UK-based Nigerian artiste, Rukky Great, has released a new single titled Ready, a mid-tempo Afro-fusion tune inspired by a personal story and produced to reflect his growing versatility as both a singer and producer.

Born Oghenerukevwe Atikpe, the singer says Ready reflects a step in his evolving journey as an independent act navigating the ever competitive music industry from the diaspora.

“The song was inspired by someone special, and I wanted it to feel authentic, warm, and real,” he said in a chat with The Guardian. The track was produced by Phantave and co-produced, mixed, and mastered by Rukky himself.

Though based in the UK, Rukky maintains strong ties with Nigerian music and culture, a connection that continues to shape his sound and creative direction.

Speaking on his responsibility to represent Nigerian culture in his music, he said “I want to be that one person spearheading and representing Nigerian culture, a big part of Africa, abroad. My constant collaboration with various artist in other parts of the world is a continuous mission in fulfilling the vision.”

The singer also weighed in on the ongoing global success of Afrobeats, describing it as “just the beginning of something much bigger.” He noted how mainstream acceptance of Nigerian music overseas continues to inspire his craft.

“Nigerian artistes in the diaspora are gaining acceptance and it’s a good thing. Just the other day, I passed by an Indian shop and heard them playing Afrobeats. It made me proud of where I come from,” he shared.

Rukky, who started out in music in 2017 and transitioned fully into production by 2019, believes the diaspora plays a key role in amplifying African soundscapes. He revealed that his collaborations with artistes from different parts of the world are part of a deliberate plan to promote Nigerian culture internationally.

Still, navigating the industry from abroad comes with its share of setbacks. He identified funding and lack of a structured support system as major barriers for diaspora-based Nigerian artistes.

“The major challenges are both financial and communal support, truth be told the industry is getting very competitive right now, with technology, anyone from their bedroom can make music, especially now that AI is in place. It takes a lot more than just making music but strategically putting your music out there in front of your audience by employing a much more business approach. That alone requires funding to see it actualize.”

With Ready already attracting positive reviews and streaming numbers, Rukky Great is pushing ahead with video plans and a performance run in Nigeria. For him, returning home is not just a personal goal, but a cultural responsibility.