Nigerian singer CKay has called out some of his colleagues in the music industry, accusing them of mocking his early attempts to create a unique style of Afrobeats, only to now adopt the very same sound and approach. Known for his global hit ‘Love Nwantiti,’ CKay expressed his frustration with those he claims have copied his “emo-afrobeat” style, which he pioneered.
In a series of posts on his X handle (formerly Twitter), CKay made it clear that he was among the first artists to bring certain innovative vibes to the Afrobeats genre, a fact that he believes should not be overlooked or rewritten. According to CKay, many of the trends and methods that are now widely used by Afrobeats artists, including the promotion of songs on TikTok, were initially laughed at when he introduced them.
“History can’t be rewritten just because some people got paid to rewrite it… I’ll always be here to remind you,” CKay wrote, showing his determination to set the record straight about his contributions to the genre.
CKay’s rise to fame can largely be attributed to his innovative approach, which combined emotional and melancholic elements with traditional Afrobeats rhythms. This blend of styles, which he dubbed “emo-afrobeat,” caught on quickly, particularly among younger audiences. However, CKay claims that when he first introduced this style, he was ridiculed by his peers, only for many of them to now imitate his sound and capitalize on it.
“CKay is the first,” he continued. “I pioneered many vibes Afrobeats artistes thrive off today… iykyk (if you know, you know). Y’all laughed when I came up with emo-afrobeat and was on TikTok all day but many are now doing the same thing, calling it ridiculous names (& making $$). You’re welcome sha.”
The frustration expressed by CKay highlights the competitive nature of the Afrobeats industry, where trends can quickly become mainstream, and the line between imitation and innovation can sometimes blur. CKay’s success with ‘Love Nwantiti’ not only made waves in Nigeria but also became a viral sensation on TikTok, where users from around the world helped the song gain international recognition. As a result, the song’s success fueled the broader trend of promoting Afrobeats music on social media platforms, something CKay feels he helped pioneer.
His statements come at a time when Afrobeats is experiencing massive growth, both within Africa and internationally. As the genre continues to evolve, many artists are exploring different ways to incorporate Afrobeats rhythms into their music while also blending it with elements from other genres. CKay’s “emo-afrobeat” was one such attempt to push the boundaries of the genre, infusing it with a more emotional and introspective vibe that resonated with a global audience.
While CKay’s success has opened doors for many Afrobeats artists to experiment with new sounds, his comments reveal a sense of dissatisfaction with how his contributions have been perceived. Despite his pioneering efforts, it seems that others in the industry have benefitted from his innovations without giving him due credit.
This isn’t the first time that an artist has called out the music industry for not recognizing their influence. In many creative fields, especially in music, it is not uncommon for new trends and styles to emerge, only to be co-opted by others who may have larger platforms or more resources. CKay’s decision to speak out against what he perceives as the rewriting of history is a way to assert his place in the Afrobeats movement and ensure that his role in shaping the genre is acknowledged.
CKay’s journey in the music industry has been one of resilience and creativity. From his early days as a producer to his breakout success as an artist, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of what Afrobeats can be. His use of platforms like TikTok to promote his music was initially met with skepticism, but as the success of ‘Love Nwantiti’ shows, his strategy was ahead of its time. Today, many artists rely on social media platforms to promote their music and engage with fans, a trend that CKay feels he helped establish.
As Afrobeats continues to grow in popularity, both in Africa and around the world, artists like CKay will likely continue to push the genre in new directions. His “emo-afrobeat” style, which combines emotion, melody, and rhythm, has already left a lasting impact on the genre, and it is clear that he intends to remind people of his influence.
In calling out those who mocked him only to later adopt his style, CKay is not just seeking recognition for his contributions, but also urging others in the industry to respect the innovators who help shape the genre’s future. As he continues to create new music and experiment with different sounds, CKay remains a key figure in the ongoing evolution of Afrobeats. His reminder that “history can’t be rewritten” serves as a powerful message to those who may overlook his role in the genre’s success.
