Chinko Ekun: The Rapper with a Heart of Gold
The Real Chinko Ekun: A Story of Passion, Perseverance, and Purpose
Nigerian rap sensation Chinko Ekun has long been hailed as a master of his craft, weaving intricate lyrics and infectious beats into a signature sound that has captivated audiences nationwide. But beneath the surface of his chart-topping hits and sold-out shows lies a complex and deeply personal artistic journey. In a rare and intimate conversation with A&R DUTY, Chinko Ekun pulls back the curtain on his creative process, sharing the inspirations, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped him as a person.
“The Book”. Conducted by Andrea Andy, this exclusive interview offers an unparalleled glimpse into the mind of a true creative genius, revealing the passion, perseverance, and dedication that have solidified Chinko Ekun’s position as a leading voice in Nigerian music.
I engaged Chinko Ekun in a chat about his journey and plans for the future regarding his career moving forward.
Chinko Ekun stands out—a vibrant soul with an energy as infectious as his lyrics. In speaking to Chinko Ekun I encountered a man brimming with positivity, a “ray of sunshine” as I quickly realized during our conversation.
Chinko’s journey from studying law at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) to becoming an award-winning rapper was far from a walk in the park. “It’s been rough around the edges…but I’m grateful for the support from my family and meeting good people,” he reflected with unmistakable humility. This humility anchors him as he navigates the choppy waters of the Nigerian music industry. For Chinko, the strength he derives from his support system is more than a safety net; it’s his driving force, a source of pride that fuels his relentless pursuit of success.
Chinko boasts about the support system he gets from his parents “My dad used to pay for my studio sessions”. He shared a story of how he got scammed once by a guy who promised to play his songs for an artiste he idolized, Jesse Jagz. “He has asked me to pay him 95k, this was in 2012 2013, I’d gone to my Dad to ask for the money. He wrote me a cheque for 100k to support me, the 5k was for my transport. I never heard back from the guy after giving him the money.”
As our conversation deepened, Chinko Ekun shared a guiding philosophy that has steered him through the highs and lows of his career: “No matter how good a product is, it takes the right people to market it,” he emphasized, underscoring the importance of teamwork. “I met people along the way who helped me amplify my craft.” Chinko’s gratitude extends beyond mere words—it’s a testament to the “God-given talent” he cherishes and the people who have stood by him.
Before he became known for his rap, Chinko Ekun explored several other talents. He played the drums in church, where he was quite well-known, and even dabbled in dancing—a talent he humorously admitted he no longer possesses. Interestingly, he also used to chant before he began rapping.
Despite setbacks in his career, Chinko Ekun spoke only with a deep appreciation for the lessons learned, with no trace of bitterness in his voice. When I asked about his early days posting freestyles on Instagram, as far back as 2011, he reminisced about just wanting to showcase himself online when the app only allowed 15-second videos. Chinko describes himself as a “soft, cool sweetheart,” a stark contrast to the fierce alter ego that emerges in his music.
One unique aspect of his style is the infusion of fake Chinese into his rap, a tactic he used to stand out. “Till today, if you rap in Yoruba and infuse Chinese, you’d be under my shadow,” he said with a hint of pride. His stage name, “Chinko Ekun,” has an interesting backstory. Before adopting this name, he was called Chun Li in secondary school because of his Chinese-like appearance, which eventually evolved into Chinko. Not wanting to lose these identities, he fused them, inspired by his 2013 debut song “Ekun.”
One thing became clear throughout our conversation: Chinko Ekun is fiercely passionate about his craft. He eagerly wants people to hear him rap, considering himself a fierce rapper. Reflecting on the moment he won an award for “Able God,” he felt a deep sense of accomplishment. “I was given that award by one of my icons, Reminisce. I felt fulfilled. It was a moment to make my parents proud,” he said. When I asked if he was able to sleep after receiving the award because I knew I would be bubbling with way too much energy to do so if I was in his shoes, he humorously admitted, “Meeee??? I love my sleep o.” Alright, Chun Li! I guess we do not have that in common.
Chinko Ekun shared a memorable experience at the Headies Awards, where two years before winning, he had wished to be on that stage. “God listens, and it’s good to work,” he remarked, reinforcing his belief in hard work and faith.
We also touched on his “Jaga Jaga” cover, a rendition of Victony’s single that shook the internet. Chinko had much to say about his journey in the industry and the mistakes he’d made, but he mostly laughed about it. He enjoys painting his perspective on every song he listens to, even though he was initially hesitant to record the cover. “I won’t lie, I removed a lot of it…When I was done recording, I sent it to Zlatan. He wanted me to put it out and even offered to send me his video director just so I would shoot the video. I can’t lie, I felt emotional while shooting the video, and when I dropped the cover, Victony had to reach out to make sure I was good,” he recalled. Chinko took pride in owning up to his “B.S.,” as he put it, and hinted that he would speak more on that part of his journey in the future, probably through a body of work.
In 2022, Chinko Ekun released “Indoorstrict,” a project that received mind-blowing comments but strangely didn’t reflect in streaming numbers—a commentary on the consumption of rap in the Nigerian music industry. Reflecting on his over-a-decade-long journey, Chinko has gained a deep understanding of how the industry works. “I know you can paint pictures through your words, and that’s what I did on Indoorstrict. It was a risky dare because a lot of people do not like to own up and talk about what they are going through,” he explained. The project resonated with many, garnering over a thousand covers from people eager to share their own stories.
Chinko’s passion for nurturing emerging talent was evident when he pondered the challenges faced by young rappers in various parts of Nigeria. “To an extent, some of us were able to make a little success and fame via the rap genre, but now that it’s on the lower side, what is the fate of a younger rapper just starting in Benin, Onitsha, Anambra, Ogun State? Do they switch?” he asked, a rhetorical question highlighting the difficult choices faced by upcoming artists. The song was initially six minutes long but had to be shortened—a decision that speaks to the depth of his message.
Gratitude is a recurring theme in Chinko Ekun’s life—gratitude for his talent, which puts food on his table, and for the good people around him. His love and appreciation for God, his family, and his supporters are qualities I greatly admire. Fun fact: despite his fiery stage presence, Chinko Ekun is quite introverted. He candidly discussed the struggles of juggling school and his career as an artist, as well as the things he has seen in the industry.
“The industry is a challenging environment; you just need to know how to navigate it. It’s full of users—I was taken advantage of a couple of times,” he revealed.
As our chat drew to a close, I asked Chinko Ekun how he felt about his journey thus far. “No single regret, only life lessons. I’ve learned, I had to learn the easy and hard way. I feel like I’ve grown,” he said, reflecting on his personal growth. Then, he made a surprising announcement: “I’m moving to the business side of music. It’s been a journey where I’ve been able to own up to my mistakes, and I want to make sure the upcoming ones do not go through the same things.” Chinko Ekun reflected as our conversation drew to a close. It’s this growth that now drives his shift from the spotlight to the business side of music. With a decade of experience under his belt, Chinko is determined to ensure that the next generation of artists doesn’t have to navigate the same pitfalls.
Chinko’s plans for the future are ambitious and exciting. “I’ve taken like two years of my life to understand how the music ecosystem works. I’m on the wave of being able to liaise between every important creative in the music ecosystem and also monetize it,” he explained. A milestone for him is winning a Grammy and bringing up talents that would add to his purpose in life. “Success is not just about making money; it’s about the lives you’ve touched and what people will say about you when you’re gone and even when you’re there.” he shared, his voice brimming with purpose. For Chinko, success isn’t just measured by accolades or wealth, but by the lives he touches along the way.
Chinko Ekun is driven by a desire to help younger artists reach their dreams. His advice is both practical and inspiring: “First, believe in yourself. You have to believe that you can do it; if you doubt, you will see more reasons why you can’t, but if you believe, you will see reasons why you should do it amidst challenges and obstacles. You have to grow and you have to learn, even if it costs you getting mentorship. You need to understand that you will crawl before you walk. Vector once said to me, ‘Most people want the result, not the process, but they fail to remember that you don’t build a house from the ceiling.’” Chinko holds on to this wisdom, a reminder of the power of process.
As he steps into this new phase of his career, Chinko Ekun’s journey is a testament to the power of belief, perseverance, and the willingness to learn from every experience.
Written by Andrea Andy – 16 Aug 2024