Koker Biography: Inside The Life Of Nigerian Musician

Olayiwola Olabanji Kokumo (born May 30, 1993) is a Nigerian afro-pop singer and songwriter better known by his stage name Koker. In 2015, he made his big break into the Nigerian music industry with the release of his King Sunny Ade-inspired song “Do Something.” He is signed to the Chocolate City label.

Early Life and Education

Koker was born on May 30, 1993, in Lagos, Nigeria, but is originally from Ogun State. He is his parents’ second child. He attended primary and secondary school in Lagos State, Nigeria, before graduating with a degree in creative arts from the University of Lagos in 2015.

Career

Koker began singing when he was 14 years old, but his career took off when he enrolled in college. While there, he participated in a number of notable musical endeavors, including helping to write and perform the Unilag’s official theme song. In 2012, he wrote four songs for the Eko Sports Festival at Tafawa Belewa Square on the island of Lagos. In 2013, he recorded the hook for Pryse’s popular song “Eleto” at LAMP House Studios.

His meteoric rise began in 2015, with the release of the song “Do Something.” Koker’s music is a fusion of Afrobeat, Jùju, and Afro-Pop, with influences from King Sunny Adé, Shina Peters, and Ebenezer Obey.

Koker was included inChocolate City’s 2015 compilation album, The Indestructible Choc Boi Nation.

In 2016, he signed an endorsement deal with Nigerian-based internet music service Cloud 9. Koker claimed in 2016 that he had never been ashamed in his professional life and that performing with Sir Shina Peters was one of his most treasured moments. He confirmed that he was still with Chocolate City, putting an end to rumors that he had left the label.

His big break came in January 2016, when he released “Kolewerk,” which remains one of his biggest hits to this day. After “Kolewerk,” a club hit that was widely acclaimed and spent several months at the top of the charts, he released “Bokiniyen” in 2017. He has since collaborated on songs with MI, Olamide, Ice Prince, Skales, and Falz, among others.