CKay
{{Short description|Nigerian singer and record producer (born 1995)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2022}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Ckay
| image = CKay during an interview in March 2022.png
| caption = CKay during an interview in March 2022
| birth_name = Chukwuka Chukwuma Ekweani{{cite web|url=https://www.ascap.com/repertory#/ace/search/workID/919159647 |title=ANYA MMIRI |website=ASCAP |publisher=American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers |access-date=July 10, 2023}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1995|07|16|df=y}}
| birth_place = Kaduna, Nigeria
| nationality = Nigerian
| education = Zamani College, Kaduna state, Nigeria.
| death_date =
| death_place =
| spouse =
| mother =
| signature =
| occupation = Singer, songwriter, record producer
| agent = Joseph Salubi
| years_active = 2016–present
| works = Discography
| awards =
| module = {{Infobox musical artist|embed=yes
| background = solo_singer
| instrument = {{hlist|Vocals|piano|drums|guitar}}
| genre = {{hlist|Afrobeats|R&B|Pop|Alté}}
| label = {{hlist|Boyfrnd Music|Atlantic|Warner Music Africa}}
| associated_acts = * Blaqbonez
| website = {{URL|ckay-music.com}}
}}
}}
Chukwuka Chukwuma Ekweani (born 16 July 1995), better known by his stage name Ckay (stylized as CKay), is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer signed to Boyfriend Music, Warner Music Africa (formerly known as; Warner Music South Africa) and Atlantic Records.{{cite web |last=King |first=Matthew |date=2024-09-14 |title=CKay Biography, Birthday & Net worth 2024 |url=https://www.naijapickup.com/mp3-music/artistes/ckay/ |website=Warner Music South Africa}}{{cite web |title=Atlantic Records CKay |url=https://www.atlanticrecords.com/artists/ckay |website=Atlantic Records Official Website |access-date=19 June 2022 |language=en |archive-date=2 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702045754/https://www.atlanticrecords.com/artists/ckay |url-status=live }} He was formerly signed to Chocolate City, a member of Warner Music Group independent label services ADA. His international hit single "Love Nwantiti", also known as "Love Nwantiti (Ah Ah Ahh)", was released in 2019 by Chocolate City.
On 29 March 2022, the song debuted at number one, following the launch of the Billboard Afrobeats chart.{{cite magazine |last1=Frankenberg |first1=Eric |title=CeeKay's 'Love Nwantiti' Is No. 1 on First Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs Chart |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/ckays-love-nwantiti-tops-first-billboard-us-afrobeats-songs-chart-1235050658/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=5 April 2022 |date=29 March 2022 |archive-date=6 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220406032031/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/ckays-love-nwantiti-tops-first-billboard-us-afrobeats-songs-chart-1235050658/ |url-status=live }} On 9 May 2022, it became the first-ever African song to surpass one billion streams on Spotify and has since been deemed "the biggest hit in African history".{{Cite news |last=Shaw |first=Lucas |title=A Nigerian Singer Released the Biggest Hit in African History |language=en |work=Bloomberg.com |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/pop-star-ranking/2021-october/a-nigerian-singer-released-the-biggest-hit-in-african-history.html |access-date=2023-01-23}}{{Cite web |last=Courage |first=Onyema |date=10 May 2022 |title=CKay's 'Love Nwantiti' surpasses 1 billion streams on Spotify across all versions |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/ckays-love-nwantiti-surpasses-1-billion-streams-on-spotify-across-all-versions/19r6xm6 |access-date=21 May 2022 |website=Pulse Nigeria |language=en |archive-date=11 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511192639/https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/ckays-love-nwantiti-surpasses-1-billion-streams-on-spotify-across-all-versions/19r6xm6 |url-status=live }} Asa Asika signed Ckay to The Plug, under management during the early peak of his global career as Ckay's manager.{{cite web |last1=Oriowo |first1=Ayomide |title=Asa Asika & Bizzle Are Creating a Legacy With The Plug |url=https://www.turntablecharts.com/mag/28/Asa-Asika-&-Bizzle-Are-Creating-a-Legacy-With-The-Plug |website=Turntable Charts |access-date=29 June 2022 |language=en |archive-date=1 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220101184127/https://www.turntablecharts.com/mag/28/Asa-Asika-%26-Bizzle-Are-Creating-a-Legacy-With-The-Plug |url-status=live }}
Early life
Chukwuka Ekweani was born in Kaduna, a state in the north-western region of Nigeria. He is of Igbo descent from Anambra State, located in the southeastern part of Nigeria. His love for music was driven by his father, who was a choir conductor at their local church.{{cite web |last1=Mbendeni |first1=Alutho |title=Nigerian star CKay speaks to us about being 'Africa's boyfriend' and new music |url=https://www.news24.com/drum/celebs/news/nigerian-star-ckay-speaks-to-us-about-being-africas-boyfriend-and-new-music-20210917 |website=Drum |access-date=1 October 2021 |archive-date=1 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001213201/https://www.news24.com/drum/celebs/news/nigerian-star-ckay-speaks-to-us-about-being-africas-boyfriend-and-new-music-20210917 |url-status=live }} While growing up, he was moved by musical instruments, which prompted him to learn the piano from his father.{{cite web |title=Ckay Wants to Be Your Boyfriend: Interview |url=https://djbooth.net/features/2021-04-07-ckay-interview-audiomack |website=DJBooth |access-date=2 October 2021 |language=en |archive-date=2 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002112004/https://djbooth.net/features/2021-04-07-ckay-interview-audiomack |url-status=live }} Thereafter, a friend introduced him to the production software Fruity Loops. Chukwuka started off his music career as a member of a band, made up of him and two other bandmates, before beginning his solo career as CKay.
Career
=2014–2017: Chocolate City and ''Who Is CKay?''=
In 2014, he relocated to Lagos after he got discovered. While signed to Loopy Music, he began working with Chocolate City, in early 2015.{{Cite web |last=Olorunsola|first=Michael|date=9 June 2017|title=Chocolate City's CKay discusses His New Single, Coming Projects & More on Exclusive Interview with BN Music|url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2017/06/ckay-exclusive-interview-bn-music/|access-date=12 August 2020|website=BellaNaija|language=en-US}} On 6 May 2016, he released a promotional single titled "Bad Musician Bad Producer", with its instrumental made available for free downloads across all Nigerian blogs for commercial use for covers, club, and airplay. Following the merger of Loopy Music in 2016, he officially joined Chocolate City artist roster in August 2016.{{Cite web |title=Ckay Signs To Chocolate City Music|url=https://www.thenigerianvoice.com/movie/227693/ckay-signs-to-chocolate-city-music.html|access-date=12 August 2020|website=Nigerian Voice}} On 23 October 2016, "Bad Musician Bad Producer" cover by Kelly Joe,{{cite web |title=2016 Top Naija Music Awards Shortlisted Nominees |url=https://topnaijamusicawards.com/fullnominees/ |website=Top Naija Music Awards |access-date=19 June 2022}} was nominated by TNMA and earned CKay, a special recognition. On 11 September 2017, he released Who the F*ck Is CKay? - ep,{{Cite web |last=Idowu|first=Tomi|date=8 September 2017|title=Ckay Leverages The Publicity With Release of 'Who The Fuck Is Ckay EP'|url=https://culturecustodian.com/who-the-fuck-is-ckay/|access-date=12 August 2020|website=The Culture Custodian (Est. 2014.)}} through Chocolate City.
=2018–2021: "Love Nwantiti", Warner Music Africa and "Emiliana"=
On 2 March 2018, he released "Container", an Afrobeat record influenced by the South African gwara gwara dance style. The song became a breakthrough record in Nigeria and earned him substantial airplay. It was released through Chocolate City, and was produced by Tempoe.{{cite web |title=New Music: CKay – Container |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2018/03/new-music-ckay-container/ |website=BellaNaija |access-date=2 October 2021 |date=2 March 2018}} On 6 July 2018, he released the music video, directed and shot by the Myth.{{cite web |title=New Video: CKay – Container |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2018/07/new-video-ckay-container/ |website=BellaNaija |access-date=2 October 2021 |date=9 July 2018}} On 30 August 2019, he released his second extended play CKay the First through Chocolate City.{{Cite web |last=BellaNaija.com|date=6 September 2019|title=Ckay Releases new EP "Ckay the First" {{!}} Stream on BN|url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2019/09/ckay-releases-new-ep-ckay-the-first-stream-on-bn/|access-date=12 August 2020|website=BellaNaija|language=en-US}} The "EP" spawned the hit track "Love Nwantiti", which became a major record in Nigeria. On 14 February 2020, CKay released a remix titled "Love Nwantiti (Ah Ah Ah)" featuring Joeboy and Kuami Eugene. In 2021, it went viral on TikTok{{cite magazine |last1=C.J |first1=Nelson |title=CKay's 'Love Nwantinti' Took Over TikTok -- But He's Only Now Getting Full Credit |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/ckay-love-nwantinti-tik-tok-1231221/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=2 October 2021 |date=24 September 2021}} and became an international hit, charting across Europe, Africa, Australia and New Zealand, also reaching number 23 in the UK{{Cite web|date=21 September 2021|title=Ckay's 'Love Nwantiti' charts at No. 23 on the official UK top 40|url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/ckays-love-nwantiti-charts-at-no-23-on-the-official-uk-top-40/he1b2h0|access-date=2 October 2021|website=Pulse Nigeria|language=en}} and earned him his first entry on the US Billboard Hot 100. A North African remix featuring ElGrande Toto became popular in the Maghreb countries and in Germany. A French remix featured Franglish, a German remix featuring Frizzo, Joeboy, and Kuami Eugene, the Spanish version with De La Ghetto, the East African remix featuring Rayvanny, and a South African remix featuring Tshego and Gemini Major.
On 13 November 2020, he appeared on the song "La La" from Davido's studio album A Better Time, released through Davido Music Worldwide, RCA Records, and Sony Music. On 11 February 2021, he released his third ep Boyfriend through Warner Music South Africa.{{cite web |title=Ckay releases new EP, 'Boyfriend' |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/new-ep-ckay-boyfriend-ep/9nqnspk |website=Pulse Nigeria |date=12 February 2021 |access-date=1 October 2021}} On 4 May 2021, CKay tweeted “I'm NOT signed to Chocolate City. I'm signed to Warner Music South Africa.”{{cite web |last1=Daramola |first1=Kunle |title=Ckay: I'm signed to WMG South Africa NOT Chocolate City |url=https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/ckay-im-signed-to-wmg-south-africa-not-chocolate-city/ |website=TheCable |date=4 May 2021 |access-date=1 October 2021}} On 28 July 2021, he received a Silver Creator Award from YouTube, at 100k subscribers.{{cite web |title=CKay Receives Youtube Plaque for Crossing New Milestone |url=https://notjustok.com/news/ckay-youtube-plaque-for-milestone/ |website=NotjustOk |access-date=1 October 2021 |date=28 July 2021}} On 6 August 2021, he appeared on the song "Beggie Beggie" from Ayra Starr's debut studio album 19 & Dangerous, released through Mavin Records. On 8 October 2021, Ckay became the first African artist to hit 20 Million Spotify Listeners, with over 21 million monthly listeners on his Spotify page.{{cite web |title=CKay Makes History As First African Artist to Hit 20 Million Spotify Listeners |url=https://www.okayafrica.com/ckay-20-million-spotify-history/ |website=OkayAfrica |access-date=11 October 2021 |language=en |date=8 October 2021}} On 3 November 2021, he reviled his record deal with Atlantic on Power 99.1 FM.{{cite web |last1=Aderoju |first1=Darlene
|title=Chartbreaker: Inside CKay's Global Success With a Years-Old Hit |url=https://www.power991fm.com/2021/11/03/chartbreaker-inside-ckays-global-success-with-a-years-old-hit/ |website=Power 99.1 - Tri-Cities #1 Hit Music Station! |access-date=19 June 2022 |language=en}} On 3 December 2021, CKay released "Emiliana", and "By Your Side" featuring Blxckie.{{cite web |title=New Music: CKay – Emiliana + By Your Side feat. Blxckie |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2021/12/ckay-emiliana-by-your-side/ |website=BellaNaija |access-date=2 July 2022 |date=5 December 2021}} On 1 April 2022, the music video was released and directed by Mosh.{{cite web |title=New Video: CKay – Emiliana |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2022/04/new-video-ckay-emiliana/ |website=BellaNaija |access-date=2 July 2022 |date=1 April 2022}} Emiliana charted across Europe, and Africa, also reaching number 9 in France{{cite web|url=http://snepmusique.com/les-tops/le-top-de-la-semaine/top-albums/?semaine=19?&annee=2022&categorie=Top%20Singles|title=Top Singles (Week of May 13, 2022)|publisher=Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique|language=French|access-date=2 July 2022}} and earning him, his first top 5 ranking on the Nigeria TurnTable Top 50 chart. On 26 May 2022, Emiliana was certified platinum in France.{{cite web |last1=Edeme |first1=Victoria |title=Ckay's 'Emiliana' gets platinum certification in France |url=https://punchng.com/ckays-emiliana-gets-platinum-certification-in-france/ |website=Punch Newspapers |access-date=2 July 2022 |date=31 May 2022}}
=2022–present: "Watawi", and other ventures=
On 24 May 2022, Starr's "Beggie Beggie" earned him, a special recognition at The Headies, in the Best Collaboration category. On 17 June 2022, he released "Watawi", featuring Davido, Focalistic, and Abidoza, which peaked at number 13 on Nigeria's TurnTable Top 50 and was accompanied by a music video, directed by Dalia Dias. On 20 June 2022, CKay became the second African artist to reach 1.2 billion streams and was surpassed by 200 million streams from Burna Boy, as the most-streamed with a total of 1.4 billion streams.{{cite web |last1=Adebiyi |first1=Adeayo |title=CKay becomes second most streamed Afrobeats artist after surpassing 1.2 billion streams |url=https://www.pulselive.co.ke/entertainment/music/ckay-surpasses-12-billion-streams-to-become-second-most-streamed-afrobeats-artist/5yl5fyf |website=Pulselive Kenya |access-date=29 June 2022 |language=en |date=21 June 2022}} In August 2022, CKay surpassed 100 Million Streams On Boomplay, and was given a golden club plaque from Boomplay.{{cite web |last1=Damilola |first1=Adedayo |title=Ckay Hits 100 Million Streams On Boomplay |url=https://www.coolfm.ng/news/editorial/ckay-hits-100-million-streams-on-boomplay/ |website=Cool FM |access-date=7 November 2022 |language=en}} According to Boomplay statistics, CKay music was part of 3,549 playlists, with over 120 countries enjoying and streaming Ckay songs on Boomplay as of 18 August 2022.
On 27 August 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, with the sole aim to extend its support to artists, songwriters, and producers globally.{{cite web |last1=Oamen |first1=Samuel |title=Ckay, Salubi float music publishing, management company |url=https://thenationonlineng.net/ckay-salubi-float-music-publishing-management-company/ |website=The Nation |access-date=27 August 2024}}
In October 2024, CKay released a 12-track sophomore album titled EMOTIONS featuring Olamide, The Cavemen (band), Ty Dolla $ign and Nora Fatehi.{{cite web |last1= Jacob |first1=Philemon |title=Emotions By CKay: Unconvincing Sophomore Offers Nothing Remotely Close To New |url=https://africanfolder.com/ckay-emotions-album-review/ |website=African Folder |access-date=5 November 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Blogger |first1=Burger |title=Ckay – Emotions EP |url=https://www.seekhypes.com/albums/ckay-emotions-ep-zip/ |website=SeekHypes |access-date=23 October 2024}}
Artistry
{{Quote box |quoted=true |bgcolor=#bbccff |salign=center
| quote = If Alté means ‘different’, then I guess so. I see everybody that is considered Alté; Lady Donli, Odunsi, and the rest of them and they are being themselves. They sing what they want to, act like they want to, take pictures like they want to, dress like they want to, and I do the same. I am myself and do the things I want to, regardless of society and external pressures. I don’t give a fuck about what anybody thinks and I make Afrobeats. I don’t know if that’s Alté, but that’s me. That’s CKay.
| width = 25%
|align = right
}}
CKay has personally dubbed his sound "Emo-afrobeats", to note his focus on emotional and romantic lyricism in his music. CKay has made tracks in a variety genres including Afrobeats, R&B and dancehall.{{Cite web|date=4 June 2019|title=I'm the future of Afrobeat music – CKay|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/06/im-the-future-of-afrobeat-music-ckay/|access-date=12 August 2020|website=Vanguard News|archive-date=4 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604182308/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/06/im-the-future-of-afrobeat-music-ckay/|url-status=live}} On 4 June 2019, in an interview with Ayo Onikoyi of Vanguard Nigeria, he described his style of music as Afro-pop from the future (2056 A.D specifically).{{cite web |title=I'm the future of Afrobeat music – CKay |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/06/im-the-future-of-afrobeat-music-ckay/ |website=Vanguard News |access-date=2 October 2021 |date=4 June 2019 |archive-date=4 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604182308/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/06/im-the-future-of-afrobeat-music-ckay/ |url-status=live }} On 24 September 2021, the OCC writer Helen Ainsley, describes CKay's music as fusing Afrobeats with pop, electronic music, and even interpolating classical music.{{cite web |last1=Ainsley |first1=Helen |title=Who is CKay? The Emo-Afrobeat artist flying up the charts with Love Nwantiti |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/who-is-ckay-the-emo-afrobeat-artist-flying-up-the-charts-with-love-nwantiti__34100/ |website=Official Charts Company |access-date=1 October 2021 |archive-date=24 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924182838/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/who-is-ckay-the-emo-afrobeat-artist-flying-up-the-charts-with-love-nwantiti__34100/ |url-status=live }} On 29 October 2021, Nelson C.J. of Teen Vogue, listed CKay among other Nigerian artists confused to be Alté singers.{{cite web |title=The Alté Movement Is a Symbol of Rebellion for Young Nigerians |url=https://www.teenvogue.com/story/origins-of-the-alte-movement |website=Teen Vogue |access-date=19 June 2022 |date=29 October 2021 |archive-date=4 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604121037/https://www.teenvogue.com/story/origins-of-the-alte-movement |url-status=live }}
Discography
{{Main|CKay discography}}
Extended plays
- Who the Fuck Is CKay? (2017)
- CKay the First (2019)
- Boyfriend (2021)
Album
- Sad Romance (2022)
- EMOTIONS (2024)
Accolades
Tours
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7l7-ClAn4QZlA_Qq5sTIdw CKay official YouTube channel]
{{CKay}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:21st-century Nigerian male singers
Category:21st-century Nigerian singer-songwriters
Category:Nigerian record producers
Category:Igbo-language singers
Category:Nigerian male pop singers
Category:Nigerian alté singers
Category:Warner Music Group artists