The Nigerian Star CKAY, the artist behind the viral song ‘Uthando Nwantiti’ and with over five billion streams has opened the success of his life, making afrobeats take a global place after its music and nature.
In a recent episode of Ab Majli during a visit to Dubai, the artist spoke intelligently about the hit that made him one of the most popular artists in Africa and how he strengthened himself after the general run of the song around the world.
The track became one of the most viral records of the streaming era, dominating tiktok, top charts around the world and turning ckay into an international sensation almost overnight. But the singer said the origin of the song was closer than people realize.
“Uthando Nwantiti was not written for an international audience,” she said. “I was singing from a private experience. The world just came together as they were accepting it.”
Ckay revealed that the emotional depth of his early music came from a period defined by a relationship ending, a transition that helped shape what he called the “Emo Afrobes.”
“I used to make sad music,” he said. “That relationship had a profound effect on me.”
But as his life changed, so did his feelings for the sound. Today, he says he is in a different phase.
Despite the success of Love Nwantiti, Ckay said he never felt the pressure to rebut the idea that singers must chase their big hit.
“Zero pressure,” he said. “People tried to create artificial pressure around me, but I realized it was all an illusion. As long as I’m true to myself, everything will be fine.”
He also rejected the idea that Afrobeat’s Global Rise is the result of a plan. “Nigerian music is a vibe,” he said. “You feel it, you feel it, you dance. That’s the whole meaning.”
Ckay’s latest body (DANZ), of course No. 1 in Nigeria marks a shift to a more upbeat, rock-influenced sound. He also described his mind as “thunder” and the song came from the desire to include rock guitars with afrobeats drums.
“Music should make sense for itself, not just add a big name.”
Ckay was in Dubai to create and shoot the content but said what moved him the most was the desert landscape of Sharjah, which he described as “authentic” and emotional. He indicated that future observations could be included there.
“When I went to Sharjah, I felt something I’ve never felt about tall buildings,” he said. “Whatever the vibe is – I love it.”
He added that he is open to medium-sized collaborations, but only if the artistic connection is real. “I don’t choose the hottest name on the chart. I work with the people I have.”
When it comes to what he wants his legacy to be, Ckay said, “My job from the beginning was to be creative,” he said. “If I make music that sounds like it already exists, there is no point. I want it to be clear what I have contributed.”
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