SON OF CHIKE marks the triumphant return of award-winning Nigerian pop and soul sensation CHIKE two years after his critically acclaimed sophomore album The Brother’s Keeper. Inspired by his family heritage, and his artistic evolution since his last album, the glorious 12-track opus sees Chike returning to his cultural roots, and celebrating his family name Osebuka. Symbolizing his identity as his father’s son, and an artist building on the legacy of his previous works, Son of Chike is a heartfelt celebration of what it means to be human, centred around the complexities of relationships and personal growth.
Written and composed by Chike, and produced by his longtime collaborator DeeYasso (Oxlade, Dave, Wande Coal), with guest appearances from Olamide, Qing Madi, Ladipoe, Amaeya, and the late Mohbad, Son of Chike is a powerful exploration of the human experience, which sees Chike taking listeners on a deeply relatable and emotionally resonant journey. With evocative storytelling, enchanting melodies, and rich soundscapes, the album explores identity, self-discovery, love, joy, heartbreak, resilience, family heritage, and the beauty of life, among many complex themes.
Driven by its celebratory chart-topping lead single, ‘Egwu’ featuring the late and loved Mohbad, which has already garnered over 250 million global streams, Son of Chike opens in defiant mood with the Ladipoe-assisted ‘Unto You’, which sees Chike emphasizing the importance of staying true to yourself. ‘Lifetime Love’ takes listeners on a journey through the complexities of romantic relationships, capturing the essence of enduring love and passion, while ‘Apple’ continues this theme of romance, as Chike portrays love as an essential part of life. ‘Ego Oyibo’ sees Chike reflecting on the beauty of cultural pride and personal connection, and he celebrates the beauty and strength of his heritage on ‘Mma (Beauty)’.
Elsewhere on ‘Someone’, Chike provides an introspective look at the pain of unfulfilled promises, and he offers a message of empowerment and moving on from a past relationship with ‘Your Loss’. ‘Not Your Daddy’ stands out with its assertive message of independence and self-worth, while ‘Balance Am’ tries to find harmony in life’s challenges. Closing out with the powerful anthem ‘Man Not God’ that calls for humility and gratitude, Son of Chike reveals Chike at his absolute best, offering a deeply resonant body of work that beautifully weaves his evocative storytelling with rich musical arrangements.