CKay

CKay (born Chukwuka Chukwuma Ekweani on July 16, 1995) is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is internationally recognized as a prominent figure in contemporary African music, particularly known for his unique blend of Afrobeats, R&B, Pop, and Alté, which he personally describes as "Emo-Afrobeats" due to its focus on emotional and romantic themes.Early Life and Education Chukwuka Ekweani was born in Kaduna, Kaduna State, Nigeria. He is of Igbo descent, hailing from Anambra State. His foundational interest in music was significantly influenced by his father, who served as a choir conductor at their local church and taught CKay how to play the piano. CKay attended Zamani College in Kaduna State. Driven by his passion to compose his own music and tell his own stories, CKay eventually made the decision to leave school to pursue his musical career full-time.Career Progression and Notable Works CKay began his professional career in 2016 and quickly established himself in the Nigerian music scene. He was previously signed to Chocolate City and is currently associated with Warner Music Group and Atlantic Records. His work encompasses singing, piano, drums, and guitar. CKay’s discography includes numerous tracks that showcase his versatile talent across multiple genres. However, his most notable work is the song "Love Nwantiti (Ah Ah Ah)."Major Achievements and Current Status The international success of "Love Nwantiti" propelled CKay to global stardom. The song gained massive virality worldwide, especially after being featured on various social media platforms. A major milestone in his career occurred on May 9, 2022, when "Love Nwantiti" achieved the distinction of becoming the first African song in history to exceed one billion streams on Spotify. The track also charted globally, including reaching the *Billboard* charts in 2022. CKay continues to work as a singer, songwriter, and record producer, further cementing his position as a key force in the global ascent of Afrobeats.