Nigerian global music sensation CKay thrillingly announced a major new partnership with the renowned international record label AWAL, perfectly timed with the highly anticipated release of his forthcoming EP set for June 2025. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in CKay’s career, underscoring his dedication to creative ownership and his ambitions to reach audiences on a global scale.
Through this alliance, CKay is poised to elevate his artistic journey by securing enhanced creative control and pursuing greater ambitions within the international music landscape. With a phenomenal track record of exceeding 3 billion streams, earning multiple platinum certifications, and experiencing remarkable success across various regions, CKay is now embracing a new business model that emphasizes freedom, scalability, and authenticity. “This is not just a new project. It is the beginning of something far deeper,” the Love Nwantiti crooner shares. “Every phase of my journey has shaped me, and now it is time to own the moment.”
AWAL executives are equally enthusiastic about the opportunity to collaborate with the award-winning singer. Excel Joab, the A&R and Artist Development Lead for AWAL West Africa, expressed his excitement, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome CKay to the AWAL family,” says Excel Joab, A&R and Artist Development Lead, AWAL West Africa. “He is an exceptional talent whose global footprint speaks for itself. With this partnership, we are not just continuing his momentum. We are setting the stage to break new ground and elevate his artistry to new heights.”
Ben Akinbola, AWAL’s Head of Growth, further emphasized the artist’s alignment with the company’s vision, saying, “CKay is exactly the kind of artist that AWAL is built to partner with. His one-of-one creative vision, entrepreneurial mindset, global fan base, and endless ambition create the foundation for real cultural impact. The music coming will speak volumes.”
CKay’s upcoming EP, titled “CKay The Second,” is set to release in June 2025 and aims to build upon the success of his debut while emphasizing a distinct sonic evolution. This project is expected to deliver a genre-fluid sound that is emotionally impactful and globally conscious, tackling themes of love, identity, and personal growth through a fresh and introspective lens.
Drawing from a vibrant period of clarity and personal transformation, CKay masterfully crafts a soundscape that merges the infectious rhythms of Afrobeats with the soulful elements of R&B and the experimental flair of pop. The melodic arrangements and reflective lyrics in each track will invite listeners to delve deeper into CKay’s artistic persona. “I have always made music that feels honest, sometimes too honest,” CKay says. “This project holds nothing back. It reflects exactly where I am right now.”
The rollout strategy for this EP will focus on fostering meaningful engagement with fans rather than simply generating hype. Audiences can anticipate captivating visuals, intentional moments crafted for fan interactions, and a steady stream of content designed to bring them closer to the artist’s evolving sound and personal journey. This approach promises to enhance the connection between CKay and his listeners, allowing them to experience his artistic growth in real-time.
