Nigerian singer, Chike Ezekpeazu Osebuka, popularly known as Chike, has said that love remains the strongest influence on his sound.
The artiste, who spoke in an interview with Guardian Life, explained that his personal experiences have continued to shape his art and strengthen his voice as a songwriter.
“I still proudly wear that. It’s a big part of who I am. But over the years, my personal experiences have deepened my understanding of love, making me not just a better artiste but a more expressive storyteller,” Chike said.
The singer, whose projects include The Brother’s Keeper and Son of Chike, stressed that love remains a recurring theme across his albums.
According to him, it is not just an inspiration but a reminder of why he makes music.
“Love, in all its forms, continues to inspire my music in new and unexpected ways. This even shows in my other albums, The Brother’s Keeper and, most recently, Son of Chike,” he noted.
On why he often sings in Igbo, Chike explained that African languages bring depth and authenticity to music.
“I believe that as Africans, our languages are more than just a means of communication—they are a reflection of who we are, and they bring a unique flavour to our music,” he said.
He added, “For me, singing in Igbo isn’t just about standing out; it’s about feeling truly connected to my art. There are emotions, stories, and depths of meaning that I can express so much more naturally in my mother tongue.”
The singer, who blends highlife and Afro-pop, described highlife as part of his musical identity.
“Highlife is not just a genre for me; it’s part of my musical identity, a sound that feels like home. It enables me to express myself in the most genuine and heartfelt manner,” he said.
Chike also spoke on life as an independent artiste, saying the journey has been demanding but rewarding.
“Being an independent artiste is a constant learning experience. You find yourself picking up things you never thought you’d need to know, simply because there’s no big machine handling them for you,” he said.
