Nigerian singer and producer Chukwuka Ekweani, popularly known as CKay, has opened up in greater detail about the difficult choices and personal sacrifices he made in order to pursue a career in music—decisions that would later shape his rise to global fame.
Speaking during a recent livestream on Twitch with streamer Caterefe, CKay revealed that his passion for music was met with strong resistance from his family, particularly his parents, who did not support his decision to go into the entertainment industry. According to him, this lack of approval created a major turning point in his life, forcing him to make a bold and life-altering decision at a young age.
At just 19, CKay said he left home in Kaduna without permission, choosing to follow his dreams despite the uncertainty ahead. He relocated to Lagos, Nigeria’s entertainment hub, where he hoped to find opportunities and build a career from scratch.
He explained that after arriving in Lagos, he reached out to his mother through a lengthy message sent via Blackberry, explaining his actions and intentions. The move, though risky, marked the beginning of his journey into the music industry.
Life in Lagos was far from easy in the early days. CKay disclosed that he initially stayed with a friend as he tried to find his footing. Over time, as he began to earn from his craft, he was able to move into a modest one-room apartment. To survive, he worked extensively as a music producer, collaborating with about four different studios and creating music for other artists. This period, he noted, was crucial in helping him develop his sound and gain industry experience.
In addition to leaving home, CKay also made the decision to abandon his formal education. He revealed that he dropped out of university at the 100 level, choosing to fully commit to music rather than split his focus. While acknowledging the weight of that decision, he emphasized that it was necessary for him to give his career a real chance.
His persistence began to pay off in 2018 when he gained attention with his breakout single Container, which introduced his unique style to a wider audience. However, it was his 2019 track Love Nwantiti that propelled him onto the global stage. The song went on to achieve massive international success, crossing over into multiple markets and eventually surpassing one billion streams on Spotify—making it one of the most successful African songs in digital history.
CKay’s journey highlights the realities behind success in the music industry marked by uncertainty, sacrifice, and resilience. From leaving home and defying expectations to building a career from the ground up, his story reflects the determination required to turn passion into global recognition.
