Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer CKay has unveiled his much-anticipated sophomore EP, CKay The Second, a six-track sonic journey that reflects his growth, global reach, and relentless push for innovation in African music.
Released via a strategic partnership with international distribution powerhouse AWAL, the project arrives as a key milestone in CKay’s rising trajectory in the global Afrobeats ecosystem.
The new EP follows the massive success of CKay’s earlier projects, particularly his breakout hit Love Nwantiti, which has surpassed a staggering 3 billion streams worldwide.
With CKay The Second, the self-styled Emo-Afrobeats pioneer offers listeners a more introspective and daring musical statement—one that explores identity, fame, love, and personal growth through his emotive vocals and genre-blending production.
Known for fusing Afrobeat rhythms with emotional lyricism and Western pop influences, CKay leans deeper into his Emo-Afrobeats identity on this project. From soulful ballads to bouncy uptempo grooves, CKay The Second showcases his distinctive blend of African percussion, melancholic melodies, and rich vocal textures.
“The idea is to push culture forward while staying true to myself,” CKay said in a statement. “If I made music like those before me, what would be the point? I want to create something new.”
This forward-thinking mindset is evident across the EP, with each song crafted like a personal diary entry, both intimate and universally relatable.
One of the highlights of CKay The Second is its international flair. CKay taps American R&B artist Sabrina Claudio for a sultry, cross-continental collaboration that merges Latin sensuality with Afro-soul, while Nigerian street-pop star Bella Shmurda delivers raw, emotive energy on a track that blends grit with grace.
These features not only elevate the project’s sonic diversity but also reinforce CKay’s position as a bridge between cultures and genres.
Other tracks on the EP shine with CKay’s signature hooks and ambient production style, making it clear why he remains one of Nigeria’s most streamed and exported talents.
CKay’s deal with AWAL granted him complete creative freedom, an essential ingredient in the EP’s nuanced and ambitious sound. This partnership ensures global distribution and strategic marketing support while preserving the artist’s authenticity.
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In describing the EP, CKay called it “twice as nice” as his earlier work, a reference not just to its polish, but to the deeper themes and broader influences that define it. Whether he’s unpacking the intricacies of heartbreak or celebrating resilience, CKay manages to speak to a global audience without compromising his roots.
CKay The Second is more than just a follow-up project—it’s a manifesto. It reaffirms CKay’s status as an innovator in Afrobeats, an artist who refuses to be boxed in by expectations. With his sights set on global impact and his heart firmly rooted in African expression, CKay has delivered a bold, beautiful, and boundary-pushing body of work that’s sure to resonate far and wide.
As African music continues to take centre stage globally, CKay proves yet again that he is not just part of the wave—he’s helping shape its direction.
Listen to CKay The Second HERE.