Chike (singer)
Chike Ezekpeazu Osebuka, born on January 28, 1993, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and actor. He is recognized by his stage name Chike. Chike gained prominence by participating in the Nigerian reality competition Project Fame West Africa, where he achieved the second position during Season 1. Additionally, he showcased his talents on The Voice Nigeria, securing a notable position. Chike ventured into acting by making his debut as Mayoma 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 February 14, 2020. Following his debut, he subsequently released his second album, "The Brother's Keeper," in 2022.
Early life and education
Chike is a native of Onitsha, Anambra State in 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 degree in Computer Engineering.[2]
Career
Project Fame
Chike was featured as a contestant on Project Fame West Africa however, was then eliminated after reaching the Top 10.[3]
The Voice Nigeria
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]
2016
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]
2017-2019
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 Lock down TV show.
2022
In August chike sold his car for his recently released album and tell fans not to pay attention while the see him trekking.[10]
Discography
Album
- Boo of the Booless
- The Brother's Keeper
Awards and nominations
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 | [11] |
2022 | The Headies 2022 | Best R&B Single | "Running (To You)" – Chike feat. Simi | Nominated | [12][13] |
Best Music Video | "Roju" – (Chike) – Directed by Pink | Nominated | [14][15] | ||
Best Collaboration | "Running (To You)" – Chike feat. Simi | Nominated | [16][17] | ||
Best Rap Single | "Breathe" – A-Q feat Chike | Nominated | [18] |
References
- "The Voice Nigeria". The Voice Nigeria. Archived from the original on 2017-02-03. Retrieved 2017-12-21.
- Ada, Igboanugo (27 January 2018). "Covenant University Artistes". TheCable. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
- Izuzu, Chidumga. "Project Fame 8: One evicted, judges pull surprise as race for prize gets intense [Video]". Retrieved 2017-12-21.
- "The Voice Nigeria Chike 'Ranking' Goes to Battle – THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 2022-07-10.
- Isaac, Michael (2020-02-29). "SPOTLIGHT: Meet The Creative Mind Of Actor, Singer Chike". Information Nigeria. Retrieved 2021-01-22.
- "Free Download: Top 5 songs by Chike - Daily Trust". dailytrust.com. Retrieved 2023-06-04.
- GossipBoyz (2017-03-04). "AUDIO+VIDEO: The Voice Nigeria's First Runner Up, Chike debuts new song – 'Fancy U' [DOWNLOAD]". GossipBoyz. Retrieved 2021-01-22.
- Battleground: Africa Magic (TV Series 2017– ) - IMDb, retrieved 2021-01-22
- "Chike - Beautiful People (Prod by Doron Clinton) « tooXclusive". tooXclusive. 2018-01-28. Retrieved 2021-01-22.
- Malik, Jay (2022-09-03). ""If you see me trekking, mind your business" – Chiké says as he sells his Benz-GLE to fund music". GistReel. Retrieved 2022-09-04.
- "Net Honours - The Class of 2021". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Retrieved 2021-09-07.
- "Wizkid Leads 2022 Headies Awards Nominees See CompleteList". Billboard. 26 July 2022. Retrieved 1 September 2022.
- "HEADIES 2022: Wizkid, Davido, Portable bag nominations (FULL NOMINATION LIST)". Premium Times Nigeria. 24 May 2022. Retrieved 1 September 2022.
- "2022 Headies Awards: Wizkid,Tems,Others Lead Nominees List". Leadership. 29 July 2022. Retrieved 1 September 2022.
- "Academy announce nominations for Headies Awards 2022 [Full Nominee List]". Pulse Nigeria. 24 May 2022. Retrieved 1 September 2022.
- "HEADIES RELEASES 2022 NEXT RATED NOMINEES LIST". Guardian Nigeria. 24 May 2022. Retrieved 1 September 2022.
- "Headies 2022: Full list of nominees". Tribune Nigeria. 24 May 2022. Retrieved 1 September 2022.
- "Full list: Wizkid, Davido get 2022 Headies nominations". Punch Nigeria. 24 May 2022. Retrieved 1 September 2022.
- "Headies award 2022 nominees: Portable, Ayra Starr, Tems, see oda artistes wey make dis year nomination". BBC. 24 May 2022. Retrieved 1 September 2022.