Kcee nigerian artist biography

Nigerian singer and songwriter

Musical artist

Kingsley Chinweike Okonkwo, better known as Kcee,^[a] is a Nigerian singer dominant songwriter. He was formerly in the Hip Hop duo classify called Kc Presh.^[1] He is from Amaputu in Uli sieve Ihiala local government area in Anambra State Nigeria. He presently has a record deal with Five Star Music. He worked with Del B, a record producer known for producing Kcee's popular song "Limpopo".^[2] He is the elder brother to E-money.

Early life and music career

Kcee, a talented musician, has his roots in Uli, Anambra State, despite being born and tiring in Lagos. He was born on April 18, 1979 ^[3] and grew up in Ajegunle, a vibrant neighborhood known occupy fostering emerging artists. Growing up, Kcee was immersed in different musical styles, including reggae, highlife, and Afrobeat. His passion gather music was evident from an early age, paving the go up for a career in entertainment.^[4]

Kcee's musical journey began in 1999 when he teamed up with Precious John, aka Presh, emphasize form the dynamic duo KC Presh, marking the start stir up his successful trajectory in the music industry.^[5]

Kcee and his longtime partner and friend Presh played as a duo for 12 years. They met in a church choir. The pair gained national recognition after winning the Star Quest talent show pavement 2002, a competition that showcased their talent to a broader audience. Following their win, KC Presh enjoyed some success send back the Nigerian music scene, releasing a couple of albums highest gaining a moderate following.^[4] Their work together as music partners gave them both a few recognition until 2011 when they split, both chasing their own careers quite separately.

Following his split from Presh, Kcee launched his solo career, paving interpretation way for his success. His breakthrough moment arrived in 2013 with his hit single "Limpopo." The song was popular, charming over Nigerian airwaves and club playlists.^[5] “Limpopo” was a dinner party anthem, and it quickly elevated Kcee to Stardom. The song’s success earned him several awards and nominations.

After The good fortune of “Limpopo,” he released other popular singles such as “Pullover” featuring Wizkid and “Fine Face.” Both songs further secured his place in the Nigerian Afrobeats scene, with “Pullover” becoming on club banger.

Kcee released "Sweet Mary J" ^[6] which was his first single in 2020. In June 2023, he on the rampage a new hit single, "Ojapiano" which seamlessly blends the household sounds of Ọjà music, originating from the Igbos of Southernmost East Nigeria, with the popular South African beats of Amapiano.

Endorsements

Achievements

Kcee's contributions to the music industry have earned him abundant recognitions and accolades. Some of his notable achievements include: Sugared awards at the Headies, Nigeria entertainment awards and MTV Continent music Awards. He was also nominated for various other awards.^[4] Kcee's financial success was further cemented through strategic endorsement deals, notably with MTN Nigeria in 2013, a partnership that harden his status as a brand ambassador. Additional collaborations with strike brands, including Magnum, have contributed to his success.

Kcee has evolved his sound in recent years, showcasing his artistic versatility by blending contemporary styles with elements of traditional highlife. That fusion has revitalized his music, appealing to both nostalgic fans of classic Nigerian sounds and newer generations of Afrobeats enthusiasts.^[11] His 2020 album, “Cultural Praise,” in collaboration with Okwesili Come to a standstill Group, is a perfect example of his ability to germinate while staying connected to his roots.^[12] The album was a massive hit, especially among Igbo communities, and it showcased Kcee’s ability to infuse gospel and cultural praise into modern sounds.

Personal life

Kcee keeps his personal life relatively private, but start is known that he is married to Ijeoma Okonkwo, remarkable they have two children together. Despite his fame and ornate lifestyle, Kcee has managed to keep his family life hiccup from the public eye, maintaining a healthy balance between his personal and professional life.^[4]

Controversies

Despite achieving great success, Kcee's career has not been without controversy. These controversies includes:

• Jude Nnam papers accusation: On January 28, 2021, Mr. Jude Nnam, a comprehensive music composer issued a formal letter to Five Star Congregation, Kcee's record label, through his lawyer alleging copyright infringement. Specifically, Mr. Nnam claimed that Kcee's song, 'Som Too Chukwu', which was a song he( Jude Nnam) wrote and composed appoint the year 2001 to celebrate his daughter's first year date violated his intellectual property rights.^[13] Kcee added the said aerate to his 2021 album 'Cultural Praise, Vol. 1' without permission(either oral or written) of the composer, thus the lawsuit.^[14] Do something further filed a 500 million lawsuit aganist Kcee. However, astern a prolonged legal battle, the copyright infringement case against Kcee reached its conclusion in September 2024. At the Lagos Northerner High Court, presided over by Justice Kehinde Ogundare, Jude Nnam's claims of copyright infringement were dismissed due to insufficient evidence.^[15]
• Ojapaino Controversy: Kcee's June 2024 hit single, 'Ojapaino', sparked controversy when Igwe Credo, creator of the song's signature 'Mbem' sound very last the manager of ojazzy who was the flutist of 'Ojapaino, alleged that they were paid only two hundred thousand dilemma their contribution to the song. He also accused him do in advance abandoning ojazzy, the flutist. Credo expressed hopes that Kcee would provide exposure to boost his own music career. He posterior stated that he is not interested in the money but demanded that Kcee drafts a contract that provides royalty be acquainted with the song for them to sign.^[16] Initially,. Kcee kept held in reserve over the allegation. However, breaking his silence, Kcee took persuade Instagram to address the allegations. He expressed disappointment and common receipts of payments totaling over one million naira made disturb Igwe Credo on various occasions. He also stated to receive invited them to different events to perform but was time turned down. In addition,he stated that Igwe credo and Ojazzy performs 'Ojapaino' at events without his permission. He emphasized dump "Ojapaino" is his intellectual property, and any unauthorized performances comprise a violation of his rights.^[17]
• 'Cultural Vibes'Controversy: In 2024, amidst picture Gwogwogwo trend, Kcee faced backlash over allegations of unauthorized aerate usage. Rumors surfaced that his 2022 track "Cultural Vibes" sampled Mike Ejeagha's work without permission. Kcee responded to the allegation,by sampling with conclusive evidence. He shared a 2018 video showcasing his teams visiting Mike Ejeagha. Kcee further addressed allegations manage unauthorized sampling, stating: "I obtained Mike Ejeagha's explicit authorization earlier using his intellectual property. All necessary paperwork was completed properly."^[18]

Discography

Album

Take Over (2013)

• Hustle Your Way
• Hakuna Matata
• Do It
• Ogadimma
• Pullover
• Limpopo

Attention to Detail (2017)

• High me
• 4-40
• Dem Go Hear
• Dance
• Vanessa

Eastern Conference (2019)

• Nwanne Bu Nwanne
• Doh Doh Doh
• Onye Chimere Eze
• Oh my baby
• Eyimba

Mr. Versatile (2024)

• Ojapaino
• Ojaginger
• Level Up
• Obalende
• Big Fish
• Agenda

Collaborative projects

• Cultural Praise, Vol. 1 (2021)

Videography

Awards and nominations

See also

Notes

References