Welcome to The TikTok Effect, the interview series that dives into the stories of African artists who turned viral moments into musical milestones. From trending challenges to career-changing opportunities, we explore how TikTok has become a powerful stage for emerging talent. Join us as we uncover the creativity, strategy, and serendipity behind their rise, one viral hit at a time.
Chinedu Emmanuel Chijioke, also known as Khid Ceejay, is a bubbling sensation who has caught the eyes of many through his popular sounds on TikTok. In this interview, he narrates his experience in the music industry so far, the influence of TikTok on his career, and other exciting things to expect from him this year.
Where did you get your name from?
I got ‘Ceejay’ from my name, Chijioke… just a simple nickname. Then I added ‘Khid’ for a bit of flair and identity.
What was the first ever inspiration you got to do music?
The first inspiration I had to do music came back in high school. Life was really heavy on me mentally, and I often felt like I was the only one going through it. Then I started listening to real music… not just the trending stuff, but songs that had depth. They brought me a kind of peace I hadn’t felt before. That’s when I picked up a pen and started writing. I wanted to create that same feeling for others… to let people know they’re not alone, the way those songs did for me.
What would you describe as the genre that best describes your music?
I’d say my music leans toward Afro-Soul and Afro R&B, but honestly, the whole genre thing can get a bit confusing sometimes.
When did you start using TikTok for your music, and what was your first breakthrough moment?
I started using TikTok around 2022, mostly because I had a little more free time and wanted to put myself out there.
Can you take us back to the moment you realized your song/video was blowing up on TikTok? What was your first reaction?
My first real breakthrough moment was when I posted a snippet of my song Don’t Waste Your Time. It blew up and caught people’s attention in a way I didn’t expect.
After I posted the snippet, it got so many likes and shares within the first 24 hours. It felt unreal…people were using the sound and singing the lyrics word for word. I didn’t expect that kind of reaction at all. Seeing people connect with something I made was crazy, but in the best way.
Was TikTok always part of your strategy, or did the virality happen unexpectedly?
When I tell you it wasn’t expected, I’m not even lying. I had no strategy at all. It was just a regular Saturday evening, and I felt like posting something on TikTok…no pressure, no plans of actually dropping the song. I just wanted to share a moment, and somehow it blew up.
Do you ever struggle to make music that resonates with TikTok while staying true to your artistic vision?
Yeah, I do face that sometimes. While creating music, I catch myself wondering if it’ll perform well on TikTok. But over time, I’ve learned not to let the algorithm control my creativity. My focus is on making music that’s true to my vision, and if it connects with people, it’ll find its way, with or without a trend.
Has TikTok’s success translated into real-life opportunities, like gigs, collaborations, or record deals?
Yeah, it definitely opened some doors. I started getting more messages from artists, producers, and even a few labels showing interest. It also helped me grow my audience, so now more people are listening when I drop something. It’s still a journey, but TikTok gave me that push I didn’t even know I needed.
If you have, what was your first live performance experience like?
I was really anxious…being a new artist and stepping on stage for the first time felt like a lot. But surprisingly, it turned out well. The energy was good, and that experience gave me more confidence. I’m definitely getting the hang of it.
Are there artists you would love to collaborate with?
One person I’d love to work with is Amaeya. Our styles would blend in a way that feels deep and authentic.
So far in the industry, what would you say is the best lesson you’ve learnt?
Honestly, I’m still learning as I go. But one thing that’s stuck with me so far is that consistency really matters. You might not have it all figured out, but showing up, staying true to your sound, and trusting your growth make a big difference.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years? Do you plan to stay TikTok-focused or expand into other platforms?
The plan is definitely to expand…not just to other platforms, but to the world. TikTok has been a great starting point, but in the next five years, I see myself reaching a global audience, performing on big stages, and building a solid presence beyond social media.
Any tape/projects to expect from you this year?
Yeah, there’s definitely a project in the works. I won’t say too much yet, but just know something meaningful is coming this year.
