The Afrobeats star sits down with Boardroom to discuss how he’s stayed busy since viral success, his brand & legacy, how he wants to work with Drake, and more.
If you’ve been on social media at any point since 2019, you’ve likely heard “Love Nwantiti” played over an Instagram reel or TikTok. The Afrobeats hit sung in Nigerian Pidgin, Igbo, and French is the work of CKay, also affectionately known as “Africa’s Boyfriend.” The Nigerian superstar’s smash single is the most certified Afrobeats song since December 2021 and has been used by tens of millions online in coordinated dances, vacation recaps, and other creative ways.
Since his viral success, life has not slowed down for the 29-year-old. In fact, last month, he dropped the follow-up to his first EP, CKay The First, aptly titled CKay The Second. What he describes as the “beginning chapter of another era” still taps into that emotional vulnerability that drew audiences to CKay’s previous work. Instead of chasing trends, he doubled down on “Emo-Afrobeats,” the heartfelt, genre-blending style he coined years earlier. Also rooted in melodic rhythms and personal storytelling, CKay’s Emo-Afrobeats carve out a unique space in the global music scene, proving that maintaining authenticity resonates just as powerfully as a polished chart-topping formula.
“The person I was when I made CKay The First and the person I am now with CKay The Second, is still the same person. It’s just so much that has happened in between,” the artist told Bardroom. “All these experiences and stories is what I basically put in to create the next project, then putting the energy of that next project, for the next one and the next one. The journey has been progressing from the very beginning in an exponential curve. The mindset was, I am the first CKay, I’m not the next anyone. CK The Second is a continuation of that legacy.”
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Although his newest project only features two artists on two tracks, CKay has collaborated with artists across various genres on past works. From fellow Afrobeats artists Davido and Ayra Starr to mainstream musicians like Janelle Monáe and Ty Dolla $ign, he embraces working with creatives from diverse backgrounds and genres, believing that each collaboration brings fresh perspectives and challenges that push him beyond his comfort zone.
Whether it’s blending different musical styles or exchanging emotional truths in the studio, CKay told Boardroom these shared experiences spark new ideas and elevate his artistry. For him, collaboration isn’t just about making another No. 1 hit — it’s about connection, growth, and the thrill of creative chemistry. Plus, he also revealed two artists he’d like to work with in the future.
“I think if me and Drake made a song, it would actually sound really good. Me and Chris Brown would make something that sounds really good, too. His strong R&B background fused with my Afrobeats/Afro-fusion vibe would do something really crazy,” CKay said.
Be sure to watch the full Boardroom Talks with CKay, where he discusses developing his global brand, misconceptions about African music and culture, and the kind of legacy he wants to leave in the global music industry.
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