In the vibrant landscape of Nigerian business and entertainment, few stories capture the imagination quite like that of Pascal Chibuike Okechukwu, better known as Cubana Chief Priest. This Imo State native has transformed himself from humble beginnings into one of Nigeria's most recognizable business figures, building an empire that spans nightlife, hospitality, and beyond.
From Shoemaker's Son to Nightlife Mogul
Cubana Chief Priest was born on April 2, 1981, in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State. His journey to success began in the most unassuming circumstances, learning the art of shoemaking from his father in Aba, Abia State. This early business venture yielded his first major financial breakthrough—making his first one million naira through dedication and hard work.
Despite harboring dreams of becoming a musician in his youth, Pascal discovered his true calling lay in the business side of entertainment. He pursued formal education at Federal Polytechnic Nekede in Owerri, where he studied Accounting—a qualification that would later prove invaluable in managing his growing business interests.
Building the Cubana Empire
The turning point in Cubana Chief Priest's career came when he joined forces with business mogul Obi Cubana (Obinna Iyiegbu) as General Manager of the Cubana Group. Though not biologically related, their business partnership proved incredibly successful, with Cubana Chief Priest managing the popular Cubana Nightclub in Owerri.
His big break in the entertainment industry came when he hosted superstar musician Davido and his fiancée Chioma at Cubana Grand, an event that significantly boosted his profile. His excellence in entertainment promotion earned him the Entertainment Personality of the Year award from City People Music.
In 2020, Cubana Chief Priest took his biggest entrepreneurial leap by resigning from Cubana Group and establishing his own nightclub, Club Xhrine in Owerri. This move marked his transition from employee to full-fledged business owner.
Wealth, Lifestyle, and Controversies
According to various reports, Cubana Chief Priest has amassed an impressive net worth estimated at $17 million. His wealth is visibly displayed through his extensive collection of luxury vehicles, including a Mercedes C-Class, Rolls-Royce Phantom, Range Rover Autobiography, Toyota Prado, Lexus LX, Ferrari, Toyota Land Cruiser, Range Rover Sport, and Geely X7.
The businessman maintains properties in strategic locations across Nigeria, with his primary residence in Owerri and additional luxurious houses in Imo, Lagos, and Abuja.
Like many high-profile figures, Cubana Chief Priest has faced his share of controversies. He was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and arraigned for allegedly spraying and tampering with the Naira during social events—an offense under the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007.
Personal Life and Relationships
Beyond the glitz and glamour, Cubana Chief Priest maintains a strong family life. He is married to Anunuso Angel Gold Okechukwu, CEO of De Angels Bar and Grill. The couple has been blessed with two sons, Chukwuebuka and Obinna.
His relationship with fellow entertainment heavyweight Burna Boy has been the subject of much speculation. In 2025, reports surfaced that Burna Boy gifted $30,000 to a man believed to be Cubana Chief Priest's brother. Reflecting on their history, Cubana Chief Priest revealed that in 2018, he paid ₦1 million to have Burna Boy perform at his birthday celebration—highlighting the remarkable growth both have experienced in their careers.
When addressing rumors of friction between them, Cubana Chief Priest offered insightful perspective: "Burna Boy was jealous of my relationship with Davido, but I have no problem with him." He further elaborated on celebrity relationships in the industry, stating "In this game, friendship is business. You protect those who protect your brand."
Legacy and Inspiration
Today, at 44 years old, Cubana Chief Priest stands as a symbol of what's possible through determination, smart networking, and strategic investments. His journey from bartender to business magnate continues to inspire young Nigerian entrepreneurs who see in him proof that humble beginnings need not limit one's aspirations.
Despite his lavish lifestyle and occasional controversies, Cubana Chief Priest remains committed to philanthropy, often extending help to people in his community. His story serves as a powerful reminder that in Nigeria's competitive business landscape, passion combined with business acumen can create extraordinary success stories.
As he continues to expand his influence and business ventures, Cubana Chief Priest remains a dominant force in shaping Nigeria's entertainment and hospitality scene, proving that with vision and perseverance, any dream is achievable.
