Originally from Port Harcourt, Francis Chijioke, known as Blaki, ventured to Germany in pursuit of opportunities and found his passion for music along the way. His journey in music began as a rapper, and he quickly gained recognition for his ability to infuse meaningful lyrics into catchy beats. Over the years, he has released a series of hits, including “Obinwanne,” “Prayer for Nigeria,” “Gbadu you Soccer Fiesta,” “Happy Birthday,” and his latest single, “Waka Waka” featuring Cedar Case.
Describing himself as an “Afrobeats ambassador in Germany,” Blaki emphasizes the influence of his multicultural background on his music. “I represent our Afrobeats culture in Germany and need the support of my people,” he asserts.
As the president of the German Afrobeats All Stars, Blaki collaborates with rising stars to promote Afrobeats culture in Europe. His latest single, “Waka Waka,” is inspired by the resilience and positive energy of Nigerians, despite facing challenges at home and abroad.
“We addressed social issues in ‘Waka Waka’ following the love we have for our country,” Blaki explains. “Music is an art of expression, and I have different topics interwoven in different genres, but my heartbeat is Afrobeat.”
Blaki’s dedication to his craft and his commitment to spreading positive messages through music have earned him opportunities to perform alongside industry heavyweights like 2Baba, Duncan Mighty, and J Martins. With each new release, he aims to showcase the rich culture and vibrant energy of Nigeria to the world.
Reflecting on his journey, Blaki remains optimistic about the future of Nigerian music and its potential to inspire change. “Having lived in Germany for many years and traveled far and near, the Nigerian positive energy is what makes us resilient and special as a people,” he says. “If we have explored our potentials in Nigeria to the fullest, we would have eradicated the Jakpa epidemic.”
Blaki’s passion for music and his unwavering belief in the power of Nigerian culture continue to drive him forward, promising even greater achievements on the horizon.