Afrobeats star CKay has officially wrapped up his recording deal with Warner Music South Africa, closing a major chapter in his career. Best known for global hits like Love Nwantiti and Emiliana, CKay revealed that the decision to part ways was both intentional and mutual.
“Every journey has a beginning and an end,” he said. “I’m grateful for the experience, but it’s time for me to explore new energy and new horizons.”
With his next move already stirring excitement, sources close to the singer hint that something big is on the way possibly marking a fresh direction in sound and creativity.
A Rise from Kaduna to the World
CKay’s journey started back in 2014, when he was discovered and moved to Lagos to pursue music full-time. He joined Chocolate City in 2015 and released his breakout track Bad Musician Bad Producer in 2016. The song caught on nationwide, helping him build momentum as a rising artist.
He continued to build his sound with songs like Container and his 2019 EP CKay the First, which featured Love Nwantiti. That track exploded in 2021 after going viral on TikTok, catapulting CKay onto international charts. The remix entered the UK Top 40 and later earned him his first spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US.
Global Success and New Heights
In late 2021, CKay dropped Emiliana, which became another smash hit. The track charted across Europe and Africa, peaked at number 9 in France, and was certified platinum in May 2022. Just a few months later, CKay hit another major milestone surpassing 100 million streams on Boomplay. At the time, his music was featured in over 3,500 playlists and streamed in more than 120 countries.
Building a Legacy
In August 2024, CKay and longtime friend Joseph Salubi launched Boyfriend Music, a publishing and management company. With an American branch called Boyfrnd Music, the label aims to support artists, songwriters, and producers on a global scale.
CKay continued to evolve musically. In October 2024, he released his 12-track sophomore album EMOTIONS, featuring collaborations with Olamide, The Cavemen, Ty Dolla $ign, and Nora Fatehi. The project offered a more vulnerable and refined CKay, fusing his signature Afrobeats style with global sounds and heartfelt storytelling.
Just two months later, in December 2024, PREMIUM TIMES reported Love Nwantiti as the highest-selling Nigerian song in the United States - a historic feat that underscored CKay’s impact on the global music scene.
Now, as he parts ways with Warner Music South Africa, all signs point to the beginning of a bold new era. With his independent label, Boyfriend Music, gaining momentum and a fresh creative vision on the horizon, CKay is clearly poised to take his artistry and the genre even further.