Oladipo Olamide Emmanuel, better known by his stage name Chinko Ekun, is a Nigerian rapper and songwriter. He holds a law degree from Obafemi Awolowo University. In 2019, his song “Able God” was named street song of the year.
Early Life and Education
Chinko Ekun was born on September 13, 1993, in Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria, as the second child in a family of three. Ikare is his hometown in Nigeria’s Ondo State.
Chinko Ekun went to Remade Nursery and Primary School in Igando, Lagos, and Blessing Nursery and Primary School in Oshodi, Lagos. He attended Baptist Model High School in Ijegun, Lagos State, for his secondary education. He attended Obafemi Awolowo University, where he graduated with a law degree. In Lagos State, he completed his National Youth Service.
Career
Chinko Ekun developed a love of music at the age of seven. During his freshman year, he developed an interest in pop and rap music. Chinko Ekun launched his musical career when he posted freestyle videos on Instagram in 2011. His first official single, “Ekun,” was released in 2013. Chinko Ekun appeared on the songs “100 To Million,” “Bang,” and “Usain Bolt” from Olamide’s 2014 “Street OT album.” He appeared and performed a freestyle on Olamide Live In Concert (OLIC) 2014. Chinko Ekun only sings hip-hop in English, Pidgin, and Yoruba.
“Chinko Ekun” was formed by combining the syllables “Chinko” and “Ekun.” “Chinko” is his stage name because he was informed in college that he looked Chinese, and “Ekun” is his first official track.
Chinko Ekun joined Olamide’s organization, YBNL Nation, in 2015. He released his first official singles, “Alejo Oran” and “Emi Na Re,” via YBNL Nation on February 25, 2015. Only a year later, he and labelmates Adekunle Gold and Viktoh left the label when their contracts expired. In 2017, he joined the Dubai-based record label Dek-Niyor Entertainment.
On September 13, 2018, he released “Able God,” a song he co-wrote with zlatan and Lil Kesh. The song helped him win his first Headies award for “Best Street Hop Artiste” at The Headies 2019. The song was nominated for a City People Music Award in the category of “Popular Song of the Year” in 2019. It was named “Street Song of the Year” at the 2019 City People Music Awards.
Personal Life
Chinko Ekun, who is a bachelorette, stated he is not yet prepared for marriage. Little is known about his personal life.
Songs
Some of his popular music is below.
- Alejo Oran
- Emi Na Re
- Jen Le Yo
- Shayo
- Bless Me
- Flenjo
- Ekun
- Shake It
- Gbefun
- “Gazor Lo” ft (SIJ)
- “Jafafa” ft. (Mohbad)
- “Able God” ft. (Zlatan Ibile and Lil Kesh)
Awards and Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Recipient | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Soundcity MVP Awards | Viewers’ Choice | “Able God” | Nominated |
| 2019 | City People Music Awards | Street Song of the Year | “Able God” | Won |
| Popular Song of the Year | “Able God” | Nominated | ||
| Best Indigenous Artiste of the Year | Himself | Nominated | ||
| The Headies | Best Street Hop Artiste | Himself, “Able God” | Won |
Net Worth
Chinko Ekun is known to have made much from his music career right from his days in school, he has an estimated net worth of $1.4 million.
