Chike | |
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Background information | |
Birth name | Chike Ezekpeazu Osebuka |
Born | Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria | 28 January 1993
Genres | Afrobeats, R&B, Afropop, Highlife & Soul |
Occupations |
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Years active | 2016–present |
Chike Ezekpeazu Osebuka (born 28 January 1993), popularly known by his stage name Chike, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and actor. He gained prominence by participating in the Nigerian reality competition Project Fame West Africa. Additionally, he showcased his talents on The Voice Nigeria, where he achieved the second position during Season 1. Chike ventured into acting by making his debut as Mayowa Badmus on the Africa Magic Showcase telenovela Battleground. He also appeared in the production Gang of Lagos, portraying the character Ify.
Chike released his first album, titled "Boo of the Booless," on 14 February 2020. Following his debut, he subsequently released his second album, "The Brother's Keeper," in 2022.
Chike is a native of Onitsha, Anambra State in the south-eastern region of Nigeria and is one of four children. Chike's decision to pursue a career in music was influenced by his family. [1] He is a graduate of Covenant University with a bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering. [2]
Chike was featured as a contestant on Project Fame West Africa however, was then eliminated after reaching the Top 10. [3]
Chike auditioned for The Voice Nigeria with a cover of James Arthur's "Roses" and he opted to join Team Patoranking. [4]
In the battle round, he performed Mario's "Let Me Love You" with another Team Patoranking contestant and was chosen to move to the next round. In the first week of live shows, he performed "Not the Girl" by co-coach Dare Art Alade and earned a 'save' from his coach. In the second week of live shows, he performed The Weeknd's "Earned It" and was saved by public votes. He also performed a rendition of "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" by The Proclaimers and earned his coach's final save of the season. For the semi-finals, he performed "Pullover" by Kcee and Wizkid. In the finale, Chike performed covers of Bob Marley and the Wailers's "No Woman No Cry" and Kiss Daniel's "Mama". He finished as the runner-up of The Voice Nigeria' season, with A'rese from Team Waje coming in first place. [5]
After The Voice Nigeria, Chike was signed to Universal Republic along with the other top four contestants on the show. [6] He released his debut single Fancy U in December 2016 under Universal Republic, with its music video being released in early 2017. Chike was also made an ambassador for Airtel Nigeria along with the other seven finalists of The Voice Nigeria. [7]
In April 2017, Chike had been cast by Africa Magic to play the role of Mayowa Badmus in a television drama named Battleground. [8] Chike departed from Universal Republic in November 2017 to become an independent artist. He released his next single, titled "Beautiful People," in February 2018. [9]
2020
Chike released his 14-track album titled Boo of the Booless.' during his special guest performance on the 2020 Big Brother Lockdown TV show. [10]
2023
In September 2023, Chike was announced as a brand ambassador for Glo telecommunication alongside Asake, Kizz Daniel. [11] [12] [13]
2024
In 2024, Chike announced his third studio album, Son of Chike, set for release on July 19, 2024. The album includes 12 tracks, such as “Unto You,” “Lifetime Love,” and “Ego Oyibo.” It features collaborations with prominent Nigerian artists like Olamide, Ladipoe, and Qing Madi. Chike has described the album as a deeply personal project that reflects his cultural heritage and experiences, aiming to connect with listeners on an emotional level. [14]
Year | Award | Category | Recipient | Result | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2020 | City People Music Awards | Album of the Year | "Boo of the Booless" | Won | |
The Headies 2020 | Best Vocal Performance (Male) | "Chike – "Forgive" | Nominated | ||
Best R&B Album | Boo of the Booless – Chike | Nominated | |||
Album of the Year | Boo of the Booless – Chike | Nominated | |||
2021 | Net Honours | Most Played RnB Song | "Running to You" (featuring Simi) | Nominated | [19] |
2022 | The Headies 2022 | Best R&B Single | "Running (To You)" – Chike feat. Simi | Nominated | [20] [21] |
Best Music Video | "Roju" – (Chike) – Directed by Pink | Nominated | [22] [23] | ||
Best Collaboration | "Running (To You)" – Chike feat. Simi | Nominated | [24] [25] | ||
Best Rap Single | "Breathe" – A-Q feat Chike | Nominated | [26] | ||
2023 | The Headies 2023 | Best R&B Single | "Hard to Find" – Chike | Nominated | [28] |
Best Vocal Performance (Male) | "Spell (remix)" – Chike | Nominated | [29] | ||
Best Music Video | "Spell" – (Chike) – Directed by Pink | Nominated | [30] | ||
Best R&B Album | "The Brother’s Keeper" – Chike | Won | [31] |
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