Blaqbonez Biography
Blaqbonez, born Emeka Chukwuemeka Akumefule on January 29, 1996, is a bold, genre-bending Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter from Imo State, known for his energetic style, outspoken personality, and self-acclaimed title as the “Best Rapper in Africa (BRIA)”.
He discovered rap at age 13 and gained national recognition after winning Terry Tha Rapman’s Zombie Competition in 2012, which was followed by notable freestyle victories such as Rhythm FM Freestyle Fury and the Hennessy VS Class in 2015.
He further rose to fame with the release of “South Africa Must Go” in 2015. Signed to Chocolate City Music and mentored by M.I. Abaga, Blaqbonez dropped his breakthrough EP Bad Boy Blaq in 2018, followed by the acclaimed Mr. Boombastic in 2019.
His debut studio album Sex Over Love, released in April 2021, featured chart-topping hits like “Bling”, while his sophomore album Young Preacher, released in October 2022, earned him the Headies Award for Best Rap Album in 2023.
He continued his momentum with a third album, Emeka Must Shine, released on October 27, 2023, showcasing a genre-blending sound with features from global artists like Ludacris, Zlatan, and Black Sherif.
Praised for his humorous persona, marketing genius, and innovative fusion of Afrobeats, trap, drill, and alté, Blaqbonez has cemented his place as one of the most creative and influential voices in modern African music.
Blaqbonez Wikipedia
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Emeka Chukwuemeka Akumefule |
| Stage Name | Blaqbonez |
| Date of Birth | January 29, 1996 |
| Age (2025) | 29 years old |
| Place of Birth | Imo State, Nigeria |
| Ethnicity | Igbo |
| Education | B.Eng. in Computer Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife |
| Profession | Rapper, Singer, Songwriter |
| Genres | Afrobeats, Hip-hop, Trap, Drill, Alté |
| Known For | Bold lyrics, humor, “Best Rapper in Africa (BRIA)” claims, and viral marketing |
| Years Active | 2012 – Present |
| Early Breakthrough | Winner, Terry Tha Rapman’s Zombie Competition (2012) |
| Record Label | Chocolate City Music, 100 Crowns |
| Debut Album | Sex Over Love (2021) |
| Other Albums | Young Preacher (2022), Emeka Must Shine (2023) |
| Notable EPs | Bad Boy Blaq (2018), Mr. Boombastic (2019), Bad Boy Blaq Re-Up (2019) |
| Hit Singles | “Haba,” “Bling,” “Back in Uni,” “Like Ice Spice,” “Cinderella Girl” |
| Awards & Recognition | Headies 2023 Best Rap Album (Young Preacher), West African Rapper of the Year (Creative Africa Hip Hop Awards), ranked Top 2 African Rappers 2021 by The Guardian |
| Net Worth Estimate | $500,000 – $1 million (as of 2025) |
| Distinctive Style | Genre-bending sound blending Afrobeats & rap, humorous and satirical persona, DIY visual marketing |
| Personal Life | Raised by a single mother in a Yoruba–Urhobo environment, private about relationships |
| Social Media | Instagram: @blaqbonez Twitter: @BlaqBonez YouTube: Blaqbonez TikTok: @blaqbonez |
| Trivia | Known for comedic album rollouts, alter ego “Mr. Boombastic,” once declared celibacy as a marketing stunt, self-styled BRIA |
Blaqbonez Age
Blaqbonez (Emeka Chukwuemeka Akumefule) was born on January 29, 1996, which makes him 29 years old as of 2025.
Blaqbonez Early Life & Education
Blaqbonez, born Emeka Chukwuemeka Akumefule on January 29, 1996, hails from Imo State, Nigeria, but was raised in a multi-ethnic environment that included Yoruba and Urhobo cultures.
He was brought up by his mother, a devout Christian and pastor, in a household without his father, which influenced his disciplined and resilient upbringing.
He discovered his talent for rap at the age of 13 after a spontaneous rap challenge from a cousin, which sparked a passion he would pursue in secret due to his parents’ disapproval of music.
Despite the odds, Blaqbonez balanced academics and his growing music interest.
He later gained admission to Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, where he studied Computer Engineering.
During his university years, he sharpened his lyrical skills through campus rap battles and online competitions, gradually building a name for himself in the underground rap scene across Nigeria.
Blaqbonez Career
Emeka Akumefule, popularly known as Blaqbonez, began his rap journey at the age of 13, after a spontaneous challenge from his cousin during a radio session. Inspired by a 12-year-old rapper’s song, he quickly wrote his first verse, discovering a natural talent for rhyme and flow.
Despite his parents’ disapproval, especially his mother, a pastor, he pursued rap secretly while studying Computer Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU).
His competitive spirit led him into underground rap battles in 2011, and by 2012, at just 16, he won Terry Tha Rapman’s Zombie Competition, beating over 3,000 rappers.
That same year, he featured on Terry’s 2012 mixtape “World Domination” alongside top Nigerian acts like Olamide, Vector, Mode 9, and Spellz.
In the following years, Blaqbonez became a dominant force in Nigeria’s freestyle circuit, runner-up in Vector’s King Kong competition, winner of Rhythm FM Freestyle Fury, named Rhythm FM’s Artist of the Month, and Hennessy VS Class captain.
His third mixtape, CTAT (Cassette Tapes and TVs), followed previous projects “Hip-Hop in Blaq” and “The Unfinished EP”, gathering over 60,000 streams and downloads.
In an interview with The Punch, Blaqbonez clarified that his “Best Rapper in Africa (BRIA)” claim was a deliberate provocation, a response to a diss track, and an effort to jolt the rap scene in Nigeria.
By 2019, The Guardian called him “the torchbearer of Nigerian rap”, naming him among their Top 10 Artists to Watch.
His prominence was further cemented when he was named West African Rapper of the Year at the Creative-Africa Hip Hop Awards, and ranked 2nd in their Top 50 African Rappers of 2021.
2018: Bad Boy Blaq:
On August 31, 2018, Blaqbonez released his eighth EP, Bad Boy Blaq, as part of M.I. Abaga’s L.A.M.B project aimed at reviving Nigerian hip-hop.
The EP was executively produced by M.I. and released under 100 Crowns, a label imprint of Chocolate City. A follow-up project, Bad Boy Blaq Re-Up, was released in February 2019.
2019: Mr. Boombastic:
Blaqbonez dropped his ninth EP, Mr. Boombastic, on October 25, 2019. A day before its release, he unveiled the controversial single “Jesus Is Black (Letter to Kanye West)”, in which he humorously asked Kanye to postpone the release of Jesus Is King to avoid clashing dates.
2020–2021: Haba & Sex Over Love:
In 2020, he released the hit single “Haba”, followed by his debut studio album Sex Over Love on April 30, 2021.
The 14-track album featured top acts like Amaarae, Buju (BNXN), Tiwa Savage, Joeboy, Nasty C, Laycon, Cheque, and others.
Songs like “Bling”, “BBC Remix”, and “Zombie” became fan favorites. On September 17, 2021, he appeared on DJ Yankee’s track “1000 Years” alongside Cheque.
2022: Young Preacher:
Released on October 28, 2022, Blaqbonez’s sophomore album Young Preacher deepened his anti-love, pro-freedom themes, sparked earlier that year on Valentine’s Day (Feb 14).
The album included the viral hit “Back in Uni”, produced by Jae5, praised for its hilarious parody music video. Features included Lojay, Amaarae, Bien (Sauti Sol), Takura, and Blxckie.
2023: Emeka Must Shine & Chart Success:
His third studio album, Emeka Must Shine, dropped on October 27, 2023, under Chocolate City Music. It housed 14 tracks and collaborations with stars like Ludacris, Black Sherif, Zlatan, Odumodublvck, Young Jonn, M24, Victony, and Jeriq.
The album fused Afrobeats, trap, hip-hop, and drill in a way that further expanded Blaqbonez’s international reach.
2023: Like Ice Spice & Awards:
On July 8, 2023, Blaqbonez released two singles: “Like Ice Spice” and “Bezos”, both celebrated for their witty lyricism and energetic delivery.
At the 16th Headies Awards held in Atlanta on September 3, 2023, he won the prestigious “Best Rap Album of the Year” for Young Preacher.
Blaqbonez Style & Influence
Blaqbonez is widely recognized for his genre-defying style that blends hip hop, Afrobeats, trap, drill, and alté, creating a unique sonic identity that distinguishes him in the African music landscape.
He is known for his bold lyrics, humorous persona, and self-assured branding, most notably dubbing himself the “Best Rapper in Africa (BRIA)”, a move that sparked both controversy and conversation in the Nigerian rap scene.
Musically, Blaqbonez draws influence from global hip-hop icons like Kanye West, Drake, and J. Cole, while also embracing the energy and rhythmic diversity of Nigerian music.
His witty, often provocative lyricism and unapologetically confident delivery have earned him a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most creative and unpredictable artists.
He is also admired for his innovative music marketing strategies, including viral skits, themed visuals, and direct fan engagement, which have helped him build a loyal fanbase without relying solely on mainstream media support.
Through his unorthodox style and fearless experimentation, Blaqbonez has become a symbol of artistic freedom and individualism in modern African music.
Blaqbonez Personal & Public Persona
Blaqbonez, born Emeka Akumefule, is known not just for his music but for his vibrant, humorous, and outspoken public persona.
He often portrays himself as a non-conformist, challenging traditional norms in the Nigerian music industry, especially with his open stance on topics like celibacy, relationships, and the sexual politics of fame.
At different points, he has publicly advocated for “Sex Over Love” as a satirical commentary on modern relationships, which later became the title of his debut album.
On social media, Blaqbonez blends comedy, memes, bold self-promotion, and genuine fan interaction.
His skits and controversial tweets, ranging from funny to intentionally provocative, have made him a viral figure and a marketing mastermind, often using humor to create anticipation for his releases.
Despite his playful exterior, Blaqbonez occasionally reveals more serious sides, touching on the challenges of growing up in a single-parent home, the struggles of self-made success, and the pressure to constantly innovate.
He is fiercely independent in thought and style, refusing to be boxed into one identity, musically or personally. This has endeared him to a young, expressive generation of fans who value authenticity, boldness, and individuality.
Blaqbonez Record Label
Blaqbonez is signed to Chocolate City Music, one of Africa’s most influential and enduring urban record labels. Founded in 2005 by Audu Maikori, Paul Okeugo, and Yahaya Maikori, Chocolate City has guided the careers of iconic African artists like M.I. Abaga, Ice Prince, CKay, and Femi Kuti.
In March 2019, Chocolate City entered into a partnership with Warner Music Group, providing artists, including Blaqbonez, access to WMG’s global distribution and artist services via ADA.
Sub-Label: 100 Crowns:
Within Chocolate City, 100 Crowns serves as its dedicated hip-hop imprint. Co-owned by rappers AQ and Loose Kaynon, it focuses exclusively on rap artists and live shows like The Coronation, aimed at spotlighting underground talent.
Blaqbonez was signed specifically to 100 Crowns, and his breakout EP Bad Boy Blaq (2018) was released under this label, executive produced by M.I. Abaga.
Significance & Career Impact:
Bad Boy Blaq (2018) marked Blaqbonez’s official alignment with a major label, giving structure and industry support. It formed part of Chocolate City’s L.A.M.B project, designed to revive Nigerian hip-hop.
Later projects, including Sex Over Love (2021), Young Preacher (2022), and Emeka Must Shine (2023), were also released through Chocolate City Music under the support umbrella of 100 Crowns.
Pulse Nigeria reports that both Young Preacher (2022) and Sex Over Love (2021) were released via Chocolate City Music, reinforcing the ongoing partnership.
In interviews, Blaqbonez emphasized that signing to 100 Crowns offered more stability and longevity than “one-man labels” prone to short-term interest.
Blaqbonez House
Blaq resides in one of Lagos Island’s high-rise communities. He recently gave a tour of his previous properties to his followers before building his current residence in Lekki, Lagos.
Blaqbonez Cars
Blaqbonez was in an accident in his Lexus ES 350 car that he owned on the day that his debut album was released. He also reportedly owns two Mercedes-Benz E-Classes as of this writing.
Recently, Blaq bought a brand-new Toyota and gave it to his mother.
Blaqbonez Girlfriend
Blaqbonez and Gbemmy Daniels are allegedly dating. Previously, he flaunted her on Instagram.
Blaqbonez Parents
Raised single by his mother, Pastor Okposio Roseline Akumefule, who was a former Nollywood actress turned pastor. She was deeply supportive of his music career, often playing artists like M.I., 2Pac, and Puff Daddy at home, and encouraging him to finish school before pursuing music full‑time.
Blaqbonez has publicly honored her, including inviting her on stage during his 2024 concert, Breaking the Yoke of Love, to acknowledge her unwavering belief in him
Father:
Blaqbonez’s father left Nigeria for Germany shortly after his birth and was absent throughout his childhood, as his parents were never married. The father initially denied paternity and did not raise him.
In January 2025, Blaqbonez reunited with his father in a public event, posting a photo captioned “Father and Son”. Despite years of estrangement, they appeared warmly affectionate, both dressed in traditional attire, signaling a possible new chapter in their relationship.
Siblings & Extended Family:
There is no public information suggesting Blaqbonez has any siblings. Most sources portray his upbringing as centered around his mother’s caregiving in a single-parent household.
His upbringing was enriched by a Yoruba–Urhobo mixed environment alongside his Igbo heritage, reflective of his mother’s location and cultural influence in Lagos/Western Nigeria
Blaqbonez Net Worth
Sellatease (July 2025) estimates his net worth to be around $800,000 (~₦1.3 billion), citing luxury car ownership and lifestyle assets.
Blaqbonez Controversies
Blaqbonez has been at the center of several controversies throughout his career, most notably his bold claim in 2019 that he is the “Best Rapper in Africa,” which sparked industry-wide debates and diss tracks from fellow rappers.
His 2021 Sex Over Love album campaign stirred further backlash for promoting sexual freedom over romantic commitment, clashing with conservative Nigerian values.
Known for his unconventional fashion choices and sharp online commentary, Blaqbonez often draws criticism for his daring outfits and sarcastic takes on love and celebrity relationships.
Additionally, his occasional jabs at fellow artists on social media have ignited fan wars, yet he remains unapologetically expressive and uses controversy to fuel his unique brand and artistic identity.
Blaqbonez Facts
1. Self-Crowned BRIA: Blaqbonez famously refers to himself as the “Best Rapper in Africa (BRIA)”, sparking conversations and competitive energy in the Nigerian rap scene.
2. Comedic Genius: Beyond music, he’s well known for his humorous social media presence, often using skits and satire to promote his projects.
3. Marketing Mastermind: His album rollout for Sex Over Love was heavily praised for its unconventional marketing, including funny videos and bold publicity stunts.
4. Multilingual Rapper: Blaqbonez raps in English, Pidgin, and sometimes blends in local Nigerian languages, making his music widely relatable.
5. Alter Ego: He introduced an alter ego called “Mr. Boombastic”, representing his softer, romantic, and more experimental musical side.
6. Unconventional Style: Blaqbonez is known for his genre-bending approach, mixing Afrobeats, Trap, Drill, Alté, and Hip-hop seamlessly.
7. Digital Native: He built a significant fanbase online, especially through freestyle challenges, before gaining mainstream attention.
8. Close Ties with M.I. Abaga: M.I. Abaga has been his mentor, playing a key role in developing his sound and career at Chocolate City.
9. Fashion Statement: He often stands out in public appearances with bold outfits, sometimes inspired by anime, streetwear, or comic-book characters.
10. Advocate for Love & Sex Conversations: His Sex Over Love album was a commentary on modern relationships, sexuality, and emotional vulnerability, breaking taboos in Nigerian pop culture.
Blaqbonez Discography
Here is a complete discography of Blaqbonez (Emeka Akumefule), including albums, EPs, mixtapes, and notable singles:
Studio Albums:
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Sex Over Love | Breakout album; features include Joeboy, Tiwa Savage, Nasty C, etc. |
| 2022 | Young Preacher | Highly praised; showcases growth, wit, and musical experimentation |
| 2023 | Emeka Must Shine | Focus on braggadocio, satire, and Afrobeats-rap fusion |
Mixtapes:
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Hip-Hop in Blaq | First-ever mixtape at age 16 |
| 2013 | Unfinished EP | Rare and raw early sound |
| 2015 | CTAT (Cassette Tapes and TVs) | Produced by Alpha; helped shape his lyrical direction |
| 2018 | Bad Boy Blaq | Part of Chocolate City’s LAMBAugust campaign |
| 2018 | Bad Boy Blaq Re-Up | A remix extension of Bad Boy Blaq |
Extended Plays (EPs):
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Last Time Under | Darker introspective project |
| 2019 | Mr. Boombastic | Cemented his humorous, cocky rap persona |
Notable Singles (With or Without Albums):
| Year | Title | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Shut Up | Viral hit; comedic video; established mainstream appeal |
| 2020 | Haba | Massive hit in Nigeria; sarcastic love theme |
| 2021 | Bling | ft. Amaarae & Buju; top charts hit |
| 2021 | Fendi | ft. Joeboy; from Sex Over Love |
| 2022 | Back In Uni | ft. Jae5; viral visuals created by Blaqbonez himself |
| 2023 | Like Ice Spice | Commentary track: playful and edgy |
| 2023 | Cinderella Girl | ft. Ludacris; international collaboration |
| 2023 | Nyem Ego | ft. Jeriq; Igbo trap influence |
| 2024 | Road Runners | ft. Black Sherif; one of his biggest collabs so far |
Charting & Cultural Impact
Sex Over Love was one of the top-streamed rap albums in Nigeria in 2021.
Back in Uni trended globally on YouTube and TikTok for its low-budget, genius video editing.
He’s known for consistently mocking industry standards while delivering quality bars.
Blaqbonez Awards and Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work / Reason | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Terry Tha Rapman’s Zombie Competition | Rap Battle | Winner of the competition | Won |
| 2015 | Rhythm FM Freestyle Fury | Freestyle Competition | National recognition | Won |
| 2015 | Hennessy VS Class | Rap Battle | Outstanding freestyle performance | Won |
| 2019 | The Headies | Best Rap Album | Bad Boy Blaq Reloaded | Nominated |
| 2020 | The Headies | Lyricist on the Roll | Shut Up | Nominated |
| 2023 | The Headies | Best Rap Album | Young Preacher | Won |
| 2023 | AFRIMMA | Best Male Rap Act | Africa-wide impact | Nominated |
| 2024 | Soundcity MVP Awards | Digital Artist of the Year | Consistent online presence and virality | Nominated |
Blaqbonez Social Media
| Platform | Handle/Name | Link |
|---|---|---|
| @blaqbonez | instagram.com/blaqbonez | |
| X (Twitter) | @BlaqBonez (emeka) | x.com/blaqbonez |
| Blaqbonez Official Page | Find via Facebook search | |
| YouTube | Blaqbonez (Official) | YouTube search |
| Spotify | Blaqbonez (Artist page) | Spotify artist profile |
Blaqbonez Instagram
FAQs
1. Who is Blaqbonez?
Blaqbonez is a Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter known for his witty lyrics, genre-blending music, and bold personality.
2. What is Blaqbonez’s real name?
His real name is Emeka Chukwuemeka Akumefule.
3. When and where was Blaqbonez born?
He was born on January 29, 1996, in Imo State, Nigeria.
4. How did Blaqbonez start his music career?
He discovered rap at the age of 13 and gained attention after winning Terry Tha Rapman’s Zombie Competition in 2012.
5. Which record label is Blaqbonez signed to?
He is signed to Chocolate City Music, an imprint under Warner Music Africa.
6. What are Blaqbonez’s most popular albums?
- Bad Boy Blaq (2018)
- Mr. Boombastic (2019)
- Sex Over Love (2021)
- Young Preacher (2022)
- Emeka Must Shine (2023)
7. What is Blaqbonez’s music style?
He mixes Afrobeats, hip-hop, trap, alté, and drill, showcasing a unique and humorous lyrical style.
8. What award did Blaqbonez win in 2023?
He won Best Rap Album at The Headies 2023 for Young Preacher.
9. Does Blaqbonez have a girlfriend?
He has been private about his relationship life, but he occasionally jokes about love and dating in his skits and on social media.
10. What is Blaqbonez’s net worth?
As of 2025, Blaqbonez’s estimated net worth is around $500,000.
11. What is Blaqbonez known for besides music?
He is famous for his humorous skits, self-marketing genius, and outspoken takes on industry norms.
12. What does BRIA mean?
BRIA stands for “Best Rapper in Africa,” a title Blaqbonez confidently claims.
13. Where can fans follow Blaqbonez online?
Instagram: @blaqbonez, Twitter: @BlaqBonez, YouTube: Blaqbonez.
14. Has Blaqbonez had any controversies?
He has had mild online controversies due to his satirical claims of being the best rapper in Africa, but they have mostly boosted his popularity.
15. Does Blaqbonez collaborate with other artists?
Yes, he has collaborated with CKay, Joeboy, Tiwa Savage, Oxlade, Amaarae, Zlatan, and Lojay, among others.
16. What is his fanbase called?
His fanbase is sometimes referred to as “Blaqforce” or simply his “disciples” in his humorous branding style.
17. What educational background does Blaqbonez have?
He studied Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Nigeria.
18. What makes Blaqbonez unique in the Nigerian music industry?
His satirical, humorous rap style, confidence, and strategic social media presence make him stand out.
In conclusion
Blaqbonez stands out as one of Nigeria’s most daring and innovative hip-hop artists, blending rap, satire, and showmanship to build a distinct identity in the African music scene.
From his early breakthrough in 2012 to his bold claim as the “Best Rapper in Africa,” Blaqbonez has consistently challenged norms and sparked conversations.
His musical versatility, fearless expression, and humorous yet insightful commentary on love, fame, and society have earned him both fans and critics.
Whether through his albums, social media presence, or flamboyant image, Blaqbonez continues to redefine what it means to be a modern African rapper.
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