Born in Nigeria and 36 years later building bridges through faith and music in Indianapolis, Ebuka “Eb” Unogusees success a little differently than most people do. For Ebuka, life isn’t about chasing fame or money. It’s about living with purpose.
“I don’t really have dreams anymore,” he said. “It’s more about partnering with God to see what He wants to do.”
That mindset has shaped his life—from growing up in Nigeria to touring internationally as a musician and from working corporate design jobs to leading worship. And because of that mindset, he recently launched a Christian music festival focused on reaching young people who otherwise might never step inside a church.
Ebuka grew up in a family where faith was part of everyday life. His father serves as a king over 13 villages in his home city of Owerre-Nkworji in Imo State, and Eb became involved with the church at an early age. As a teenager, he led worship and developed a deep love for music long before he realized how important it would be in his life today.
Like many parents, Ebuka’s mother had big dreams for her son. She hoped he would become a cardiovascular surgeon—a respected and stable profession in Nigeria. But life took a completely different direction when he was unable to enter Nigeria’s medical program. At 17, Eb came to the United States to visit his brother and “check things out.” What was supposed to be a short experience ended up changing his life’s course.
Coming to America had its challenges. Ebuka enrolled in school, worked multiple jobs, and tried to find his place in an unfamiliar culture. Some seasons were filled with uncertainty and financial struggle. Eventually, he left college because he felt he was already doing and making money at what college was teaching him.
Today, he jokes about being a “three-time college dropout,” but there is no defeat in how he tells the story. Instead, he views those years as part of the process that shaped him into who he is today.
Music became a turning point.
What started as a practical way to earn tuition money slowly grew into a successful mainstream music career. Ebuka toured internationally. He headlined festivals across Europe and collaborated with major artists and brands. Alongside music, he also built a strong professional career as a product designer, working with companies like Disney, Toyota, and Lowe’s.
From the outside, it looked like he was building a life many people only dream about. But on the inside, Ebuka felt God pulling him toward something bigger.
That calling eventually led him to create Fastivalle, a Christian music festival launched in 2025 with the goal of reaching young people outside traditional church spaces. Ebuka believes many young adults who are searching for meaning and connection may never walk through church doors on their own. Instead of waiting for them to enter, he believes the church should go to them.
“We are sonic evangelists,” he said. “We’re coming in on the music. It’s a way to contextualize the gospel in a way that youth can readily receive it.”
For Ebuka, Fastivalle is about much more than entertainment: It is about creating authentic spaces where young people feel welcomed and spiritually challenged without judgment or pressure. Through music and honest conversations, he hopes youth encounter faith in a way that feels real as he seeks to meet them where they are with the Gospel.
Ebuka serves as a worship leader at Traders Point Christian Church while also mentoring young men, investing in the next generation. His family is a high priority. He and his wife, a licensed mental health counselor, are raising their teenage daughter with intentionality and faith.
Even with his accomplishments, Ebuka is quick to admit he is still growing spiritually himself. He has lived through seasons where his faith was more cultural than personal and acknowledges that moving to America forced him to wrestle honestly with questions about his identity and purpose.
His authenticity has allowed him to connect with people on a deeper level.
Whether he is leading worship or mentoring others, Ebuka avoids polished speeches and surface-level answers. He prefers real, transparent conversations rooted in lived experience.
“I don’t speak theoretically,” he said. “I just speak about things that I’ve done and things that have worked for me.”
Ebuka describes his life in double decades. The first 20 years were about discovery—learning who he was and understanding his gifts. The second 20 years have been about hard work and growth. The decades ahead will be about giving back and helping others succeed.
“The true success of a leader,” he said, “is how well he sets up the next generation.”
“Sometimes it’s okay to take the long route,” he said. “I may not know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future.”
Whether he is leading worship on a Sunday morning, organizing a music festival, or spending time with family, Ebuka approaches life with humility and intentionality.
His story is ultimately one of persevering, growing and remaining faithful—a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful journeys are the ones we never planned.
And for Ebuka Unogu, the story is still unfolding as his sole purpose in life is to follow God’s leading.
Q & A
Hobbies: Soccer, music and spending time with family.
Favorite food: I’m not a foodie. I'm still adapting my taste palette here in America and my wife pushes me to try new things.
How did you get involved with Citizen 7: A friend invited me to a Coffee & Connection where Pastor Aaron Brockett happened to be speaking. Then I met Greg Enas and became his new best friend. He took me over to Polk Stables and showed me around. Now we have our office there and I’ve been able to expand my network through that.
A goal: To open a foundation to support people in Nigeria. I got lucky and was able to get a visa to come out here. Thousands of people like me never got that opportunity; it’s always good to go back, help and build.