Award-winning singer Chike has released his highly anticipated third album, “Son of Chike”, a masterpiece that showcases his roots and cultural heritage.
In an interview with Apple Music Africa Now Radio, Chike revealed that the album is a deliberate effort to express his Igbo culture through music.
“I feel like it’s an album where I was putting out my culture, even down to the way I expressed myself. I know that with this album, you can tell who Chike is and where he is from. I know that my culture is more represented in the music in my third studio album,” he told the host, Nandi Madida.
With features from Olamide, Ladipoe, and Qing Madi, among others, Chike said he prioritised the music over commercial appeal, saying that each collaboration enhances the album’s artistic value.
He emphasised that the album’s success is not solely measured by numbers, but by the impact of the music itself.
With everything I do, I just try to remind myself that the music comes first. It’s not the numbers, because that temptation is there…Numbers look good and everybody wants to have them, but for me, in the end, no matter the decision I made—even if it’s for numbers, perception, or whatever it is for—I still ask myself, ‘Is it about the music? Does the music come first?’ “
Chike’s “Son of Chike” is a 12-track album that includes hits like “Egwu” (feat. Mohbad), “Unto You”, “Lifetime Love”, and “Balance Am”.
The singer’s reflection on Mohbad’s passing highlights the importance of making the most of life’s opportunities, inspiring Chike to prioritise his art and make meaningful connections through his music.
“When things happen in your life and you realise we are not here forever, it reminds you that this can happen to anybody and you should make the best use of your time. I went ahead and did something I’d wanted to do. I spent all my savings; I did things for some people, where [before] I was thinking it wasn’t the right time to do it. I was just like, “You know what, I’m gonna do this now, right time or not—because the right time might never come.”
Chike’s new album ‘Son of Chike’ was released on July 19, 2024.
