When Kalu lost his job at a multinational after 14 years, it felt like the rug had been pulled out from under him. But what came next? Not pity, more like purpose. With less than ₦10K borrowed from his brother, Kalu started trading Bitcoin and hasn’t looked back since.
Today, he’s not just a gospel musician with 40 years of experience or a multimedia CEO, he’s a full-time crypto sniper funding his dreams one trade at a time. His story is a powerful reminder that sometimes a breakdown is just the beginning of your breakout. This interview is a story of how crypto gave him the freedom to find himself.
Let’s start from the very top. Who is Kalu?
Kalu: I’m a gospel musician, a multimedia entrepreneur, and now… I guess you can add full-time crypto trader to that list. [laughs] I run a media company that produces music videos, commercials, and creative content.
That’s a very rare combo! How long have you been in music?
Kalu: Close to 40 years. I started very early as a child. No formal training until I started playing instruments in church, then became a music director, built a studio, and trained others. It’s been a life-long calling.
And now you’re trading crypto l. How did the story change?
Kalu: It’s a very funny story. After 14 years with a multinational company, I was laid off. Just like that. I didn’t see it coming. That shook me seriously. I told myself I’d never work for anyone again. Around that time, a friend introduced me to Bitcoin. I started with small trades on platforms, buying for others. Then I grew more confident and started trading for myself.
So, this was your pivot moment?
Kalu: Exactly. I borrowed a small amount from my brother—less than ₦10,000—bought Bitcoin, flipped it, and the rest is testimony. I did P2P trading heavily, moving through different platforms. I didn’t even know what I was doing back then was arbitrage trading
And when did Quidax come into the picture?
Kalu: I was sceptical at first because it was another platform so I just couldn’t trust it until I knew what they were all about. But eventually, I gave Quidax a chance and I’m proud of how it’s grown into its own brand. Now I trade mostly on Quidax, especially since I switched from P2P to spot trading.
Was there any reason for the switch?
Kalu: Yes! P2P was getting risky, bank issues, delays, scammers. Nigerian banks would freeze accounts just because you received money from someone on their “watchlist,” even if you didn’t do anything wrong. I even sued two banks because of this injustice and won. They’re still appealing those cases.
Whoa. So safe to say, crypto has been your financial lifeline
Kalu: Absolutely. I’m doing way better now than I ever did in those 14 years with a 9–5. Crypto also gave me the freedom to go back to my first love, which is music. I could explore what I’ve always wanted: building my own multimedia company and focusing on music ministry without begging anyone for studio time or gig.
That’s amazing!! What coins do you have to thank for this financial glow up?
Kalu: BTC actually. I only trade Bitcoin (BTC). BTC to NGN, or BTC to USDT and back. That’s my major focus. I’m not chasing every coin that trends.
Very strategic. I admire that. So what’s the bigger goal behind all this?
Kalu: Very very simple. I’m using crypto to fund my music, my teaching, my mentoring. I’ve been able to train hundreds of young musicians. That’s what matters to me. I’m not trying to start my own exchange or anything related to the crypto business. Trading is just a means to power my purpose.
Wow, welldone! Do you get pushback from people who still think crypto is illegal?
Kalu: All the time. Nigerians have normalised fear and misinformation. They don’t read the news. They don’t stay updated too.
Speaking of updates, what social platforms do you use to promote your work and stay up to date.
Kalu: TikTok is my favorite. I also go on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. You’ll find my music content on those platforms too, and soon I’ll launch my own YouTube TV.
Welldone, we are rooting for you. Seeing that you’re such an influential person, do you ever get to introduce others to crypto?
Kalu: Oh yes. Many. And I always support them when they run into issues. No one I’ve onboarded has ever blamed me because I don’t mislead anybody. I will guide you.
Great. You’re honestly a living proof that financial freedom and purpose aren’t mutually exclusive. But tell us, what’s your trading style? Are you the “risk it all” type or the calculated sniper?
Kalu (laughs): Definitely the sniper. I don’t trade emotionally. I use strict risk management. No chasing candles. No FOMO. I trade mostly BTC and ETH, with some altcoins. Every trade has a plan. I treat it like a real business. I do accounting after every single trade. I always tell people, know your style, and don’t get greedy.
And when you’re not chasing market signals or laying down gospel tracks, what’s Kalu up to?
Kalu: I love good music, of course. But also football, I’m a huge fan. I can’t tell you which club because they are not making me proud at the moment. ( laughs). I also love spending time with my wife and family. Those moments are priceless.
A few more questions before we release you back to your music empire. What’s one lesson you’ve learned from crypto that applies to life?
Kalu: Patience. Don’t rush the process. Sometimes, holding through a dip is just like holding through life’s lows. You learn, you wait, you grow.
What would you say to someone who’s lost their job right now and doesn’t know their next step?
Kalu: Look inward. Your layoff could be that thing that brings opportunities. Learn something new, even if it’s crypto. But whatever it is, don’t sit still. Quidax:
Okay, now we’re inspired AND emotional. Final question: If your wallet could talk, what would it say?
Kalu (laughing): It’d say, “We’ve come a long way from salary alerts. Let’s keep pushing, boss.”
Kalu’s story reminds us that the market isn’t the only place where growth happens. Sometimes, life dips before it moons. But when you stay the course, you’ll find your rhythm.
Want to start your own crypto-powered journey? You know where to start. 😉
Stay tuned as we spotlight more real traders rewriting their stories, one Bitcoin at a time.
Disclaimer: This content may cause extreme FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). Side effects of investing include sudden wealth (or, you know, the opposite 😢).
Please do your own research (DYOR) or speak to your financial advisor before making any decisions.
