From the stage of “Project Fame West Africa” to the global spotlight that shines brightly on Africa, Chike Ezekpeaze Osebuka embodies tenacity, versatility, growth, and originality.
When it comes to soulful vocals that pierce through the heart and connect listeners to their deepest emotions, Chike stands as one of the African artists who truly come to mind. Whether it’s his vocals, lyrics, or production, his music consistently reaches exceptional heights. His outstanding professionalism and talent on the cinema screen also set him apart from his peers.
During the historic height of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, many were introduced to Chike’s artistry through the release of his debut album, “Boo of the Booless.” The album, with its resonant themes, became a comforting presence during such a devastating period.
Chike’s success story continues to flourish with numerous hit songs like “If You No Love,” “Running,” and many more. His sophomore album, “Brother’s Keeper,” lived up to high expectations, solidifying his place in the music industry.
On July 19th of this year, Chike released his third and self-titled album, “Son of Chike,” which has been met with critical acclaim. The lead single “Egwu,” featuring the late Mohbad, has garnered over 80 million streams across all digital platforms.
In this exclusive interview, Chike revealed that his inspiration for dedicating the project to his family heritage was to make a significant impact by highlighting his indigenous culture and illuminating his language, all while telling relatable stories for the everyday person.
Love, joy, heartbreak, and resilience are recurring themes in Chike’s music. When asked how these themes influenced the recording of his new album, he shared, “These themes are very recurrent in my body of work because they reflect my life and what I hear people go through. They influence my music every time I step into the studio, so I’m just living through music.”
The album features an array of remarkable artists, including Olamide, Quinn Madi, Ladipoe, Amaree, and Mohbad. Chike described the collaborative process as “a smooth experience,” noting that his collaborators were excited to work with him and significantly contributed to the album’s success.
Chike emphasized the importance of authenticity in his work, admitting that balancing personal experience with creating music that resonates with a broad audience is achieved by being sincere with his listeners. “I tell it as it is, as I hear it, as I feel it,” he explained, “ultimately giving my audience a sense of belonging and connection.”
His exceptional performances in the African Magic series “Battleground” and the blockbuster “Brotherhood” were also topics of discussion. The multi-talented artist shared that he believes both aspects of his career complement each other, enhancing his fans’ experience of him in different forms and, most importantly, keeping him entertained.
In conclusion, Chike emphasized that his greatest lesson in creating this project was understanding that “the best way to present it is in its truest form,” underscoring the importance of originality and transparency in emotions, flow, and creativity.
