Monday 13| November: Warner Music Africa’s standout artist, Chukwuka Ekweani, popularly known as CKay, has achieved another remarkable feat in his rapidly rising career by earning a coveted Grammy nomination. The nomination recognizes CKay’s outstanding contributions to Janelle Monáe’s groundbreaking album, “The Age of Pleasure,” placing it in contention for the prestigious Album of the Year award. The standout track highlighting CKay’s exceptional talent, “Know Better,” features the artist alongside Seun Kuta and Egypt 80, delivering a captivating blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and Highlife.
In addition to the esteemed Best Album nomination, Janelle Monae’s “The Age of Pleasure” has garnered further recognition with a nomination in the prestigious Best Progressive R&B Album category.
CKay’s meteoric ascent in the Afrobeats scene serves as a testament to his unwavering talent and dedication. As a versatile artist, CKay seamlessly transitions between roles — from a masterful producer behind the boards to a captivating performer in front of the microphone, consistently delivering self-penned hits.
The Emo-Afrobeats sensation initially gained global acclaim with his breakout hit “Love Nwantiti.” Originally featured on his debut EP, “CKay The First,” in 2019, the track achieved global phenomenon status in 2021. CKay made history as the most streamed artist of the year and the first African artist with two tracks simultaneously on the Global Spotify Top 30.
“Love Nwantiti” not only attained platinum/multi-platinum status in five countries, including the United States, India, and Italy, but also secured gold certifications in the UK, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand. CKay’s unprecedented success on the UK Singles Chart, maintaining a top 5 position for four consecutive weeks, marked him as the first African artist in 50 years to achieve such a milestone.
Following the chart-topping success of “Love Nwantiti,” CKay continued his global dominance with the release of “Emiliana,” amassing over 340 million streams worldwide. The single claimed the #1 spot on the UK Afrobeats Chart, reached #2 on Shazam Top 200 (Afrobeats), and secured the #1 position in six countries on Apple Music.
September 23, 2022, witnessed the unveiling of CKay’s debut album, “Sad Romance,” featuring collaborations with established and emerging African talents, including Davido, Ayra Starr, and Focalistic. With over 380 million streams worldwide, the album solidified CKay’s position as a musical force to be reckoned with.
The journey persists with the deluxe version of “Sad Romance,” released on June 16, 2023, featuring four new tracks, including the chart-topping “HALLELUJAH” with Blaqbonez, which ascended to #1 on Apple Music in Nigeria — CKay’s inaugural #1 in his home territory.
As CKay’s star continues its ascent, the Grammy nomination for his contribution to Janelle Monae’s “The Age of Pleasure” underscores the artist’s global impact, foreshadowing even greater achievements in the future.