How Spirituality Shapes BUK’s Afro-Gospel Sound

UK-based Afro-gospel artist BUK shares how spirituality shapes his unique sound, from dream-inspired songs to mixing his tracks with purpose and soul.

UK-based Nigerian artist, producer, and audio engineer Bukunmi Onasanya, popularly known as BUK, has carved out a unique niche blending Afrobeats with Christian rap. In an interview with The Guardian, he shares how spirituality fuels his music and why he believes sound should both heal and serve.

From Rejected Beat to Gospel Call

“I started out making rap,” BUK explains. “But I stumbled into Afro-gospel after an artist rejected one of my beats. I decided to record on it myself — and that moment changed everything.”

Though he avoids labels like “religious,” spirituality naturally flows into his music. “Music and spirituality have helped me heal personal traumas. I can’t separate the two.”

Engineering as a Creative Superpower

As both an artist and mixing engineer, BUK says having total control of his sound feels “godlike” — though it sometimes causes him to undervalue his work. Still, he uses the skills to sculpt raw, heartfelt songs.

Lyrics for Both Street and Spirit

“Songs come from different places,” he says. “Some are about social issues, like Story of Umar; others like Wonu mi come from dreams or worship. I just try to stay open to the source.”

Creative Process and Evolution

His process varies — sometimes it starts with a beat, other times with a word or concept. His Outlier EP was inspired by Malcolm Gladwell’s book and completed in just one week.

He rebranded to “BUK” from “IceberG” to avoid confusion and align everything under one creative identity, including his production brand.

Balancing Perfection and Purpose

With experience dating back to 2008, BUK now works toward a “sonic image” he hears internally. “I know a track is done when it matches that vision.”

Imperfect, Yet Intentional

On his own tracks, BUK leaves in a bit of rawness. “I still aim for excellence, but I let the humanity show.”

Spirit-Led Creativity

One of his most transformative songs, Someday, came in a dream. “I saw myself performing it. When I woke up, I made the beat and recorded it the same night. It was divine.”

Staying Grounded in Trends

“I don’t chase trends,” he says. “I stay updated on production tech, but my focus is always on substance and soul.”

A Legacy of Love and Service

“If I could leave one legacy, it’s love — not just self-love, but love that serves others. That’s where true fulfillment lies. I want my music to uplift, heal, and help.”