Chukwuka Ekweani (born 16 July 1995), professionally known as CKay, is a Nigerian afrobeat singer-songwriter and record producer. He is currently signed to Warner Music South Africa, and Atlantic Records. CKay was previously signed to Chocolate City.
He belongs to the independent label services provided by Warner Music Group ADA. In 2019, Chocolate City debuted his international smash song “Love Nwantiti,” also known as “Love Nwantiti (Ah Ah Ah).”
The song debuted at number one on March 29, 2022, the day the Billboard Afrobeats chart was introduced.
It achieved the first-ever billion-stream milestone on Spotify on May 9, 2022, making it the first African song in history.
During the early part of the height of his international career as Ckay’s manager, Asa Asika signed CKay to The Plug Entertainment, under management.
Early Life
Chukwuka Ekweani, hailing from the vibrant Nigerian state of Kaduna nestled in the northwest, embodies a rich cultural heritage as a native of Anambra State and a proud descendant of the Igbo people.
From a tender age, Chukwuka’s musical journey was ignited by the profound influence of his father, the esteemed choir director of their local church. Under the guidance and inspiration of his father’s musical prowess, Chukwuka’s passion for music blossomed. Drawn to the enchanting melodies and harmonies, he found solace and joy in the transformative power of music.
As a young and impressionable mind, Chukwuka’s yearning for musical expression deepened, compelling him to embark on a path of learning and exploration. Guided by his father’s expertise, he delved into the intricate world of piano playing, honing his skills and delving into the rich tapestry of melodies that resonated within him.
In a serendipitous twist of fate, Chukwuka’s musical journey took an unexpected turn when a close friend introduced him to Fruity Loops, a groundbreaking music production software. This pivotal encounter unlocked a whole new realm of creative possibilities, empowering Chukwuka to venture into the realm of music production and composition.
Armed with this newfound tool and his innate musical instincts, Chukwuka immersed himself in the art of music-making, seamlessly blending his natural talent with the digital realm. With each carefully crafted melody and meticulously designed sound, he found a platform to express his unique voice and forge a distinct musical identity.
Chukwuka Ekweani’s story stands as a testament to the transformative power of familial influence, the importance of cultural roots, and the endless possibilities that emerge when passion intersects with technology. As he continues to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of music, Chukwuka embraces the myriad influences that shape his artistry, seamlessly fusing traditional elements with contemporary sounds, and carving a path that is uniquely his own.
Before launching his solo career as CKay, Chukwuka began his musical career as a member of a band that included him and two other bandmates.
Career
In the year 2014, CKay embarked on a life-altering journey as he made the momentous decision to relocate to the vibrant city of Lagos, Nigeria. This pivotal move came to fruition after his extraordinary talent was discovered, offering him a golden opportunity to pursue his musical aspirations in one of Africa’s most renowned entertainment hubs.
As the bustling city embraced him with open arms, CKay’s undeniable potential did not go unnoticed. In early 2015, he found himself embarking on a promising musical alliance with the prestigious record label Chocolate City, setting the stage for a transformative chapter in his burgeoning career. It is worth noting that during this period, CKay remained simultaneously signed to Loopy Music, showcasing his versatility and the magnetic allure of his musical prowess.
The collaboration between CKay and Chocolate City provided the perfect platform for him to showcase his exceptional skills and push the boundaries of his creativity. It served as a catalyst for the cultivation of his unique sound and the formation of artistic connections that would propel him further into the limelight.
Throughout this formative period, CKay’s passion and dedication were evident as he honed his craft, collaborating with esteemed industry professionals, and immersing himself in the rich musical landscape of Lagos. His unwavering commitment to his artistry and the tireless pursuit of musical excellence paved the way for the remarkable accomplishments that would follow.
CKay’s trajectory from the moment he set foot in Lagos to his collaborations with Chocolate City and Loopy Music reflects an artist fully committed to realizing his artistic vision. With each step forward, he continues to carve his path in the music industry, solidifying his position as a rising star and captivating audiences with his unique blend of talent, charisma, and unwavering determination.
He published a promotional song called “Bad Musician Bad Producer” on May 6, 2016, and the instrumental was made freely downloadable on all Nigerian blogs for usage in covers, clubs, and radio broadcast.
On August 31, 2016, he formally became a member of the Chocolate City artist roster following the merging of Loopy Music in 2016.
The Kelly Joe cover of “Bad Musician, Bad Producer” was nominated by TNMA on October 23, 2016, and CKay received special distinction.
He released “Container,” an Afrobeat song with influences from the South African gwara gwara dance, on March 2, 2018.
The song received a lot of airplay and was a breakthrough hit in Nigeria. It was created by Tempoe and distributed by Chocolate City.
He released the song’s video, which was directed and shot by Myth, on July 6, 2018. Through Chocolate City, he released his second extended play, CKay the First, on August 30, 2019.
The endeavor gave rise to the popular song “Love Nwantiti,” which broke numerous records in Nigeria. The remix “Love Nwantiti (Ah Ah Ah)” by CKay, featuring Joeboy and Kuami Eugene, was released on February 14, 2020.
CKAy’s hit song, Starr received a special commendation at The Headies on May 24, 2022, in the Best Collaboration category for his song “Beggie Beggie.”
On the auspicious day of June 17, 2022, CKay unleashed a captivating musical masterpiece that reverberated across the global music scene. The electrifying track titled “Watawi” brought together an extraordinary ensemble of talent, featuring the sensational collaborations of CKay himself, the incomparable Davido, the dynamic Focalistic, and the mesmerizing Abidoza.
With its infectious rhythms, pulsating beats, and captivating melodies, “Watawi” instantly captured the hearts and ears of music enthusiasts worldwide. This remarkable collaboration showcased the seamless fusion of diverse musical styles and cultural influences, creating a sonic tapestry that transcended boundaries and resonated with listeners from all walks of life.
CKay’s visionary approach to music-making was on full display in “Watawi,” as he skillfully crafted a sonic landscape that showcased the strengths and unique artistry of each collaborator. The synergy between CKay, Davido, Focalistic, and Abidoza was palpable, as their voices intertwined harmoniously, each contributing their signature flair to the composition.
Released to an eagerly awaiting audience, “Watawi” quickly became a sensation, captivating the airwaves, streaming platforms, and dancefloors alike. The track’s infectious energy, coupled with the immense star power of its collaborators, propelled it to unprecedented heights, capturing the hearts and playlists of music lovers across the globe.
Through “Watawi,” CKay showcased his ability to transcend genres, bridging the gaps between various musical landscapes and creating a sonic experience that resonated with a diverse audience. The release of this monumental collaboration served as a testament to CKay’s artistic vision, his commitment to musical innovation, and his unwavering determination to make an indelible mark in the ever-evolving world of music.
As the notes of “Watawi” reverberated through the airwaves, it became clear that CKay’s musical journey was destined for greatness. With this milestone release, he solidified his position as a true musical visionary, leaving an enduring imprint on the hearts and minds of music enthusiasts worldwide. As the world eagerly awaits his next sonic masterpiece, CKay’s star continues to rise, illuminating the path for future generations of artists to follow.
It has a music video created by Dalia Dias and reached number 13 on Nigeria’s Turntable Top 50.
The most-streamed artist with a total of 1.4 billion streams was eclipsed by 200 million streams from Burna Boy on June 20, 2022, making CKay the second African musician to reach that milestone.
Net Worth
CKay is a Nigerian singer and songwriter with a net worth of roughly $2 million. He is one of the outstanding singers in Nigeria. Since he came into the spotlight, he has become a force to reckon.
Personal Life
CKay’s renown and appeal would undoubtedly attract plenty of female attention. Despite being a well-known celebrity, nobody knows about the woman in his life.
The singer seems to be among the celebrities who prefer to keep their romantic relationships private. Although he has kept his connection discreet, he is not yet married.