Nigerian star CKay has dropped his much-awaited sophomore EP, CKay The Second. Released through a strategic partnership with global record company AWAL, this six-track project marks a pivotal moment in CKay’s career, further cementing his position as a trailblazer in the global Afrobeats scene. Following the meteoric rise of his debut projects and the international phenomenon of his hit single, Love Nwantiti, which has amassed over 3 billion streams worldwide, CKay returns with an introspective and audacious body of work, pushing the boundaries of African music while staying true to his roots.
CKay The Second sees his artistic evolution, blending his usual Emo-Afrobeats sound—a fusion of heartfelt lyricism and vibrant African rhythms, with elements of R&B, alternative pop, and soulful melodies. The EP explores universal themes such as love, self-discovery, identity, and personal growth, delivered through CKay’s emotive vocals and carefully crafted production. Each track feels like a chapter in a larger narrative, reflecting CKay’s journey as an artist navigating fame, creative freedom, and cultural representation on a global stage.
The EP features an impressive lineup of collaborations, including American R&B singer Sabrina Claudio, whose sultry vocals complement CKay’s emotive delivery, and Nigerian street-pop sensation Bella Shmurda, who brings raw energy to the project. These partnerships add layers of depth and diversity, exhibiting CKay’s ability to seamlessly bridge genres and cultures. Other tracks highlight his knack for crafting amazing hooks and atmospheric beats, with production that feels intimate and expansive, a hallmark of his unique sound.
In a statement about the EP, CKay emphasized his commitment to innovation, saying, “If I made music like those before me, what would be the point? I want to create something new, something that feels like me but also pushes the culture forward.” This ethos is evident throughout CKay The Second, which he describes as “twice as nice” as his previous work, a nod to its refined production and bold creative risks. The EP is a celebration of artistic freedom, made possible by CKay’s partnership with AWAL, which allowed him to retain full creative control while accessing global distribution and marketing resources.
Tracks on the EP range from soulful ballads to upbeat tune, each showcasing CKay’s versatility as a singer-songwriter and record producer. Standout songs explore the complexities of love and vulnerability, while others celebrate resilience and self-assurance, resonating with listeners across continents.
