Emeka Akumefule, popularly known as Blaqbonez, was born on January 29, 1996, in Nigeria. He hails from Imo State in southeastern Nigeria and comes from an Igbo family. Raised by his mother, a pastor, Blaqbonez grew up in a culturally diverse environment, blending the Yoruba and Urhobo cultures with his Igbo roots.

Blaqbonez pursued his education at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), where he studied Computer Engineering. His passion for music began at a young age. At 13, he discovered his rap talent while listening to the radio with his cousin. This moment ignited his journey into music, though he initially kept his passion a secret from his parents, who didn’t support his career in rap.

The Journey of Blaqbonez Begins: Underground Rap Battles and Mixtapes

Blaqbonez’s rise to prominence was fueled by his underground rap battles and mixtape releases. At 16, he won Terry Tha Rapman’s Zombie Competition, beating 3,000 contestants. This victory earned him a spot on Terry’s 2012 mixtape World Domination, where he featured alongside top artists like Olamide and Vector. His subsequent mixtapes Hip-Hop in Blaq and CTAT (Cssette Tapes and Tvs) earned significant attention.

His notable victories in competitions like Rhythm FM Freestyle Fury and Hennessy VS Class established him as a force to reckon with in Nigeria’s rap scene. Blaqbonez continued to push boundaries, eventually becoming a key figure in the Nigerian rap movement.

The “Best Rapper in Africa” Proclamation by Blaqbonez

In 2019, Blaqbonez made headlines by proclaiming himself the Best Rapper in Africa (BRIA). This audacious statement sparked debates and controversy within the Nigerian rap community, further propelling his career. Blaqbonez later explained that his proclamation was a response to a diss track, aiming to challenge and awaken other rappers in the industry.

His “BRIA” statement gained widespread media attention, and it was regarded as one of the most talked-about topics in Nigerian hip hop between July and September 2019. The New York Times even profiled him as one of the new guards of Nigerian music, cementing his place in the hip-hop space.

Rise to Fame: Bad Boy Blaq and Mr. Boombastic

In 2018, Blaqbonez released his eighth EP Bad Boy Blaq, a project that was part of the L.A.M.B series aimed at reawakening Nigerian hip hop. The EP was executively produced by M.I Abaga, and it received positive reviews for its unique sound and raw energy.

Following this success, Blaqbonez released Mr. Boombastic in October 2019. The EP featured the controversial single Jesus Is Black (Letter to Kanye West), where he humorously urged Kanye West to delay his album Jesus Is King. The EP solidified Blaqbonez’s position in the rap game, showcasing his creative depth and versatility.

Major Breakthrough: Sex Over Love and Mainstream Success

In 2021, Blaqbonez took a massive leap forward with the release of his debut studio album Sex Over Love. The 14-track album featured collaborations with notable artists like Amaarae, Buju (BNXN), and Tiwa Savage. The album’s tracks, including Bling and BBC (Remix), became fan favorites, contributing to Blaqbonez’s mainstream success.

His unorthodox approach, coupled with his humorous and bold personality, resonated with a younger audience, and the album’s success helped him carve out a dedicated fan base. The album marked a pivotal moment in Nigerian rap, with Blaqbonez’s unique blend of humor, sex appeal, and skillful wordplay appealing to a wide demographic.

2022: Young Preacher and Continued Growth

In October 2022, Blaqbonez released his second studio album, Young Preacher. The album followed his anti-love theme, evident in tracks like Back in Uni and its memorable parody music video. The album featured collaborations with artists like Lojay, Amaarae, and Bien of Sauti Sol. Blaqbonez’s witty lyricism and evolving style continued to captivate his growing audience, cementing his status as one of Nigeria’s most prominent rap artists.

2023: Emeka Must Shine and International Recognition

On October 27, 2023, Blaqbonez released his third studio album, Emeka Must Shine. This album marked the continuation of his growth as an artist and a storyteller. It featured a diverse range of guest artists, including Black Sherif, Jeriq, Victony, Zlatan, and Ludacris. The album received praise for its genre-blending sound, with Blaqbonez exploring new sonic landscapes while maintaining his signature style.

Additionally, Blaqbonez released singles like Like Ice Spice and Bezos, further showcasing his versatility. At the 16th Headies Awards in 2023, Blaqbonez’s album Sex Over Love won Best Rap Album of the Year, solidifying his position as one of the leading forces in African hip hop.

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)
• 1000 Years (2021)
• Back in Uni feat. Jae5 (2022)
• Cinderella Girl feat. Ludacris (2023)
• Like Ice Spice (2023)
• Bezos (2023)
• Fire on Me (2024)

Blaqbonez’s Influence on Nigerian Hip Hop

Blaqbonez has redefined Nigerian rap with his bold lyrics, humor, and willingness to break norms. His playful yet unapologetic approach to music has earned him a large, dedicated following, and he continues to push the boundaries of Nigerian hip hop. With his remarkable talent and unique persona, Blaqbonez is undoubtedly one of the key figures shaping the future of African rap music.

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