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Nigerian music sensation Kingsley Okonkwo, popularly known as Kcee, has stirred nationwide conversation after boldly declaring that he identifies as a “Biafran.” The singer clarified that his use of the term is not political or separatist but a cultural expression tied to ancestry, history, and ethnic identity.
During an interview on Yanga 89.9 FM in Lagos, Kcee spoke passionately about the meaning of Biafra from his perspective. According to him, the term has been widely misunderstood and wrongly framed in recent years, especially within the context of agitation and political tension in parts of the South-East. He argued that beyond any political connotation, Biafra signifies the cultural and historical identity of Igbo people.
He said, “As far as I am concerned, every Igbo man under the sun today is a Biafran. I am a Biafran. I am an Igbo man and Biafra is where we are from. It is just like the Arewas and Oduduwas.”
Kcee noted that just as ethnic groups in the northern and southwestern regions proudly identify as Arewa and Oduduwa respectively, Igbos should equally embrace the historical term Biafra without assuming it automatically implies political rebellion or conflict. He insisted that Biafra, in its truest sense, predates the political turmoil it is often associated with.
Expanding on the historical roots of the term, the singer emphasized that the name “Biafra” did not emerge as a tool for war but as a cultural identifier. He highlighted how the term became formally adopted during the Nigerian Civil War but insisted the identity existed long before any conflict-driven narrative became attached to it.
According to him:
“Biafra was created in 1967. Frank Opigo from Bayelsa suggested that name for the Igbos and we adopted it in 1967. Before 1967, who are we? Igbos. Being Igbo means you are still a Biafran.”
Kcee stressed that even though the word gained global attention in the context of the civil war, it should not erase the deeper cultural significance that binds Igbo people. He argued that the identity of an Igbo person is inseparable from the heritage of Biafra—not as a nation seeking independence, but as a people with shared origins and traditions.
The singer further explained that the misconceptions surrounding the term have grown due to political narratives and ongoing separatist movements. He suggested that many Nigerians, especially non-Igbos, now associate Biafra strictly with secession, agitation, and unrest, even though the identity existed long before and will continue to exist irrespective of political circumstances. Kcee maintained that reclaiming the cultural meaning of the term is crucial for correcting many of the misunderstandings that persist today.
Beyond his cultural assertion, Kcee also touched on unity, urging Nigerians to distinguish between cultural identity and political agitation. He insisted that recognizing one’s roots should not automatically translate to supporting any form of national division. Instead, he believes understanding cultural origins can foster pride and deeper knowledge of history.
His comments have sparked discussions across social media, with many commending the singer for offering a more nuanced perspective on a sensitive topic. Others have raised concerns about the political timing of such statements. Regardless, Kcee’s remarks have opened yet another chapter in the ongoing national debate about identity, culture, and historical memory.
With his declaration, the artist reinforces the idea that cultural pride and national unity are not mutually exclusive—and that identity, at its core, is rooted in heritage, not political labels.
Watch him speak below…
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