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But the coronavirus pandemic has cut off his
livelihood. Nigeria's government, like others across the globe,
has shut bars, nightclubs and restaurants since late March to
curb the spread of the virus.
"Now we have to start thinking if this will become our reality,"
Uche said.
He is now plying his skills online. Wielding a microphone, he
works alongside a DJ playing music for "isolation parties" at
weekends. The party-goers are the 1,000 people who typically
watch the videos posted live on Instagram of Uche and the DJ.
But while the online parties keep his brand alive, he is unable
to monetise them. The problem is shared by bar and club owners.
Rotimi Kuti, a representative of the Cubana Group network, said
his club in Nigeria's Victoria Island business district usually
hosts around 700 people on Friday nights. Since the lockdown, he
only makes money from food deliveries.
He is hopeful the situation for the entertainment industry will
improve, be it through the easing of restrictions prohibiting
gatherings of more than 20 people or support for businesses.
"Businesses are bleeding money so everybody will come to a
compromise as how to help and make sure we aren't keeping people
unemployed," he said.
Uche is hopeful too - but he is looking for a medical
breakthrough.
"I just hope we can find a vaccine in time so we don't make this
the new normal," he said.
(Writing by Alexis Akwagyiram; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
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