey through life and music has been long, soulful, and deeply fulfilling. But beneath the melodies and memories lies a quiet sorrow — the pain of not spending enough time with his beloved wife in their twilight years.
In a recent heartfelt conversation, the iconic singer, best known for timeless songs like “Still Searching” and “Cockcrow at Dawn”, revealed a side of his story fans rarely hear — the cost of fame, and the emotional toll it took on his personal life.
“Music gave me everything,” Ikwue said softly. “But it also took a lot from me. The biggest price I paid was not being able to truly settle down and grow old with my wife the way I had always imagined.”
Though he enjoyed decades of success, performing across Nigeria and beyond, Bongos admitted that the demands of his career often meant long absences from home. The desire to create, to perform, to share his gift with the world — all of it came with a hidden trade-off.
“We loved each other deeply,” he continued. “But time… time just slipped away. There were always shows, tours, commitments. And when I finally slowed down, hoping to enjoy the peace of old age with her by my side, life had other plans.”
Though he chose not to disclose the details of her absence — whether by distance, illness, or death — the weight in his voice said it all.
Now in his eighties, Bongos reflects not just on the songs he wrote, but the moments he missed. And yet, even through the sadness, there’s wisdom.
“I tell younger artists — success is beautiful, but don’t lose sight of love. Hold your partner’s hand through it all. Because when the stage lights dim, what remains are the people you shared your life with.”
His story is a reminder that behind every legend is a human heart, full of joys, regrets, and the longing for simple, irreplaceable moments.(First Weekly Magazine)
