Chinko Ekun

Oladipo Olamide Emmanuel (born September 13, 1993), widely known by his stage name Chinko Ekun, is a Nigerian rapper, songwriter, and actor. He is recognized for his distinctive Yoruba rap style, characterized by witty wordplay and energetic delivery, and for his versatility across different music genres. **Early Life and Education** Chinko Ekun was born in Ikotun, Lagos State, Nigeria. His stage name, "Chinko Ekun," translates to "Tiger" in English, reflecting his fierce style of rap. He began developing his passion for music, particularly rap, at a young age. He attended both primary and secondary school in Lagos. For his tertiary education, he studied Law at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, where he graduated in 2016. While pursuing his law degree, he actively participated in campus rap battles and music production, balancing his academic pursuits with his emerging music career. He completed his mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program in 2017. **Career Progression and Major Achievements** Chinko Ekun’s music career officially began in 2011, and he gained initial recognition through collaborations and freestyles. In 2015, he signed with Olamide’s YBNL Nation record label, which provided a major platform for his early professional work. While with YBNL, he released singles like "Alejo E" and "Binu." He left the label in 2016 to establish his own imprint, Dek-Niyor Entertainment, aiming for more creative control over his career. His major breakthrough came in 2018 with the release of the hit single **"Able God"** (featuring Lil Kesh and Zlatan Ibile). The song became a massive commercial success across Nigeria and was nominated for several awards. "Able God" is widely regarded as a defining track in the Nigerian street-hop movement of the late 2010s. **Notable Works** In addition to his breakout single "Able God," Chinko Ekun has released several popular tracks, including "Ekun" (2015), "Shake" (2018), and "Samena" (2019). His work often blends traditional Yoruba proverbs and modern street lingo with Afrobeat and hip-hop rhythms, cementing his position as a notable voice in indigenous Nigerian rap. **Current Status** Chinko Ekun continues to be active in the Nigerian music industry, releasing singles, performing at major events, and collaborating with various artists. Beyond music, he is also known for leveraging his Law degree and engaging in other entrepreneurial activities. He maintains a strong presence on social media, where he connects with his fanbase.