On the face of it, Chike is just one other singer who sends pleasing words to anyone who cares to listen. He is the one who you go to when you want to hear soothing words. That’s understandable, given that Chike is not found on platforms motivating young Nigerians, has not declared any political ambition and is not an activist organising protests every other month, but there’s actually a whole level of nuance that many fans are missing.
Chike-Ezekpeazu Osebuka, 27, is a singer, songwriter and actor known for his participation on the Nigerian reality competition Project Fame West Africa in 2015 and also in the talent competition TV show The Voice Nigeria Season 1 finishing runner-up on the show.
He made his acting debut as Mayowa Badmus on the Africa Magic Showcase telenovela Battleground and, had studied Computer Engineering at Covenant University. And, started his music career in 2009 after winning an award as the vocalist of the year in his high school.
Chike released his 14-track album, Boo of the Booless, and reiterated the fact that art comes in different forms.
It is an album that draws you closer to finer details of a piece of classic impressionist art. And if you walked through the Nike Art Gallery listening to Chike, you will most likely think you were looking at one of the beautiful piece of art at the gallery.
We could easily pass his music for bringing nothing new, but the fact is, Chike stands out for his vocal texture and the way he uses it. He also stands out for perfectly timed genre experimentation. His music enables beautiful storytelling and draws inspiration from East Africa, South Africa, American pop and Francophone Africa.
We would have thought that his time at The Voice Nigeria and Project Fame was his last in the industry, but here we are, realising that he has stayed consistent, showcasing a fighting spirit that does not give in to pressure and the fact that Nigerians will prefer disco sounds to soul music.
Chike does not walk around like the one who will run away from smart work in a bit and when we read his story we realise he is that other African youth who will stop at nothing to do it the way it should be done.
Chike just does it, we like it and we are inspired!
