CKay Reflects On Musical Influences That Shaped His Afrobeats Sound

✍️ By Teju/ January 12, 2026/ 11:20am

Afrobeats star CKay has opened up about the wide range of musical influences that shaped his journey and sound as an artist, crediting both Nigerian music legends and early trailblazers of the genre.

Speaking in a recent interview, the singer revealed that while growing up in Nigeria, he listened to several artists who were defining the music scene at the time. He mentioned acts such as 2Face Idibia, members of the former Mo’Hits crew, Ice Prince, Wizkid, and Davido during their early stages, noting that each of them influenced him in different ways.

According to CKay, the inspiration he drew was not limited to sound alone but also came from their achievements, cultural relevance, vocal style, and production choices. He explained that these elements collectively played a major role in shaping him into the Afrobeats musician he is today.

The artist also revealed an early exposure to classical music, which he said came from his father, who frequently played it at home. CKay noted that this influence broadened his musical perspective and contributed to his creative depth, even as he explored various sounds beyond Afrobeats.

CKay’s reflections highlight how diverse musical experiences and cultural influences continue to shape the evolution of Afrobeats and the artists driving its global success.