Jude ‘MI’ Abaga, the Nigerian rapper, has reflected on the early days of singer CKay’s career and rise to global fame.
Speaking on a recent episode of Culture Custodian podcast, MI recalled first meeting CKay at the Chocolate City office, where the then-teenager was making beats.
The rapper narrated how CKay, at about age 16, saved money and moved to Lagos without the knowledge of his parents.
MI said he invited CKay to stay at his house after the singer was scammed and left stranded.
“One day I came into the Chocolate City office and Moti plays me a beat, and I was like ‘Who made this beat?’. And I turn and it’s just this kid sitting there,” MI said.
“I was like if this kid can make beats, we need to keep him around. The next time I heard about CKay, someone was telling me that kid was 16 or 17 at the time.
“He came to Lagos and basically planned his move to Lagos without telling his parents. He saved up money, rented an apartment, and bought his equipment. And when he arrived Lagos, he sent them a message that he has moved to Lagos.
“But he got scammed. So, he was stranded. Then I was like, ‘Oh come stay with me’. He stayed with me for a year. And in that time, CKay always knew where he wanted to go.
“But in that time, he was serving as a producer. Couple of years later, I was talking to Lambo and she said ‘I really believe in CKay. CKay is going to be a star’. She asked me to let her sign CKay. Then, to be honest, I hadn’t even seen what she’d seen. CKay was always prepared and detailed.
“He would never let the emotional context of what was happening outweigh the logic, and kept moving towards his career. He would try, fail, iterate.
“I actually had lunch with him in Houston few months ago, and it was just like sitting with a global superstar and it was a real full circle moment for me. I’m very proud of him.”
CKay rose to stardom following the release of his hit song ‘Love Nwantiti’ in 2019.
He was signed to Chocolate City in 2015. Under the label, he released his second extended play ‘CKay the First’ which housed ‘Love Nwantiti’.
In 2021, CKay disclosed that he was now signed to Warner Music South Africa. He also recalled how he disobeyed his parents to pursue music.
In August 2024, CKay launched his record label Boyfriend Music, which he co-founded with Joseph Salubi, his childhood friend.
