Blaqbonez, also known as Emeka Akumefe, is a Nigerian rapper and singer under the Chocolate City label. He is renowned for his unique rap style and creative flair. In 2019, The New York Times featured him as a prominent figure in the Nigerian music scene. Blaqbonez gained attention for dubbing himself the “Best Rapper in Africa” (BRIA), sparking discussions in the Nigerian hip hop community from July to September 2019. With a devoted fan base, he released his debut album “Sex Over Love” to eager fans. His unconventional approach and playful persona resonated with younger audiences and garnered approval from industry heavyweights like Wizkid and Burna Boy.
Profile Summary
| Full Name: | Emeka Akumefule |
| Date Of Birth: | January 29, 1996 |
| State Of Origin: | Imo State, Nigeria |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Occupations: | Rapper, Singer, Songwriter |
| Labels: | 100 Crowns,Chocolate City |
| Net Worth: | $1 million |
Early Life And Education
Emeka Akumefule, born on January 29, 1996, to an Igbo family, was raised in Nigeria with exposure to Yoruba and Urhobo cultures.
Originally from Imo state in the south-eastern region dominated by the Igbo tribe, he was primarily raised by his mother, a pastor, in a blend of Yoruba and Urhobo influences. Emeka pursued his tertiary education at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), majoring in Computer Engineering.
At the age of 13, Emeka realized his talent for rapping quite unexpectedly. While listening to the radio with his cousin, they came across a song by a 12-year-old rapper.
His cousin, a critic of rappers, challenged Emeka to come up with his own lyrics. Within minutes, he crafted enough bars for a verse, sparking his musical journey. Despite his parents’ disapproval of his newfound interest, Emeka secretly continued to nurture his passion for music.
Career
During his school years, Blaqbonez debuted with “Hip-Hop in Blaq” and engaged in various competitions. By 2011, he was immersed in underground rap battles, eventually triumphing in Terry Tha Rapman’s Zombie Competition in 2012 at just 16 years old, surpassing 3000 competitors.
That year, he collaborated on Terry’s mixtape “World Domination,” alongside esteemed Nigerian artists like Olamide and Vector. Blaqbonez’s journey included accolades like first runner-up in Vector’s King Kong competition and winning the Rhythm fm Freestyle Fury. His mixtape “CTAT” marked his third release, garnering over 60,000 downloads.
In an interview with The Punch, he explained his “Best Rapper in Africa” title was a response to a diss track, aiming to energize Nigerian rappers. Praised by The Guardian for his impact on Nigerian rap, he was named West African Rapper Of The Year at the inaugural Creative-Africa Hip Hop Awards and ranked second in The Guardian’s Top 50 African Rappers Of 2021 list.
In 2018, he unveiled his eighth EP, “Bad Boy Blaq,” as part of the L.A.M.B project aiming to rekindle Nigerian hip hop. Executive produced by M.I Abaga, the EP was a standout release in the series and was succeeded by a reissue in February 2019.
In 2019, Blaqbonez dropped his ninth EP, “Mr. Boombastic,” on October 25. Leading up to the release, he put out the single “Jesus Is Black (Letter to Kanye West)” a day earlier, urging Kanye West to delay his album due to a clash with Blaqbonez’s release date. In 2020, Blaqbonez released “Haba.”
Moving to 2021, Blaqbonez launched his album “Sex Over Love” on April 30. The 14-track album features hits like “Bling” with Amaarae and Buju, “BBC (Remix)” with Tiwa Savage, and “Haba,” along with collaborations with various artists. Additionally, on September 17, 2021, he released “1000 Years,” a track featuring Cheque.
In 2022, Blaqbonez unveiled his 14-track album “Young Preacher” on October 28, building on his anti-love theme. This album includes tracks like “Back in Uni” featuring Jae5, Lojay, Amaaare, Takura, Bien, and Blxckie. Continuing his streak, in 2023, he released his third studio album “Emeka Must Shine” on October 27, featuring collaborations with various indigenous artists.
On July 8, 2023, Blaqbonez released the dual singles “Like Ice Spice” and “Bezos.” At the 16th Headies Award show on September 3, 2023, he secured the title of “Best Rap Album of the Year.”
Personal Life
Blaqbonez shared that his father initially did not support his music career, but eventually came around once he saw his son’s success.
In terms of his romantic life, Blaqbonez prefers to keep that part of his personal life confidential. It remains unknown whether he is currently in a relationship or not.
Blaqbonez Net Worth
As of 2024, Blaqbonez, the Nigerian rapper and singer, is reported to have a net worth of around $1 million.
Awards And Nominations
Sure! Here’s the relisted awards and nominations received by Blaqbonez throughout his career:
- Creative-Africa Hip Hop Awards: West African Rapper of the Year (2021)
- Soundcity MVP Awards: Best Hip Hop Artist of the Year (2020)
- The Future Awards Africa: Nominated for the Prize for Music (2020)
- The Headies: Best Rap Album of the Year for “Young Preacher” (2023)
- African Entertainment Awards USA: Nominated for Best Hip Hop/Rap Artist (2024)
Discography
Studio Albums
- Sex Over Love (2021)
- Young Preacher (2022)
- Emeka Must Shine (2023)
EPs
- Bad Boy Blaq (2018)
- Bad Boy Blaq Re-Up (2019)
- Mr. Boombastic (2019)
Singles
- “Mamiwota” feat. Oxlade (2019)
- “Shut Up” (2019)
- “Haba” (2020)
- “BBC” (2020)
- “BBC Remix” feat. Tiwa Savage (2021)
- “1000years” (2021)
- “Commander” (2022)
- “Go Home” (2022)
- “Back in Uni” feat. Jae5 (2022)
- “Stealth Freestyle”
- “Cinderella Girl” (Where You Dey) feat. Ludacris
- “Like Bezos”
- “Like Ice Spice” (2023)
- “Nyem Ego (Cover)” feat. Lordmoon (2024)
