Ekporo Keno
My name is Chimamanda Chukwuma. I am a dancer, songwriter and performer. I will be 18 in July 2024. I am from Delta State, but I was born and raised in Benin City, Edo State. I am the last child in a family of four.
Education
For my secondary education, I attended Negbenegbor International School in Benin City. I had wanted to study Law, but my music career took another dimension in 2022, and that halted it. I would like to gain grounds in music before furthering my education. Perhaps,
Parents
My parents, especially my mum, support me. Right from when I was in elementary school, she knew that I wanted to pursue music as a career, and she supported the vision. At some point, my mum and I were rehearsing songs for a reality show— Nigeria’s Got Talent. That was the biggest vision at that time of my life. We saw it as a platform to get recognized. Unfortunately, the show was stopped.
Music
I started music at a very tender age. I did not choose music. It has always been an integral part of my life, and it cannot be taken away from me. I started taking music seriously right from primary school. I was attending competitions, and other events, including weddings, to perform.
I have only released one Extended Play album, and a couple of singles.
Songs
See Finish was my first single, and it was well received by music lovers. When I made the song, I was mentally and physically drained, because it seemed like my life was falling apart. I was just living in Lagos, and I practically had no friends around me. I just wanted to talk, because I had a very boring life. I was doing music in my own house, but there were no fruits. It seemed I was just wasting time. At that point, I had no ambition.
Another track titled, Why, was also peculiar in its way. All through secondary school, I did not have the most amazing life as a student. The song was like a message to people that were bugging me at that time.
Lyrics
My songs basically describe the emotions I feel, as well as happenings around me, and other people’s experiences.
Genre
I call my music ‘Afro RnB’, because it is a fusion of RnB, which has a huge influence on my career, and afro-pop or afrobeats. Afrobeats is the prevalent music in Nigeria, and I grew up loving RnB. Sometimes, I also call it (music genre) as ‘afro-delusional’, because I usually sing about things that are almost impossible.
Social media
The use of social media is essential, and it has aided the growth of my career. I don’t think we can do without it, because it has enhanced our lives in different ways. Communication and sharing information have been made easy with social media.
There are some disadvantages to using social media though. But, as regards my career, it is one of the best things that have happened to me. I have been able to use the platform to push my name and what I stand for to people all over the world.
Collaboration
The only artistes I have collaborated with are Victony and Bnxn. They are actually two of my favourite artistes.
However, I would still love to collaborate with Wizkid, Fave, Wande Coal, Simi and Burna Boy. That is my dream, and I hope that I can achieve them at some point in my career.
Influence
My emotions are basically what influence the type of music that I make.
Legacy
I want to be a prosperous person, but I don’t want to limit myself by saying a bunch of words. I know that there will be a lot of work, as well as international recognition and growth.
Fans
I love the fact that I can impact some people’s lives by just saying the simplest words. And, I always use it for good. I engage with my fans, and they are usually so excited, which in-turn makes me happy. I love the power music gives to one to influence people’s lives.
Desire
I would love to add that music is not limited to RnB and afrobeats. There is alternative music, and others. I would love people to embrace those other genres too, because it feels like they are hidden. There is usually a lot of pressure on just afrobeats. Meanwhile, people like other genres as well.
Experiences
I have so many humbling experiences— such as being rejected many times while coming up— which have made me the person I am today. That hurt me, but I understood that not everyone will love one.
A lot of people who did not think I had it in me would have been very surprised when I became famous. They thought the world was not ready for my kind of message. That is why I am very grateful to the people who believed in me, and chose to go on this journey with me. That experience has humbled me so far. Also, the moments when I get to meet my idols and they recognise me, reminds me that I am doing the right thing, and God is blessing me. Without God, I cannot do anything. He is the only reason I am where I am today.
Challenges
I face the challenge of living up to expectations, because many people think I don’t deserve to be where I am, and they subconsciously show it whenever I am around them. That is a challenge, because I always have to prove myself, and be on my toes.
There is also the challenge of comportment, because whenever I meet my idols, I shouldn’t act weirdly, but that could be hard for me, because I am just 17 years old. I always feel like screaming and hugging them.
Also, I am always working; whether making music in the studio, having a photo shoot, or even interviews.
Regrets
I have not done anything that I deeply regret. All the things I have done have taught me some things I needed to learn, so I have no regrets.
Fame
I am one of the artistes that should be watched out for. It makes me feel so good that people are interested in my music, and appreciate it. That has always been my dream, and I am grateful that God is making it happen. It reemphasises my belief that this is what I was born to do.
Relaxation
Sometimes, I listen to music, especially by Kendrick Lamar (an American artiste). And sometimes, I go to my best friend’s house, and we just talk about regular things. Many of the people around me are my age mates, because the industry could a dog-eat-dog world.
Rivalry
I think it is funny, because rivalry sometimes makes the industry more interesting. I am not saying I like it, but I find it funny that someone could be ‘beefing’ with me, and write a whole song about me. That would make me laugh, and I would create my own songs too. I think it is cute, and also childish to an extent. I would love for someone to write a diss track about me.
Memories
The moment I got signed to a record label, and the times I met some of my idols were memorable moments for me.
Providing back-up vocals for Wizkid was a highlight for me as well. Going on tour with Buxu also felt so real and good.
Dreams
I desire to be able to impact enough people to believe in themselves. My career trajectory helps many people to know it’s not an age thing. It is more about how ready one is, and how passionate one is about it. I want to be that artiste that people want to listen to when in distress. I want to make music that is therapeutic, and fine more meaning as an artiste.
Fears
It is more about being an artiste than the music industry itself. It seems there is more to it than meets the eye.
One of my fears is that people could misinterpret me, and make me appear as someone I am not.
Fashion
Fashion should be comfortable, and represent one. What one wears should give a clue as to the kind of person one is. I love to wear baggy clothes, because I feel they best depict me.
When it comes to fashion, the most important factor is my comfort.
Very nice
For sure
Interesting..
It’s well
Na God
Good
Very good