Veteran Nigerian rapper Naetochukwu Chikwe, popularly known as Naeto C, has opened up on why he stepped away from the music industry at the peak of his career, offering clarity on a decision that has long intrigued fans.
In a candid podcast interview, the Ten Over Ten hitmaker explained that his withdrawal from the spotlight was a deliberate and deeply personal choice, driven by his desire to prioritise family and build the kind of future he envisioned for himself.
Naeto C revealed that his outlook began to change after key milestones in his personal life. Following his marriage in 2012 and the birth of his first child in 2013, he started reassessing how the demanding nature of a full-time music career aligned with his goals as a husband and father.
“I think I wanted something different when I thought about my future and the kind of life I wanted,” he said. “I don’t really think I would get the kind of life I wanted if I continued to focus on music.”
Reflecting on his early days in the industry, Naeto C explained that his journey into music was never driven by fame or money. Instead, it was rooted in a genuine love for hip-hop, which naturally evolved into a successful career that helped shape Nigerian rap in the mid-2000s.
Although he has remained largely absent from mainstream music for years, the rapper disclosed that he had plans to return with new material in 2025, but personal challenges delayed the comeback.
Despite his long hiatus, Naeto C’s legacy continues to resonate strongly within the industry. Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures of his era, his contribution to Nigerian hip-hop remains significant, with fans still hopeful for the return of one of rap’s most respected “Super C” icons.