Ckay:Biography, Net Worth And Career: The Love Nwantiti Crooner Who Took Afrobeats Global

If you’ve ever vibed to “Love Nwantiti ah ah ah” at a party, you already know the magic of CKay. He’s that Nigerian superstar who went from Kaduna boy hustling in Lagos to breaking global records on Spotify, Billboard, and TikTok.

This blog post is your all-in-one gist about CKay, his biography, career journey, and of course, how much money he has stacked so far. So grab your Zobo or chilled Coke, sit back, and let’s break it down Naija style.

CKay Biography 

CKay, whose real name is Chukwuka Chukwuma Ekweani, was born on July 16, 1995, in Kaduna State, Nigeria. He hails from Anambra State but grew up in a Christian home where music was everywhere. His dad was a church choir conductor, and that’s where CKay learned to play the piano.

By the time he was a teenager, music had already stolen his heart. He later picked up guitar skills, drums, and production. Unlike many artistes who start as singers, CKay began his journey behind the scenes as a producer, cooking beats before stepping into the spotlight.

Early Life and Musical Foundation

CKay’s story is a true reflection of that Naija hustle spirit. At just 19, he moved to Lagos the heart of Nigerian entertainment, to chase his dreams. In Lagos, he joined Loopy Music, which later merged with Chocolate City, one of Nigeria’s biggest record labels.

At Chocolate City, he wasn’t just another face in the crowd. He produced songs for big names like MI Abaga, Dice Ailes, and DJ Neptune, proving his worth in the studio. This gave him credibility in the industry before he even dropped his own hits.

CKay’s Career Journey

1. Debut & Breakthrough

CKay officially debuted under Chocolate City with his EP Who the Fuck is CKay? in 2017. While it didn’t blow up immediately, it introduced him as a promising act.

Then came his 2019 EP, CKay the First,and inside it was the golden ticket: “Love Nwantiti.” At first, the song gained moderate love locally, but the universe had other plans.

2.The Love Nwantiti

universe had other plans.

Explosion

By 2021, Love Nwantiti became a global phenomenon thanks to TikTok. Everybody and their neighbor was making dance videos to it. The track topped charts in Europe, Asia, and America, making CKay an international superstar almost overnight.

Some milestones:

  •First African artist to hit 1 billion streams on Spotify with one song.

  •Peaked on Billboard Hot 100 and topped charts in multiple countries.

  •Remixes with artists from North Africa, Europe, and even Latin America.

Truly, Love Nwantiti wasn’t just a song, it was a movement.

3. Continued Success – Beyond One Hit

Many said he’d be a “one-hit wonder,” but CKay proved them wrong.

In 2021, he dropped Boyfriend EP, which delivered tracks like “Felony” and “Kiss Me Like You Miss Me.”

In 2022, he released his debut album Sad Romance, featuring artists like Ayra Starr, Davido, and Focalistic.

He has collaborated with Davido, Olamide, Ty Dolla $ign, and even international stars, cementing his global appeal.

In 2024, he dropped his second studio album EMOTIONS, blending Afrobeats with soul and hip-hop.

4. Entrepreneurial Moves

CKay isn’t just about singing. In 2025, he launched Boyfriend Music, his own label, with a mission to groom new talent. He also signed with AWAL, a global music distribution company, for his upcoming projects.

This shows he’s not only building a career for himself but also setting up a legacy in the industry.

CKay’s Net Worth (2025 Estimate)

Everybody wants to know: “How much is CKay worth?”

Well, according to multiple entertainment and finance sources, CKay’s net worth is estimated to be between $2 million – $5 million (₦2 billion – ₦5 billion naira).

Sources of Income

 •Music streams & royalties – With over a billion streams, streaming is a major money-maker.

 •Live performances & tours – From Lagos concerts to North America and Europe tours.

 •Endorsements – CKay has bagged brand partnerships with fashion and lifestyle companies.

 •Record label ventures – Boyfriend Music could further grow his earnings in coming years.

Awards & Recognition

CKay has bagged plenty of recognition for his impact:

•Headies nominations for Best Collaboration and Best Afrobeats Single.

•MOBO Awards & AFRIMA nominations.

•Featured on TIME Magazine as one of Africa’s breakout stars.

•Chart-topping success in over 10 countries.

CKay’s Influence on Afrobeats

CKay describes his style as “emo-afrobeats” a fusion of African rhythms with emotional, soulful lyrics. He brought a softer, romantic vibe to Afrobeats, standing out from party-driven bangers.

In doing so, he has shown the world that Nigerian music isn’t one-dimensional, it’s diverse, expressive, and global. His story also inspires many young Nigerians that with talent, persistence, and the internet, global success is possible.

What is CKay’s real name?

Chukwuka Chukwuma Ekweani.

Where is CKay from?

He was born in Kaduna, but his family roots are from Anambra State, Nigeria.

How old is CKay?

He was born on July 16, 1995, making him 30 years old in 2025.

What is CKay’s biggest song?

Love Nwantiti, which went viral worldwide and remains his most successful hit.

What is CKay’s net worth?

Between $2 million – $5 million as of 2025.

Which record labels has he worked with?

Chocolate City, Warner Music Africa, Atlantic Records, and now AWAL under his Boyfriend Music imprint.

What makes CKay unique?

His emo-afrobeats style, a softer, emotional side of Afrobeats that connects deeply with listeners.

Conclusion

CKay’s journey is one of raw talent, persistence, and Nigerian grit. From Kaduna church choirs to topping Billboard charts, he’s proven that Afrobeats is here to stayand that Nigerian artistes can compete globally.

His story matters to us as Nigerians because it reminds us that our sound, our culture, and our creativity are powerful enough to shake the world.

CKay is not just a singer; he’s a trailblazer, a money-maker, and an inspiration for the next generation of Nigerian creatives.