In the heart of Aba, Nigeria, where music echoed through school halls and vibrant trade fairs, two childhood friends dreamed of transforming raw talent into global artistry. Nneji “Nosman” Abuwa and Chimezie Eke grew up surrounded by melodies and rhythms that sparked a shared passion — one that would eventually give birth to Rhymestreet Records. From school competitions to international platforms, their journey is a testament to friendship, creativity, and an unyielding belief in nurturing dreams.
Nosman and Chimezie’s journey began in Aba, a city bursting with musical potential but lacking the right infrastructure for aspiring artists.
Reflecting on their early days, Nosman recalls, “Those early days in Aba, we used to have inter-school competitions with singing, rapping, and dancing as major categories. We also had trade fairs, fundraising parties, and other social events where music was the heartbeat. It was clear that Aba had a lot of musical talents, but there wasn’t a proper platform to harness them. That realization planted the seed for Rhymestreet Records.”
Their passion for music and the creative arts only deepened as they grew older. Nosman eventually carved out a career as a singer and songwriter, collaborating with notable artists worldwide. His hit single “SHAKE” even earned the MTN Music Plus Top 10 Awards in 2017. Meanwhile, Chimezie found his own path in acting and modeling, featuring in Hollywood movies such as Dolor y Gloria alongside Antonio Banderas and modeling for brands like Givenchy and Chanel.
When asked about their partnership, Chimezie emphasizes the harmony in their creative visions. “We believe that any work of art is borne out of creativity, and creative talent is a gift. For us, it’s easy to make decisions and map out strategies because all aspects of creative art are interconnected. You can’t make a movie without a soundtrack, just as music isn’t complete without visuals and dance. Our backgrounds complement each other perfectly.”
This creative synergy became the cornerstone of Rhymestreet Records, where music isn’t just about sound but storytelling — a fusion of art forms.
For Nosman and Chimezie, talent alone isn’t enough to make it in the music industry. “In addition to talent and creative ability, what we look for in an artist is a strong passion and desire to make music,” Nosman shares. “Talent is great, but without that burning zeal to keep going, no matter the obstacles, one may never realize their dreams.”
Their artist development process focuses on nurturing both skill and spirit, ensuring that every artist under Rhymestreet’s wing is prepared to thrive in the global spotlight.
With affiliate connections in major cities worldwide, Rhymestreet Records prides itself on crafting music that resonates across cultures.
Chimezie explains, “We work with highly creative producers and sound engineers in major cities globally. Before scheduling a tour or releasing music in a new market, we study the local sound preferences and collaborate with producers to create a fusion that appeals to audiences in that region.”
This global approach ensures that their artists’ music travels far beyond Nigerian borders, while still retaining the essence of Afro Hip-Hop and R&B.
The founders’ individual successes have only strengthened their resolve to elevate Rhymestreet Records.
“Our achievements have inspired us to dream bigger,” says Nosman. “Every milestone, whether it’s winning awards or collaborating with international stars, serves as a reminder that we have what it takes to put Nigerian music on the world map. It has also drawn more talent to our label, eager to learn and grow.”
Chimezie echoes this sentiment. “Every runway I’ve walked and every film I’ve starred in has opened doors for Rhymestreet Records. We’ve used those opportunities to create visibility for our artists and build connections that span continents.”
As Rhymestreet Records gears up to launch its first major artist signings, the founders are clear about their vision for the future. “The world should expect nothing but good music with quality content from our label,” Nosman declares. “We’ve spent years understanding what the people want when it comes to music, and we’re ready to redefine the Afro Hip-Hop and R&B scene with the quality of our sounds.”
For Chimezie, the goal is even broader. “We want Rhymestreet Records to be a beacon for talented artists, not just in Nigeria but across Africa. We’re here to realize dreams, just as our motto says.”
From childhood friends in Aba to music entrepreneurs, Nosman Abuwa and Chimezie Eke’s journey is a powerful reminder that passion, creativity, and resilience can turn dreams into reality
