It was a bright Tuesday afternoon as the last days of winter dissipated and the fall season rolls in. Something new was coming, the critically acclaimed Dallas based rapper, singer, songwriter and artist O9echi was set to hold a no holds barred interview. On the microphone his dexterity is next to none with his flawless flows and catchy phrases. Born Ogechi into a family of two boys in the mid-eighties, O9ECHI began his musical career at the age of eighteen, singing along to the songs of Trybesmen and Eminem in the early 2000s. Ogechi started from humble beginnings and suffered from criticism from his peers who thought he was wasting his time doing music, at that time the music industry was not thriving. As the waiter pours some dark liquor over some ice, O9echi opened up to us about the man behind the music. Enjoy excerpts from the interesting interview with the super talented act.
How did music start for you?
O9echi: Music started with short rap sessions with my younger brother, Apluz and while listening to Trybesmen (Nigerian Rap group) for the 1st time. Freestyle (a member of Trybesmen) was one of my favorites back then and I began writing my own songs while also listening to Eminem, 50cents, and Trybe records.
How would you define your style of music?
O9echi: VIBE – I just do an afro vibe with the music I make with vocal interplay between Deep and Light vocals. I call it ‘Afro Vibe’.
Who were your earliest musical influences?
O9echi: Hmmn, quite a few as I listened to all a lot of music but there are three names that stand out for me as far as music is concerned. I can say I was heavily influenced by the likes of Trybe Records crew back then, Eminem as well as 50 Cents.
How does the music making process works for you?
O9echi: Well for me, I would say it’s a natural order. Writing comes easy for me especially when I am listening to an instrumental either in the studio, in my car, actually anywhere. The inspiration can come from anywhere so that’s why I describe the process as a natural order.
Tell us about your upcoming single …
O9echi: I’m really excited about my upcoming project because people are going to see a totally different side of me. A musical part of me they are yet to witness. It’s something different. A different side of me. It would also feature a surprise A-list artist. Let me not let too much out yet, just watch this space, its coming soon.
How was it like working with Slimcase and the rest?
O9echi: It was awesome. I was excited when I spoke with him on the phone while he was recording. He told me he loved the song and that got me super pumped up too. I met Him in Nigeria, during the Video shoot of Maadness. It was a great vibe that day, Slimcase and his manager Dami Adenuga were super friendly to me and I wouldn’t mind working with them again.
Which African or international artist would you like to work with in future?
O9echi: Well the gap between African music and international music is closing up by the day and I will like to work international acts like Kendrick Lamar and Chris Brown. On the African scene I definitely think I can create one for the books with Wizkid or Davido.
How did you derive the spelling of your name?
O9echi: O9echi was derived from my first name Ogechi. I intentionally flipped the ‘G’ to ‘9′ just for uniqueness since the name is very popular/common in Nigeria. Also, ‘9’ denotes a “Goal getter’ just like in Soccer/Football and I believe I am one.
Take us through your catalogue of released songs (brief talk about them)
- Maadness (2018) ft Slimcase
- SHINKPA (2019) ft Idowest, Chinko Ekun & Uncle Azeez
- Wine N Bruk (2018) ft Carey James (Jamaica)
- Start Dancing (2018) ft Gael Boom
- Give me Jollof Rice (2017) ft Apluz
- I love you (2017) ft Gael Boom
What more should fans expect from you?
O9echi: They should expect more singles this year and more weekly freestyles every Monday (Maadness freestyle Show).
What’s the strangest thing your fans can know about you?
O9echi: Do I really want to say this (laughter), well here it is, I’m an extreme introvert and Nerd. (More Laughter)
What song is currently on replay on your playlist?
O9echi: Fireboydml – Jealous
Where do you see yourself musically in the next 5 years?
O9echi: Yo! I’ve got really big dreams and I see myself becoming a really big force on the African music scene. In the next five years I see myself bagging MTV and BET Awards nominations.
What are your other hobbies apart from music?
O9echi: Well, I love networking engineering as well as watching movies
Message to your fans?
O9echi: First and foremost, I would like to say a big thank you to everyone that has supported me and my music from day one. My message to my fans is ‘Never give up on your dreams’. Keep the Goal in mind and work towards it; Dedicate your works to God and He will bless the works of your hands.
East Ham, East London — 8 August 2026: The vibrant Igbo community in the UK came together for an unforgettable evening of entertainment, culture and social connection at Igbotic Game Night, one of the biggest social gatherings celebrating the Igbo community in the United Kingdom.
Among the night’s standout moments was an electrifying performance by Afrobeats artist Obeena, who took the stage and immediately captured the attention of the crowd.
Obeena delivered performances of two of his hit songs, “Wara Wara” and “Banging,” bringing his energetic sound and distinctive stage presence to the event. From the opening moments of his set, fans responded with excitement, singing along, dancing and enthusiastically supporting the artist.
His performance of “Wara Wara” created an instant connection with the audience, while “Banging” took the energy to another level. Obeena’s ability to engage the crowd transformed his set into one of the most memorable entertainment moments of the evening.
Held in East Ham, East London, on 8 August 2026, Igbotic Game Night provided a unique platform for members of the Igbo community to celebrate their heritage while enjoying music, games and social interaction. Events such as this continue to play an important role in bringing together Nigerians and the wider African diaspora in the UK.
For Obeena, the performance was another opportunity to showcase his growing artistry and connect directly with fans. His energetic delivery, stage confidence and ability to command the audience demonstrated why his live performances continue to attract attention.
By the end of his set, Obeena had left the crowd amazed and added another memorable chapter to his journey as an Afrobeats artist. His appearance at Igbotic Game Night was not simply a performance—it was a celebration of Nigerian music, culture and community.
With performances like this, Obeena continues to demonstrate his ambition to take his sound beyond the studio and onto major stages, connecting with audiences through music, energy and an unmistakable African identity.
Igbotic Game Night brought the Igbo community together. Obeena gave them a performance to remember.
Audio
KenryWhite Releases “Kilometers” & “The King” A Powerful Double Release Celebrating Faith, Purpose, and the Journey to Greatness
Nigerian Afrofusion artist KenryWhite unveils his compelling two-track release, “Kilometers & The King,” a project that explores the realities of life’s journey while affirming identity, faith, and purpose.
Leading the release is “Kilometers,” an uplifting anthem that reflects on the distance between dreams and fulfillment. Through heartfelt lyrics, captivating melodies, and vibrant Afrobeats production, KenryWhite encourages listeners to embrace the process, remain resilient, and keep moving forward despite life’s challenges.
Complementing the project is “The King,” featuring Wonder J. The record is a bold declaration of confidence, royalty, and divine purpose, blending infectious Afrobeats rhythms with inspiring lyricism. Together, the duo delivers a record that celebrates self-belief, leadership, and the mindset required to overcome every obstacle.
With rich storytelling, memorable melodies, and contemporary African sounds, “Kilometers & The King” showcases KenryWhite’s artistic growth while delivering music that inspires, motivates, and connects with audiences across the globe.
Now available on all major streaming platforms, “Kilometers & The King” invites listeners to embrace the journey, recognize their worth, and walk confidently into their purpose.
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