Blaqbonez

Emeka Akumefule, better known by his stage name Blaqbonez, openly declares himself Nigeria’s top rapper, using the bold assertion to push fellow artists toward matching his intricate wordplay and infectious rhythms.

Born in 1996 within Imo State in southeastern Nigeria, he absorbed Yoruba and Urhobo traditions during childhood, an influence partly shaped by his mother’s role as a pastor. He first picked up the mic at thirteen, despite his parents’ objections, and later balanced formal education with his passion by enrolling in computer engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University while still competing in local rap battles.

In 2012 he claimed victory in Terry Tha Rapman’s Zombie contest, outranking more than three thousand entrants, and soon afterward contributed a verse to the same artist’s mixtape World Domination alongside Olamide, Vector, Mode 9, and Spellz. Following the release of three earlier works—Hip-Hop in Blaq, Unfinished EP, and Cassette Tapes and TVs—he reiterated his claim to being Nigeria’s finest rapper, framing the statement as a challenge meant to elevate the entire scene. That same competitive spirit informed his 2018 project Bad Boy Blaq, one installment in a three-part series issued by Chocolate City Records to motivate other MCs.

His first full-length effort, the 2021 album Sex Over Love, included appearances from Amaare, Nasty C, and Bad Boy Timz; the follow-up, Young Preacher, arrived the next year.