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Tag: Kcee

  • Why I refused to sign Flavour years ago – Kcee

    Why I refused to sign Flavour years ago – Kcee

    Singer Kcee has shed light on his long-rumoured rift with fellow artiste Flavour, revealing that he once declined an opportunity to sign the highlife star early in his career because he did not see enough potential at the time.

    Speaking during an interview on Yanga FM Lagos, Kcee said that the perceived tension between them may stem from what he described as a superiority complex, noting that his humility and unwillingness to boast about his achievements are often misunderstood.

    The “Limpopo” crooner insisted that his consistency and dedication to his craft would eventually dispel any doubts about his talent. He added that he had been in the music industry long before Flavour and had already attained success prior to Flavour’s move to Lagos.

    “Till now, I don’t understand the reason for his beef with me, especially that incident where he alleged that someone was copying him. The truth is that when some people had written you off, hoping that you would be stagnant, and you work hard and get to a level they don’t expect you to reach, that was what happened.

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    “I came into the music industry before Flavour. Soso Soberekon brought him to me years ago to sign to my record label. I was already driving exotic cars and balling before he came to Lagos. I told Soso I can’t sign Flavour because I didn’t see potential in him at that time. It wasn’t because I have something against him.

    “I don’t think that was why he is holding a grudge against me. But time shall tell. A lot of my colleagues underrate my talent, and my humility also contributed to that. Because I don’t brag. I don’t need it. But as I always say, time will always prove them wrong. My work always proves every doubter wrong. Some of those who doubted me in the past have come to apologise to me and admitted that they were wrong about me,” Kcee said.

  • Why I don’t get discouraged by struggle for hit songs – Kcee

    Why I don’t get discouraged by struggle for hit songs – Kcee

    Afrobeats singer Kingsley Okonkwo popularly known as Kcee has stated his secret to success in the industry lies in unrelenting consistency and unwavering positivity.

    In an appearance on Selah Meditate podcast, the Limpopo crooner explained that unlike his peers, he refuses to be deterred by setbacks, instead choosing to focus on producing more music.

    According to Kcee, releasing multiple songs increases the likelihood of creating a hit, stating, “I can drop 22 songs, maybe it is the 25th one that will become a hit. I don’t care because consistency is key”.

    The singer also emphasised the impact of positive manifestation on his life, recalling a time when he and E-Money would envision a brighter future, even in the face of adversity.

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    “When me and E-Money were living in Ajegunle, if you asked us where we are living, we would say Ikeja. And we were not lying or pretending, we were dreaming, prophesying into the future.

    “And that was where we eventually moved to. And we dominated it,” he said.

    He added that staying positive and focusing on the future has been instrumental in his success, allowing him to overcome challenges and achieve his goals.

  • Kcee urges musicians to support Nollywood industry

    Kcee urges musicians to support Nollywood industry

    Singer Kcee has called on musicians to support the Nollywood film industry by promoting its movies and collaborating with its stars.

    In a recent Hip TV interview, he highlighted the existing support from Nollywood actors, who promote musicians’ songs and participate in dance trends, urging artists to reciprocate.

    Kcee shared that he exclusively watches Nollywood films and recently allowed a filmmaker to use his song “Cultural Praise” for free in a movie.

    He emphasised the need for musicians to promote Nollywood films on social media and increase collaborations, admitting he could do more himself to support the industry.

    Kcee said, “I think it’s high time we [artists] support the movie industry. For me, Kcee, those who know me know that I don’t watch any other movie apart from Nollywood. I’m so into Nollywood movies. Sometimes, a lot of people laugh at me.

    Read Also: E-Money used to be my manager, I made money before him – KCee

    “Also, I remember a lady recently reached out to me that she was to use my song, ‘Cultural Praise’, in her movie and was asking how much it would cost, and I permitted her to use it for free. She can testify. That’s the support.

    “We always want to have movie stars in our music videos, some musicians have also been in their movies, but I think we can do more. We need to support them a lot more. We can even promote their movies on our social media handles. Currently, I’m also not doing that, but we need to support them. Randomly, you see them jumping on our projects, and I think it wouldn’t be a crime if we do the same.”

  • E-Money used to be my manager, I made money before him – KCee

    E-Money used to be my manager, I made money before him – KCee

    Nigerian singer Kcee has revealed that his younger brother and business mogul, E-Money, once served as his manager during the peak of his music career. He shared this during an interview with media personality Temisan.

    Kcee disclosed that it was during this period of working closely with him in the entertainment industry that E-Money began laying the foundation for his business empire.

    The music star also mentioned that he supported E-Money’s wedding financially, but noted that over time, his brother’s ventures in business have led him to greater wealth.

    Read Also: E-Money last of seven siblings – KCee reveals

    Reflecting on their current financial status, Kcee attributed the disparity to the different paths they chose.

    He suggested that if he had invested as much time and energy into business as he did in music, he might be just as wealthy.

    “He used to be my manager; I made money before him. When he was doing his wedding, I was part of the sponsor, then he started making money and making more money. And I must say this, the number of years I have put into music, if I had put it into a business, I would be ten times richer than I am”, he said in part.

  • E-Money last of seven siblings – KCee reveals

    E-Money last of seven siblings – KCee reveals

    Afrobeats star Kingsley Okonkwo, popularly known as KCee, has shed light on his family background during a recent appearance on the Tea With Tay podcast hosted by Temisan Emmanuel.

    KCee revealed that Lagos socialite and businessman Emeka Okonkwo, widely known as E-Money, is his youngest sibling in a family of seven children.

    The revelation came in response to questions about the Okonkwo family, prompted by the public prominence of only KCee and E-Money. 

    The host asked whether other siblings existed outside the public eye, to which KCee confirmed the presence of more siblings who prefer to stay out of the spotlight.

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    KCee responded, “We have four girls and three guys. E-Money is the lastborn.”

    Delving deeper, KCee shared insights into his siblings’ lives. 

    “Our first son is a pastor who lives in Abuja. He’s not into all the social media drama; he just minds his business and serves God,” he said.

    He added that his four sisters are all happily married, with one settled in Italy with her family.

    KCee explained why he and E-Money dominate the spotlight: “For me and E-Money, we’re super close. So it often feels like it’s just the two of us in the public eye, but we’re actually a big family.”

    The revelation has sparked interest among fans, shedding light on the tight-knit yet private Okonkwo family, known primarily through the fame of KCee’s music career and E-Money’s socialite status.

  • I was close to marrying actress Ebube Nwagbo – Kcee

    I was close to marrying actress Ebube Nwagbo – Kcee

    Afrobeats singer Kcee has opened up about his past relationship with actress Ebube Nwagbo.

    In an interview on the Tea With Tay podcast, Kcee confirmed that they were once a high-profile couple, frequently gracing the front covers of newspapers and attending red carpet events. 

    The singer revealed that their relationship was serious, with plans to get married that ultimately didn’t materialise.

    Read Also: I was supposed to succeed Okocha, Kanu at Super Eagles, Kcee claims

    “Our relationship was everywhere—Ebube Nwagbo. We were always on the front covers of newspapers. And we usually sat in the front row of every red carpet show. We were close to getting married. Whatever that happened, happened,” he recounted.

    Kcee, who has been married to Ijeoma Okonkwo since 2010, shared insights into his pre-social media romance, stating that he had a penchant for dating actresses back then.

    “My scandals were before social media became rampant. I was just about a young boy dating one actress. Me and actresses were always headlining the papers. I loved actresses back then. Who wouldn’t?” he stated.

    His revelation about Nwagbo confirms long-standing rumors about their past romance.

  • I was supposed to succeed Okocha, Kanu at Super Eagles, Kcee claims

    I was supposed to succeed Okocha, Kanu at Super Eagles, Kcee claims

    Singer Kcee has opened up about his journey from being a professional footballer to becoming a successful musician.

    Born Kingsley Chinweike Okonkwo, Kcee played for Nigerian league sides Julius Berger FC and Puma FC in the 90s, even traveling to South Africa with his team.

    In an interview with Taymesan, Kcee said he was part of a generation that was supposed to take over from legendary players like Jay Jay Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu.

    However, Kcee said his football career was cut short due to lack of sponsorship.

    According to him, he had been pursuing music alongside football and eventually won the Star Quest talent hunt in 2002 with his partner Precious John, aka Presh, as the duo KC Presh.

    Read Also: KCee discovered Iyanya, brought him to Lagos, says Soso Soberekon

    Kcee said: “The first time I travelled out of this country was football. I was playing for Julius Berger. I played for Puma. The first time I went to South Africa was soccer. That was before music.

    “I was a very young boy. This was in the middle 90s. I was a teenager then. Jay Jay [Okocha] and Kanu were a set before me. After them, we would have been like the people to take over Super Eagles.”

    He added: “When I found out that it was difficult to take my football career to the next level, I picked up my next love, music. I was running both of them side by side. In the course of that, I won Star Quest talent hunt and I started making money. So, I had to drop one for one. That was why I quit football.”

    The prize money from the competition helped him focus on music full-time.

    Kcee’s music career spans over two decades, with hits like “Limpopo” and “Ojapiano”. 

  • KCee discovered Iyanya, brought him to Lagos, says Soso Soberekon

    KCee discovered Iyanya, brought him to Lagos, says Soso Soberekon

    Music executive Soso Soberekon has revealed how Iyanya was discovered by KCee years ago in Calabar, Cross River State and how the Limpopo singer played a key role in the Kukere master’s journey to stardom.

    Soberekon, a former music producer and KCee’s ex-manager made this revelation during a live chat with media personality Daddy Freeze.

    During the conversation, he also put KCee on a phone call to confirm the story.

    According to Soberekon, Iyanya was hosting a karaoke show in Calabar when KCee spotted him, walked up to him, and offered to take him to Lagos to pursue his music career.

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    “We had to meet his parents for approval before he could travel with us,” KCee recalled. “We were already at the airport when he called to say his parents had finally agreed because they initially refused.

    Soberekon further disclosed that after winning Project Fame West Africa in 2008, Iyanya lived in KCee’s house for four years, sleeping on the couch due to limited space.

    “He slept on the couch for four years because there was no extra room at the time. KCee’s family was living in the house, so the only available space was the couch, he wrote two songs for Kcee Presh then and both were produced by me,” he explained.

    Iyanya would later rise to fame with a monster hit, ‘Kukere,’ and become one of Nigeria’s most recognized music stars.

  • Gov Mbah receives Kcee ahead of Enugu concert

    Gov Mbah receives Kcee ahead of Enugu concert

    Governor Peter Mbah has pledged support for Kcee’s forthcoming concert and charity programme scheduled for Easter Sunday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.

    The Governor, who received Kcee at his office, commended the artist’s contributions to promoting Nigerian culture and delivering premium entertainment.

    He reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting initiatives that nurture talent and uplift communities.

    Read Also: Ogui Nike communities beg Gov Mbah to stop ESHDC alleged encroachment at Aguowor

    Mbah wrote on Instagram: “Pleased to receive the popular Kingsley Okonkwo @iam_kcee, a talented artiste who has made remarkable impact, from promoting our rich culture to delivering premium entertainment that resonates far and wide. He informed me of his upcoming concert and charity programme, scheduled to hold on Easter Sunday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

    “Our administration remains steadfast in our commitment to supporting initiatives that nurture talent and uplift our communities. We are proud to support Kcee in ensuring the success of his event”.

  • Court dismisses N500m copyright infringement suit against Kcee, E-money

    Court dismisses N500m copyright infringement suit against Kcee, E-money

    The Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday dismissed N500 million suit instituted against singer Kingsley Okonkwo (aka KCee) and two others over alleged copyright infringement of the song “Som Too Chukwu”.

    Justice Kehinde Ogundare held that the plaintiff, Sir Jude Nnam, failed to prove the alleged infringement of his copyright work, and also awarded a punitive cost of N1 million against him.

    Also, joined as defendants in the suit are, Five Star Music Limited, and Mr. Emeka Okonkwo (a.ka. E-Money).

    The plaintiff, in his amended statement of claim, averred that he is one of the most well-known and arguably the most accomplished gospel music composers in Nigeria.

    The plaintiff added that some of the musical works created by him include the following: ‘Jesus the Navigator’, ‘Olisa’, ‘Abinci Alheri’, ‘Take and Sanctify’, ‘Surrender Your Heart to Jesus’, ‘Salelaka’, ‘Chizara M’, ‘Bring Them to the Lord’ ‘My Story’, ‘In Thanksgiving and Love’, ‘Thanksgiving of Amazing Grace’, ‘Adupe Baba’ and ‘Bomboyeti’ among others.

    The plaintiff further alleged that the defendants infringed on his copyright as well as the ownership rights to the song titled ‘Som Too Chukwu’ which he produced sometime in 2001, adding that KCEE surreptitiously included it in his music album titled ‘Cultural Praise without his consent or authorisation.

    He prayed the court for “an order of court directing the defendants to pay all the royalties accruing from the musical works titled ‘Som Too Chukwu, Otito Diri Chineke’’ and ‘K’ Anyi Jee N’’ Ulo Chukwu’ from December 2020 to the Plaintiff, and a perpetual injunction restraining, preventing and or prohibiting the defendants from further infringing on the copyright of the Plaintiff to the songs titled ‘Som Too Chukwu, Otito Diri Chineke’ and ‘K’ Anyi Jee N’ Ulo Chukwu’ by any means howsoever.

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    The defendants stated that they did not at any time produce any musical work or songs titled ‘Som Too Chukwu’ or ‘K’ Anyi Jee N’LO Chukwu which the plaintiff alleged, adding that the said phrases were from the Holy Bible  (the book of Psalms), which the claimant does not have copyright over.

    The defendants added that the beat, rhythm and music do not in any way resemble any of the claimant’s music if there is any.

    The third defendant ‘KCee’ said that as a devout Christian born into a Catholic Church family, he got his inspiration for his song Cultural Praise while reading the book of Psalms in the Holy Bible and that the plaintiff can not lay claim to the copyright of the bible.

    The Defendants also averred that the plaintiff’s claim constituted an attempt to extort the defendants and amounted to gold-digging, frivolous, and vexatious and should be dismissed with substantial costs.

    Justice Ogundare held that the plaintiff failed to prove his case of copyright infringement against the defendants. The court held that the phrase in contention was taken from the Holy Bible which the claimant can’t lay claim to.

    The judge dismissed the suit and awarded a cost of N1 million against the plaintiff.