Chike-Ezekpeazu Osebuka, better known by his stage name Chike, is a Nigerian singer, composer, and actor. In 2015, he competed in the Nigerian reality show Project Fame West Africa and finished second in Season 1 of The Voice Nigeria. Chike made his acting debut as Mayowa Badmus in the Africa Magic Showcase series Battleground. He is also an Airtel Nigeria ambassador.
Early Life & Education
Chike Osebuka was born on January 28, 1993 in Anambra, Nigeria to Mr. and Mrs. Osebuka. He comes from a four-child family. Chike’s desire to pursue a musical career was influenced by his family. He graduated from Covenant University with a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering.
Career
Music Career
Chike’s musical career was made easier by his birth into a music-loving household. He began singing in 2009 and participated in a variety of competitions, which helped him hone his skills. In the same year, he was named the best vocalist in a competition held at his high school.
Project Fame
Chike began his career as a participant in Project Fame West Africa, where he rose to fame. After reaching the top ten, he was eliminated.
The Voice Nigeria
Chike returned to The Voice Nigeria after being eliminated from Project Fame, performing a cover of the UK song “Roses.” All four coaches, including X Factor winner James Arthur, turned their chairs around and stood up for him. Patoranking called him a superstar and promised to make him one. After hearing all of his pitches, he decided to join Team Patoranking.
In the battle round, he sang “Let Me Love You” from Mario with Team Patoranking candidate Patrick, and Patoranking chose him to advance to the next round. In the first week of the live concerts, he received his first save from his coach after singing the sad ballad “Not the girl” by co-coach Dare Art Alade. Votes cast after his second live show performance of The Weeknd’s “Earned It” saved him. With a moving rendition of The Proclaimers’ “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles),” he earned his coach’s final save of the season and gained international acclaim. He performed “Pullover,” a song by Kcee and Wizkid, in the semi-finals.
In the final, he performed “No Woman, No Cry” by Bob Marley and the Wailers, followed by a dramatic rendition of “Mama” by Kiss Daniel. The host of the show dubbed him “Ladies’ man,” and his instructor, Patoranking, dubbed him “Chike-ranking.” On July 31, 2016, he finished second in the first season of The Voice Nigeria, behind A’rese from Team Waje.
After The Voice Nigeria
Chike was signed to Universal Republic after the competition, along with the other top four candidates on The Voice Nigeria. He released his debut single Fancy U under the Universal Republic label in December 2016, with a music video following in early 2017.
Chike left Universal Republic in November 2017 to pursue a solo career. “Beautiful People,” his next single, was released in February 2018. Chike debuted his 14-track album, Boo of the Booless, during his special guest appearance on the 2020 Big Brother Lockdown TV show.
Acting Career
In April 2017, Chike was cast as Mayowa Badmus in the television drama Battleground by Africa Magic. That was his first acting role. He portrays the patriarch’s rich, egocentric, spoiled but bright son.
Songs & Albums
From Boo of the Booless Album (2020)
- Amen
- Faithful
- Finders Keepers
- Forever
- Forgive
- If You No Love
- Insecure
- Nakupenda
- Out of Love
- Out of Love
- Roju
- Running
- Soldier
- Watching Over Me
Singles
- Beautiful People
- Fancy U
Awards & Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Award | Category | Result |
| 2021 | Net Honours | Most Played RnB Song | Nominated |
Endorsement
Along with the other seven finalists from The Voice Nigeria, Chike was named an ambassador for Airtel Nigeria.
Net Worth
According to several sources online, Chike has a net worth of $250,000, however, he isn’t on Forbes‘ list yet. His main sources of income include song sales, ambassadorial deals, competition features, and acting movies.
