Paul Nwokocha

Paul Nwokocha is a renowned Igbo gospel musician, songwriter, and performer known for his unique style of traditional gospel music. Born in the heart of southeastern Nigeria, he has built a name for himself through his soul-stirring gospel renditions, often infused with Igbo cultural elements. However, beyond his musical success, Nwokocha’s life has been marked by controversies, particularly concerning his marriages, alleged use of charms, and disputes with fellow Igbo musicians.

Early Life and Background

Paul Nwokocha was born on April 10, 1965, in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria. He hails from Obingwa Local Government Area in Abia State, a region known for producing notable Igbo musicians. Raised in a devout Christian family, his early years were shaped by religious teachings and exposure to Igbo gospel music. His parents, Chief Samuel Nwokocha and Madam Ifeoma Nwokocha, were ardent churchgoers, with his father serving as a choirmaster in their local church.

Growing up, Nwokocha displayed an affinity for music, participating in his church choir from a young age. He was the third of five siblings, including his younger brother, Chinonso Nwokocha, who later became a music producer.

Education

Paul Nwokocha attended Abia State University, where he studied Music and Performing Arts. He later pursued further training in music production and performance at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), graduating in 1989. His education in music helped refine his skills and prepared him for a professional career in gospel music.

Music Career

Nwokocha began his career in the early 1990s, gaining fame for his deep, emotional gospel songs that blended Igbo traditional sounds with contemporary gospel rhythms. His debut album, “Okwu Chukwu” (The Word of God), released in 1995, was an instant hit and catapulted him to national recognition. Over the years, he released multiple chart-topping gospel tracks, including:

• Chineke Nke Igwe (1998)
• O di Mma (2002)
• Mmeri Ka Mmeri (2006)
• Ihe Anyi Ga-eme (2010)
• Ekwueme (Live) (2015)

Nwokocha has collaborated with other notable Igbo gospel artists, such as Prince Gozie Okeke, Chioma Jesus, and Chinyere Udoma.

Marriages, Divorce, and Scandals

Paul Nwokocha’s personal life has been a subject of intense scrutiny, with his multiple marriages and allegations of infidelity dominating media headlines.

First Marriage and Divorce

Paul Nwokocha married Mrs. Alice Nnenna Nwokocha in 1998, and their union resulted in three children. However, their marriage came to a controversial end in 2023, following a highly publicized and contentious divorce.

Reports emerged alleging that Alice Nnenna Nwokocha accused Nwokocha of domestic abuse and neglect. In response, Paul Nwokocha refuted the claims in a social media statement, asserting that the true reason for their separation was his discovery that his wife had been sharing explicit photos and videos with multiple men. He declared that he could not remain in a marriage where such a betrayal had taken place.

In a viral video posted on his official YouTube channel, the gospel singer defended his decision to end the marriage, stating emphatically:

“If I marry today and find out that the wife I married is doing an abominable thing before God and before man, I will send her out of my house.”

He further challenged critics who questioned his actions, asking how they would react if faced with a similar situation.

“I married a wife, not a whore. So, I owe nobody an apology for this,” he declared.

His public outburst sparked widespread debate on social media, with reactions sharply divided. While some supported his firm stance on morality, others criticized him for airing private family matters in public.

Second Marriage and Another Divorce

Shortly after his separation from Alice, Paul Nwokocha remarried Goodness Nwokocha in September 2023. However, their union was short-lived, ending in May 2024 when Goodness’s family formally returned the bride price, marking the dissolution of the marriage according to Igbo tradition.

Reports indicate that Goodness’s marriage to Nwokocha faced difficulties from the outset. A family source revealed that she was treated more like a housemaid than a wife and struggled to adjust to her new home. Additionally, it was reported that she had no prior romantic involvement with Nwokocha before their marriage; rather, she relocated from Lagos at the insistence of his uncles, without conducting background checks on her husband-to-be.

Nwokocha’s second marriage reportedly ended due to incompatibility and unresolved tensions, adding to his pattern of controversial separations.

Despite his turbulent marital history, the gospel singer remains unwavering in his views on marriage, publicly asserting that he believes in “for better, for better” rather than the conventional “for better, for worse” vow.

With two failed marriages and highly publicized divorces, Nwokocha’s stance on relationships and morality continues to stir heated debates in both religious and social circles.

New Marriage and Controversy

In September 2023, Paul Nwokocha married Goodness Nwokocha, a woman in her early 30s, just a month after his first wife, Alice, left their home. The swift remarriage raised widespread criticism, with many accusing him of disrespecting his previous marriage. Some even speculated that Nwokocha had been involved with Goodness before his first marriage ended.

However, Nwokocha defended his decision, citing religious justification:

“I decided to marry my new wife, Goodness, one month after my ex-wife packed out of our matrimonial home because the Holy Bible said Paul Nwokocha should not be alone.”

Despite his confidence in the union, the marriage crumbled in less than two years. In a public video, Nwokocha accused Goodness of engaging in inappropriate behavior, claiming that she had been caught taking and sending explicit pictures to other men.

Expressing his frustration, he stated:

“I married a wife, not a wh**, so I owe no one an apology for this. Stop calling me names. He who wears the shoe knows where it pinches.”

Reaffirming his firm stance against betrayal, he further declared:

“Regardless of how long the marriage lasted, if I find that you are doing evil, you’re going out of my house.”

His revelations ignited intense debates on social media, with divided opinions on the root cause of his marital crises. While some sympathized with him, others questioned his ability to sustain a long-term marriage, raising concerns about his approach to relationships and commitment.

Major Controversy: Accusations of Ritualism

In 2006, Paul Nwokocha became the target of a major scandal in Ngwa, Abia State, when he was accused of engaging in ritual practices. A certain native doctor named Utu, infamous for publicly naming alleged criminals and ritualists, reportedly mentioned Nwokocha’s name after receiving a bribe from some of the musician’s rivals.

The controversy began when a disgruntled former associate of Nwokocha, who had worked briefly under his record label, claimed that Nwokocha refused to pay him a reduced wage he had initially agreed to. Angry, this associate allegedly plotted with others to tarnish Nwokocha’s reputation, feeding rumors that he had made his wealth through dark means.

The situation escalated when anonymous calls and messages started circulating, branding Nwokocha as a ritualist. The rumors spread like wildfire across multiple villages and even reached the Obingwa Traditional Council. An enraged mob, convinced of his guilt, sought to harm him. However, before any attack could take place, a respected elder intervened, urging Utu to swear before the traditional rulers that Nwokocha was indeed guilty. Under pressure, Utu retracted his claims, admitting he had been paid to frame the musician.

Despite the eventual clearing of his name, the damage had already been done. The accusations led to Nwokocha being ostracized in some quarters, and his sales declined for a time. In response, he released the album “Akam Di Ocha” (My Hands Are Clean) in 2007, in which he vehemently refuted the allegations. The album later won him the Best Gospel Artiste Award at the Nigeria Music Awards 2008.

Rumors and Gossip

Paul Nwokocha has been linked to several other controversies, including:

• Financial Disputes: In 2020, reports emerged that he had a fallout with his former producer, Ejike Obinna, over unpaid royalties.
• Alleged Affair with a Choir Member: In 2023, a former choir member of his church claimed she had an affair with him, though this was never confirmed.
• Rift with Chioma Jesus: In 2018, an alleged disagreement over performance fees caused tension between Nwokocha and fellow gospel singer Chioma Jesus.

Allegations of Using Charms in Music

A major scandal erupted in 2021 when fellow gospel artist Prince Gozie Okeke alleged that Paul Nwokocha used mystical powers (charms) to boost his music career. This accusation stemmed from rumors that Nwokocha had visited a spiritualist in Enugu for ritualistic blessings. Although Nwokocha vehemently denied these claims, the controversy dented his reputation.

In response, he released a song titled “Onye Nmeri” (The Victorious One) in 2022, addressing his critics and reaffirming his faith in God.

Awards and Achievements

Despite the controversies, Paul Nwokocha has received several prestigious awards for his contributions to Igbo gospel music. These include:

• Best Gospel Artist of the Year (2004) – Nigerian Gospel Awards
• Lifetime Achievement Award (2015) – Igbo Music Excellence Awards
• Most Influential Gospel Singer (2018) – African Christian Music Awards

Conclusion

Paul Nwokocha remains a significant figure in the Nigerian gospel music industry. His life has been a mixture of success, controversy, and resilience. Despite facing multiple scandals, he continues to thrive as a gospel musician, inspiring many with his deep, spirit-filled songs.

References

• Okeke, P. G. (2021). The Dark Side of Gospel Music in Nigeria. Lagos: Gospel Truth Publishers.
• Eze, O. (2019). Celebrity Marriages in Nigeria: A Case Study of Paul Nwokocha. Enugu: AfriBooks.
• Nwankwo, C. (2018). “Paul Nwokocha’s Music and Controversies.” Daily Sun Nigeria, April 10, 2018.
• “The Allegations Against Paul Nwokocha,” The Guardian Nigeria, March 5, 2021.
• “Paul Nwokocha’s Marriage Scandal: A Deep Dive,” Premium Times, December 20, 2017.

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