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Kcee (musician)

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Kcee
Background information
Birth nameKingsley Chinweike Okonkwo
Also known asKcee Limpopo
Born (1979-04-18) April 18, 1979 (age 45)
Ajegunle, Lagos State, Nigeria
OriginAmaputu, Uli, Anambra state
GenresAfrican popular music, Gospel music, Igbo Highlife
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter, performer
Years active2011–present
LabelsFive Star Music
Formerly ofKC Presh
SpouseIjeoma Okonkwo(m. 2010)

Kingsley Chinweike Okonkwo, better known as Kcee,[a] is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He was formerly in the Hip Hop duo group called Kc Presh.[1] He is from Amaputu in Uli in Ihiala local government area in Anambra State Nigeria. He currently has a record deal with Five Star Music. He worked with Del B, a record producer known for producing Kcee's popular song "Limpopo".[2] He is the elder brother to E-money.

Early life and music career

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Kcee, a talented musician, has his roots in Uli, Anambra State, despite being born and raised in Lagos. He was born on April 18, 1979 [3] and grew up in Ajegunle, a vibrant neighborhood known for fostering emerging artists. Growing up, Kcee was immersed in diverse musical styles, including reggae, highlife, and Afrobeat. His passion for music was evident from an early age, paving the way for a career in entertainment.[4]

Kcee's musical journey began in 1999 when he teamed up with Precious John, aka Presh, to form the dynamic duo KC Presh, marking the start of his successful trajectory in the music industry.[5]

Kcee and his longtime partner and friend Presh played as a duo for 12 years. They met in a church choir. The pair gained national recognition after winning the Star Quest talent show in 2002, a competition that showcased their talent to a broader audience. Following their win, KC Presh enjoyed some success in the Nigerian music scene, releasing a couple of albums and gaining a moderate following.[4] Their work together as music partners gave them both a few recognition until 2011 when they split, both chasing their own careers quite separately.

Following his split from Presh, Kcee launched his solo career, paving the way for his success. His breakthrough moment arrived in 2013 with his hit single "Limpopo." The song was popular, taking over Nigerian airwaves and club playlists.[5] “Limpopo” was a party anthem, and it quickly elevated Kcee to Stardom. The song’s success earned him several awards and nominations.

After The success of “Limpopo,” he released other popular singles such as “Pullover” featuring Wizkid and “Fine Face.” Both songs further secured his place in the Nigerian Afrobeats scene, with “Pullover” becoming another club banger.

Kcee released "Sweet Mary J" [6] which was his first single in 2020. In June 2023, he released a new hit single, "Ojapiano" which seamlessly blends the traditional sounds of Ọjà music, originating from the Igbos of South East Nigeria, with the popular South African beats of Amapiano.

Endorsements

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Achievements

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Kcee's contributions to the music industry have earned him numerous recognitions and accolades. Some of his notable achievements include: Winning awards at the Headies, Nigeria entertainment awards and MTV Africa music Awards. He was also nominated for various other awards.[4] Kcee's financial success was further cemented through strategic endorsement deals, notably with MTN Nigeria in 2013, a partnership that solidified his status as a brand ambassador. Additional collaborations with prominent brands, including Magnum, have contributed to his success.

Kcee has evolved his sound in recent years, showcasing his artistic versatility by blending contemporary styles with elements of traditional highlife. This fusion has revitalized his music, appealing to both nostalgic fans of classic Nigerian sounds and newer generations of Afrobeats enthusiasts.[11] His 2020 album, “Cultural Praise,” in collaboration with Okwesili Eze Group, is a perfect example of his ability to evolve while staying connected to his roots.[12] The album was a massive hit, especially among Igbo communities, and it showcased Kcee’s ability to infuse gospel and cultural praise into modern sounds.

Personal life

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Kcee keeps his personal life relatively private, but it is known that he is married to Ijeoma Okonkwo, and they have two children together. Despite his fame and flamboyant lifestyle, Kcee has managed to keep his family life away from the public eye, maintaining a healthy balance between his personal and professional life.[4]

Controversies

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Despite achieving great success, Kcee's career has not been without controversy. These controversies includes:

  • Jude Nnam copyright accusation: On January 28, 2021, Mr. Jude Nnam, a catholic music composer issued a formal letter to Five Star Music, Kcee's record label, through his lawyer alleging copyright infringement. Specifically, Mr. Nnam claimed that Kcee's song, 'Som Too Chukwu', which was a song he( Jude Nnam) wrote and composed in the year 2001 to celebrate his daughter's first year birthday violated his intellectual property rights.[13] Kcee added the said song to his 2021 album 'Cultural Praise, Vol. 1' without permission(either oral or written) of the composer, thus the lawsuit.[14] He further filed a 500 million lawsuit aganist Kcee. However, after a prolonged legal battle, the copyright infringement case against Kcee reached its conclusion in September 2024. At the Lagos Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Kehinde Ogundare, Jude Nnam's claims of copyright infringement were dismissed due to insufficient evidence.[15]
  • Ojapaino Controversy: Kcee's June 2024 hit single, 'Ojapaino', sparked controversy when Igwe Credo, creator of the song's signature 'Mbem' sound and the manager of ojazzy who was the flutist of 'Ojapaino, alleged that they were paid only two hundred thousand for their contribution to the song. He also accused him of abandoning ojazzy, the flutist. Credo expressed hopes that Kcee would provide exposure to boost his own music career. He later stated that he is not interested in the money but demanded that Kcee drafts a contract that provides royalty to the song for them to sign.[16] Initially,. Kcee kept mute over the allegation. However, breaking his silence, Kcee took to Instagram to address the allegations. He expressed disappointment and shared receipts of payments totaling over one million naira made to Igwe Credo on various occasions. He also stated to have invited them to different events to perform but was repeatedly turned down. In addition,he stated that Igwe credo and Ojazzy performs 'Ojapaino' at events without his permission. He emphasized that "Ojapaino" is his intellectual property, and any unauthorized performances constitute a violation of his rights.[17]
  • 'Cultural Vibes' Controversy: In 2024, amidst the Gwogwogwo trend, Kcee faced backlash over allegations of unauthorized song usage. Rumors surfaced that his 2022 track "Cultural Vibes" sampled Mike Ejeagha's work without permission. Kcee responded to the allegation,by sampling with conclusive evidence. He shared a 2018 video showcasing his teams visiting Mike Ejeagha. Kcee further addressed allegations of unauthorized sampling, stating: "I obtained Mike Ejeagha's explicit authorization before using his intellectual property. All necessary paperwork was completed properly."[18]

Discography

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Album

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Take Over (2013)

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  • Hustle Your Way
  • Hakuna Matata
  • Do It
  • Ogadimma
  • Pullover
  • Limpopo

Attention to Detail (2017)

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  • High me
  • 4-40
  • Dem Go Hear
  • Dance
  • Vanessa

Eastern Conference (2019)

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  • Nwanne Bu Nwanne
  • Doh Doh Doh
  • Onye Chimere Eze
  • Oh my baby
  • Eyimba

Mr. Versatile (2024)

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  • Ojapaino
  • Ojaginger
  • Level Up
  • Obalende
  • Big Fish
  • Agenda

Collaborative projects

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  • Cultural Praise, Vol. 1 (2021)

Videography

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Year Title Director Ref
2016 Bambala As featured artiste Avalon Okpe [19]
2016 Agbomma Tchidi Chikere [20]
2018 Burn Sneeze [21]
2018 Bullion Squad Moses Inwang [22]
2018 Boo featuring Tekno Clarence Peters [23]

Awards and nominations

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Year Awards ceremony Award description(s) Recipient Results Ref
2013 The Headies Producer of the Year Del B for "Limpopo" Nominated [24]
Song of the Year "Limpopo" Won [25]
Channel O Music Video Awards 2013 MOST GIFTED DANCE VIDEO "Limpopo" Nominated [26]
2014 The Headies Best R&B/Pop Album "Takeover" Nominated [27]
Hip Hop World Revelation of the Year "Takeover" Won [27]
Artiste of the Year "Himself" Nominated [27]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ sometimes stylised as KCee

References

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  1. ^ "kcee presh break up". Nigeria Films. Retrieved 18 June 2011.
  2. ^ ""Kcee" Limpopo". NotJustOk. Retrieved 19 February 2013.
  3. ^ "Kcee celebrates birthday with family". PM News.
  4. ^ a b c d Kashgain. "Kcee Biography, Net Worth, and Career Achievements". kashgain.net. Retrieved 13 October 2024.
  5. ^ a b Kwubeï, Nnebuifé (16 October 2023). "From Limpopo to Ojapiano: How KCee Continues to Reinvent Himself". BellaNaija. Retrieved 13 October 2024.
  6. ^ "Kcee - Sweet Mary J (With Lyrics)". Naijapals. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
  7. ^ "MTN splashes N500m on endorsement deals". TheNetNg. Retrieved 16 September 2013.
  8. ^ "Patience Jonathan appoints Limpopo Crooner Kcee as Peace Ambassador". DailyPost. 10 March 2014. Retrieved 10 March 2014.
  9. ^ "MTN splashes N600m on endorsement deals". KonkNaija Media. 20 June 2013. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
  10. ^ "KCee Announces His Latest Endorsement Deal with Magnum". BellaNaija. 23 March 2015. Retrieved 23 March 2015.
  11. ^ Kwubeï, Nnebuifé (16 October 2023). "From Limpopo to Ojapiano: How KCee Continues to Reinvent Himself". BellaNaija. Retrieved 14 October 2024.
  12. ^ BellaNaija.com (22 December 2022). "New Music: Kcee feat. Okwesili Eze Group – Thanksgiving". BellaNaija. Retrieved 14 October 2024.
  13. ^ Aniukwu, christain (March 2021). "Cultural Praise by Kcee and the Copyright Infringement Suit by Jude Nnam: Can a Copyright Work be 'Generic'?". Researchgate.
  14. ^ Chioma, Unini (27 March 2021). "Jude Nnam Files 150M Copyright Infringement Suit Against E-Money, KCee And 5 Star Music Ltd". TheNigeriaLawyer. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  15. ^ Oyinua, Okubonanabo (1 October 2024). "Court dismisses N500m Copyright Infringement suit against musician, KCee, E-Money". Vanguard.
  16. ^ www.premiumtimesng.com https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/music/638001-ojapiano-give-us-royalty-were-tired-of-keeping-quiet-igwe-credo-drags-kcee.html?tztc=1. Retrieved 15 October 2024. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  17. ^ Alake, Olumide (15 November 2023). ""Evidence plenty": Drama as KCee is set to sue man behind Ojapiano sound". Legit.ng - Nigeria news. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  18. ^ "VIDEO: Kcee Responds To Accusations Of Using Mike Ejeagha's Song Without Permission". Gistmania. 23 July 2024. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  19. ^ "Music Video Akoo Nana - Bambala feat. Kcee & Harrysong". Pulse.com.gh. David Mawuli. 3 October 2015. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
  20. ^ "Kcee Patience Ozorkwor, Chiwetalu Agu, star in singer's 'Agbomma' video". Pulse.com.gh. David Mawuli. 24 September 2015. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
  21. ^ "Kcee ft. Sarkodie – Burn (Official Music Video) | Ghpop.com". 6 March 2018. Retrieved 6 March 2018.
  22. ^ "Must watch! Kcee drops the official video for 'Bullion Squad'". 18 April 2018.
  23. ^ "Kcee - Boo (Official Video) ft. Tekno".
  24. ^ "The Headies Awards; Full List of Winners". Bella Naija. 2 January 2014. Retrieved 27 December 2013.
  25. ^ "The Headies Awards; Full List of Winners". Bella Naija. 1 January 2014. Retrieved 28 December 2013.
  26. ^ "Channel O Music Video Awards 2013: Full List Of Winners". Bella Naija. 1 January 2014. Retrieved 30 November 2013.
  27. ^ a b c "The Headies Awards; Full List of Winners". DonBoye. 4 January 2014. Retrieved 15 December 2014.
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