Rising Afrobeats sensation, Favor Ekah Ernest, popularly known as HYCE, has opened up on how collaborating with music legend Davido on the remix of his hit single ‘Ogechi’, alongside ‘Boypee’, was more than just a career milestone.
Narrating how the remix came about, HYCE said: “Ogechi’ was born after a campus tour in Enugu, where I performed alongside Topboy Zyno. That’s where I met Boypee and reunited with Brown Joel, whom I’d known from Lagos.
“Our instant chemistry sparked a creative fire. After the show, we decided to collaborate and, upon returning to Lagos, headed straight to Dawie’s studio to record ‘Ogechi’. We knew we had something special.
“We teased ‘Ogechi’ on TikTok with a snippet video, and the response was overwhelming, with hundreds of thousands of posts in just days, before its official release.
“We had always envisioned a Davido feature, knowing it would elevate the song. Thankfully, Cubana Chief Priest, a mentor to Boypee and a huge ‘Ogechi’ fan, made it happen.
“One night, Boypee called, saying Davido wanted to join forces on ‘Ogechi’. We met at his place, just two nights before his wedding to Chioma.
“Davido was enthusiastic, declaring, ‘This will be released on my wedding day’. The remix was engineered immediately, and the rest is history; a global smash hit. It was a dream come true, our prayer answered.”
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As he said, the journey to this defining moment began when HYCE released ‘Ogechi’ in 2023. The song’s infectious beat and catchy hooks quickly resonated with fans, but HYCE knew that taking it to the next level required something special.
That’s when Cubana Chief Priest, a mentor to HYCE’s collaborator Boypee, stepped in. “He believed in ‘Ogechi’ from the start and saw its potential,” HYCE explains. “He made the introduction to Davido, and the rest is history.”
Released in 2024, the ‘Ogechi remix’ catapulted HYCE to new heights. The song’s global success introduced him to a broader audience, earning him critical acclaim and numerous award nominations.
“Working with Davido opened doors I never thought possible,” HYCE reflects. “It validated my craft and gave me the confidence to push boundaries. He saw something in me that I didn’t even see in myself.”
Beyond the commercial success, HYCE cherishes the mentorship and guidance Davido provided. “He shared valuable insights on the music industry and encouraged me to stay true to my art,” HYCE says.
“Also, performing at Davido’s Timeless concert in 2023 was a pivotal moment. Stepping onto the massive stage, in front of a sea of faces, tested my resolve. The overwhelming love and support solidified my confidence, revealing new heights to strive for and areas to improve.”
After the remix, HYCE has embarked on global tours, performing in Ghana, Tanzania, and Kenya, being the most recent. “It was a surreal experience that ranks among the highlights of my career,” says HYCE.
“It was exhilarating to witness firsthand the love and enthusiasm beyond social media and streaming numbers.
“Seeing fans sing my songs back to me was an unforgettable moment, making the success of my chart-topping tracks feel tangibly real. The songs’ popularity preceded my arrival, creating an electric atmosphere that left an indelible mark on my journey as an artist.”
As HYCE looks to the future, he’s determined to build on the momentum sparked by the ‘Ogechi’ remix. With new music on the horizon, he’s poised to solidify his position as one of Afrobeats’ most exciting talents.
“Looking ahead, my long-term vision is to transcend borders and become a global musical icon, leaving an enduring legacy that cements Afrobeats’ place in music history, ensuring my name is revered for generations to come as a pioneering force in the genre.
“Davido changed my life with that remix,” HYCE concludes. “I’ll forever be grateful for the opportunity to share my music with the world.”
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