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Tag: CKay

  • CKay’s ‘Love Nwantiti’ becomes first Nigerian solo song to hit one billion Spotify streams

    CKay’s ‘Love Nwantiti’ becomes first Nigerian solo song to hit one billion Spotify streams

    Singer and songwriter CKay has reached a historic milestone, surpassing one billion streams on Spotify with his global hit “Love Nwantiti”.

    This feat made him the first Nigerian artist to achieve 1 billion streams with a solo song on the platform.

    Released in 2019, “Love Nwantiti” gained massive popularity, dominating TikTok trends and charting across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East.

    The song’s success has solidified CKay’s position among the most streamed African artists of all time.

    This achievement marks a significant moment for Nigerian music, showcasing its growing influence on the international music scene.

    CKay’s success paves the way for more African artists to break into the global market, and “Love Nwantiti” is now one of the biggest Afrobeats songs ever released.

    CKay joins an elite group of global stars whose songs have crossed the billion-stream threshold, cementing his place in music history.

  • CKay unveils upcoming single ‘BODY’ ft Mavo

    CKay unveils upcoming single ‘BODY’ ft Mavo

    Afrobeats sensation CKay has announced the upcoming release of his new single, “BODY”, featuring rising star Mavo, set to drop on October 23.

    A teaser video by CKay gives fans a glimpse of the high-energy track, showcasing the duo performing with electric guitars, backed by a live band.

    The 31-second teaser hints at a unique fusion of Afrobeats and rock influences, with dramatic lighting, quick cuts, and dynamic set designs adding a cinematic flair.

    Mavo, known for his viral hit “Escaladizzy” and signature Burbur Music style, brings a fresh energy to the collaboration.

    The release comes after CKay’s recent successful album, EMOTIONS, and adds to his series of hits that have gained recognition worldwide.

  • CKAY signs global deal with AWAL, announces upcoming EP

    CKAY signs global deal with AWAL, announces upcoming EP

    Nigerian global music sensation CKay has officially signed a landmark artist partnership with global record company AWAL and is set to release a brand-new EP this June.

    This moment marks a defining shift in CKay’s journey as he steps further into creative control with global intent. With over 3 billion streams, multiple platinum certifications, and chart success across continents, CKay is entering a new model designed for freedom, scale, and authenticity.

    “This is not just a new project. It is the beginning of something far deeper,” CKay shares. “Every phase of my journey has shaped me, and now it is time to own the moment.”

    Speaking on CKay’s new deal, the A&R and Artist Development Lead, AWAL West Africa, Excel Joab said, “We are thrilled to welcome Kay to the AWAL family. He is an exceptional talent whose global footprint speaks for itself. With this partnership, we are not just continuing his momentum. We are setting the stage to break new ground and elevate his artistry to new heights.”

    Read Also: CKay returns to social media with engagement photo

    Ben Akinbola, AWAL’s Head of Growth, adds, “CKay is exactly the kind of artist that AWAL is built to partner with. His one-of-one creative vision, entrepreneurial mindset, global fan base, and endless ambition create the foundation for real cultural impact. The music coming will speak volumes.”

    Set for release in June 2025, CKay’s upcoming EP titled “CKay The Second” builds on the foundation of his debut and marks a sonic evolution. With a sound that is genre-fluid, emotionally resonant, and globally minded, the EP explores themes of love, identity, and personal growth through a new lens.

    Inspired by a season of clarity, transformation, and confidence, CKay delivers an elevated sound that blends Afrobeats, R&B, and alternative pop influences. From deeply melodic arrangements to introspective lyrics, each track invites listeners deeper into his world. “I have always made music that feels honest, sometimes too honest,” CKay says. “This project holds nothing back. It reflects exactly where I am right now.”

  • CKay returns to social media with engagement photo

    CKay returns to social media with engagement photo

    Afrobeats singer Ckay, born Chukwuka Ekweani, has left fans stunned with an Instagram post showcasing a romantic beachfront proposal to a girl, rumoured to be his girlfriend.

    The viral image captured CKay on one knee beneath a heart-shaped arch decorated with roses, petals, candles, and a glowing “Will you marry me?” sign, with Mona visibly emotional.

    Captioned “Together forever,” the post triggered a wave of excitement and speculation among fans, some wondering if it was a real engagement or a music video stunt.

    Read Also: CKay exits Warner Music Africa Eight years after, to focus on Boyfrnd Music

    The Love Nwantiti star’s announcement drew congratulatory messages from celebrities and followers alike.

  • CKay exits Warner Music Africa Eight years after, to focus on Boyfrnd Music

    CKay exits Warner Music Africa Eight years after, to focus on Boyfrnd Music

    After eight years of  working with Warner Music Africa, which provided distribution and artist services to Chocolate City artists via its independent label services division, ADA, Chukwuka Chukwuma Ekweani aka CKay has exited the deal.

    This is coming after the expiry of CKay’s recording agreement with Warner Music Africa. CKay’s exit marks the end of a defining era in his career that spanned from 2015 to 2025. The artist, known for his viral global hits ‘Love Nwantiti,’ ‘Emiliana,’ and others confirmed that the decision not to renew his contract was mutual and strategic.

    Speaking on the development, CKay said: “Every journey has a beginning and an end, and my journey with Warner Music South Africa was a very important one which I’m grateful for. Now it’s time for me to explore new energy and new horizons.”

    Read Also: CKAY exits Warner Music South Africa

    It is not news that on August 27, 2024, CKay and his childhood friend Joseph Salubi, launched Boyfriend Music, a music publishing and management company, with an American subsidiary, stylized as Boyfrnd Music. Since the launch, both co-founders have been working with the sole aim of extending its support to artists, songwriters, and producers globally.

    With over 2 billion streams and a reputation for pushing Afrobeats into international lanes, CKay’s next move is highly anticipated.

    Sources close to the artist suggest that a major announcement is imminent, and fans can expect a fresh wave of music and direction in the coming weeks.

  • CKAY exits Warner Music South Africa

    CKAY exits Warner Music South Africa

    Nigerian-Global Afrobeats star CKay has officially concluded his recording agreement with Warner Music South Africa, marking the end of a defining era in his career.

    The artist, known for his viral global hits “Love Nwantiti”, “Emiliana” and others confirmed that the decision not to renew his contract was mutual and strategic.

    Read Also: CKay calls out colleagues for copying Afrobeat style after condemnation

    Speaking on the development, CKay said: “Every journey has a beginning and an end, and my journey with Warner Music South Africa was a very important one which I’m grateful for. Now it’s time for me to explore new energy and new horizons”.

    With over 2 billion streams and a reputation for pushing Afrobeats into international lanes, CKay’s next move is highly anticipated. Sources close to the artist suggest that a major announcement is imminent, and fans can expect a fresh wave of music and direction in the coming weeks.

  • Love is one of the predominant themes of my life, says Ckay

    Love is one of the predominant themes of my life, says Ckay

    Chukwuka Ekweani aka CKay has affirmed that love is one of the predominant themes of his life.

    The 29-year-old singer, who has continued to soar in his career since his breakout, said he’s not sure if he’s a big romantic guy but he knows for sure that he is in touch with his feelings and emotions.

    “I don’t know about [being a] big romantic guy but I’m someone who is very in touch with my feelings and my emotions. I think love is an amazing thing – a crazy thing, but amazing nonetheless – and this is one of the predominant themes of my life, so it’s just natural that my music talks a lot about this.”

    Read Also: “One of Nigeria’s greatest icons“, Yul hails father Pete Edochie at 78

    Taking him back on his debut album, ‘Sad Romance,’ which was released on September 23, 2002, he said, “Music is the art form, which is my primary form of self-expression. I like to put myself into my music. There were a lot of sad situations, a lot of happy situations, and a lot of very diverse situations I was in. I captured all those in that album.”

    In 2023, the long-awaited deluxe edition of the ‘Sad Romance’ album by CKay was released to the public. In 2024, he released another body of work entitled ‘Emotions.’

    CKay remains one of the most talented Nigerian singer-songwriters and record producers, making waves across the globe.

  • CKay calls out colleagues for copying Afrobeat style after condemnation

    CKay calls out colleagues for copying Afrobeat style after condemnation

    Singer CKay has spoken out against colleagues who initially mocked his unique sound, ’emo-afrobeat’ only to adopt similar styles later.

    CKay, known for his hit song “Love Nwantiti,” claimed to have pioneered various Afrobeats trends, including promoting the genre on TikTok.

    In a social media post, he expressed frustration that others are now profiting from his innovative approaches.

    He specifically mentioned his “emo-afrobeat” style, which was initially met with ridicule but is now being replicated.

    Read Also: Ckay, Salubi float music publishing, management company

    On his X handle, the singer wrote: “history can’t be rewritten just because some people got paid to rewrite it…i’ll always be here to remind you.

    “CKay is the first. I pioneered many vibes Afrobeats artistes thrive off today…iykyk. Y’all laughed when I came up with emo-afrobeat and was on TikTok all day but many are now doing the same thing, calling it ridiculous names (& making $$). you’re welcome sha.”

  • Ckay, Salubi float music publishing, management company

    Ckay, Salubi float music publishing, management company

    Music star, Chukwuka “CKay” Ekweani and his childhood friend, Joseph Salubi, have announced the official launch of Boyfriend Music Ltd, a vibrant new music management and publishing company in Lagos, Nigeria.

    To complement its Nigerian operations, Boyfriend Music Itd has also established an American subsidiary, Boyfrnd Music LLC., to extend its support to artists, songwriters, and producers globally.

    According to the founders, Boyfriend Music Ltd is dedicated to helping artists, songwriters, and producers collect their rightful royalties and providing A&R services to unlock their creative potential.

    Read Also: Ckay, Laycon, 2Baba others speak against threats facing wildlife

    “We are committed to creating a formidable and transparent environment where artists, songwriters, and producers can focus on their creativity while we handle the complexities of management and music publishing. Every true artist deserves a team that supports their vision without taking advantage of them.” says CEO, Chukwuka “CKay” Ekweani.

    “Our shared history and passion for music have driven us to create a company that truly supports artists, songwriters, and producers in every aspect of their careers,” added Joseph Salubi, Managing Director of Boyfriend Music Itd. At Boyfriend Music Itd., we believe in empowering creators by ensuring they receive the royalties they deserve and by offering the resources and guidance needed to thrive creatively.”

    Boyfriend Music Itd offers a comprehensive range of services, including Music Management: Providing personalized management services and strategies to guide artists, songwriters, and producers in their careers. 

  • How colleagues turned down my collab request – CKay

    How colleagues turned down my collab request – CKay

    Afrobeats singer CKay has narrated how some of colleagues turned him down when he reached out to them on the collaboration of his hit song ‘Love Nwantiti’.

    Speaking in the latest episode of the Afrobeats Podcast, the singer also said he couldn’t understand why ‘Love Nwantiti’ never won any award in Nigeria despite racking over a billion streams and scooping dozens of awards abroad.

    Read Also: BNXN asked to be taken off my song, says Ckay

    He said: “I have my reservations about awards in general. Because I feel there’s so much involved. And the people who run the awards, I don’t know them or their motives. I have seen so many situations where music that is deserving doesn’t get any recognition. Not just the Grammys, even [Nigerian awards] back home.

    “It’s interesting that ‘Love Nwantiti’ that’s 6x platinum, has no award in Nigeria. I don’t know if I would use the word shameful. It’s interesting because it begs so many questions. That’s why I have my reservations about awards.”

    CKay continued: “I would like to believe that there’s a lot of love in the [Nigerian music] industry, but unfortunately, I don’t think I am correct. I feel I’m very open. I mean, I’m not open like that.

    “To be fair, I am a reserved person. But in terms of collaborations, I have had so many situations where I tried to collaborate with some people in the industry but they were acting funny even After ‘Love Nwantiti.’”