Remigius Orjiukwu, aka The Black Curate, is a singer, composer, philosopher and most surprisingly perhaps, a Catholic priest. It was during his medical research that he was struck with the brilliant idea to create music to aid in cancer patients’ recovery. Orjiukwu’s mix of pop, rap and dancehall, that’s been adjudged by music critics as one of the most rhythmic and mental soothing pop song of late.
Over a thousand copies of his new single titled, “Nuclear Therapy,” have been distributed freely to patients.
Read what he has to say. –yvette caslin
OK, so you’re a Catholic priest?
Yes. I am.
How does this align with your being an artist? Is there a conflict?
Well, it depends on how each individual understands the catholic priesthood and what his expectations from an artist are. For one, who sees a catholic priest as one who should be marching along the road with folded hands and hanging heads, and who necessarily associates the artist while a wild life style, the combination is a misnomer, absolutely unreasonable and [it’s] misleading. There are however some, like my bishop emeritus and my incumbent bishop, who see the combination as a missionary opportunity. For me, it is an opportunity to give people what I want to give through that which they want to have. What I want to give is my philosophy of life, the philosophy of meaning, which coincides with the basic themes of faith – love, freedom, dignity of human life, justice, etc.
You recorded at Bob Marley’s studio. What was the experience like?
Being in Kingston [Jamaica] and then in Tuff Gong Studio was a wonderful experience. I was able to speak and interact with people who in one way or the other had to with Marley or have played with his band members like “Family Man,” etc. An encounter with Andrew, the son of the legend Peter Tosh, is also a memorable one. In Tuff Gong, I felt like being in the inner room of reggae music.
Are you a Marley fan?
Yes, I am a great fan of Marley. His iconic voice, originality and authenticity are inspiring. I also now and then share his philosophy.
If so, what are your top three songs by him, why?
“One Love”, “Three little birds” and “Africa Unite”
What do you hope listeners will gain from your new single, “Nuclear Therapy?”
“Nuclear Therapy” is a philosophy of meaning, a message of love. The first sentence of the lyrics says it all: ‘Every fulfilled human life is a give and take, a product of mutual love.’ Life is meaningless without love. This is the message. I then compare this socio-existential philosophy analogically with the basic principle of PRRT (Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy), in which tumor cells are destroyed by the joint activity of two substances – one called the receptor and the other an Isotope called peptide. I then say that every human being is like the receptor sitting on rotten cells of worries and troubles – on tumor – yelling for the intervention of the powerful peptide, which attacks the tumor – our existential worries and troubles. At the same time, everyone should be a peptide, a carrier of powerful love which alleviates the other from his troubles and worries. In fact, I am trying to say you need love and love needs you and to be fulfilled you need that love needs you. This is the core message.
Why did you choose the title “Nuclear Therapy?”
The song took its name for the engagement that inspired it. For some time now, I have been researching with a the department of nuclear medicine of the university teaching hospital Innsbruck, Austria on the influence of music on cancer patients and on “quality of life.”
Where do you go to perform?
I mostly perform in Europe. I perform in Austria, Germany, England and last year I had a performance in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Do you ever come to the States?
I am yet to get an invitation to play in the States. I am willing, if invited, but my U.S. manager Mr. Bishop Adejube of company Bishop Entertainment Consult LLC based out of Atlanta is working on booking some dates for my tour of the US in 2013, so be on the lookout.
