CKay the First cover

CKay the First

CKay · 2019

23 min · 8 tracks · Afrobeat

Melodic Afrobeat rhythms intertwine with intimate vocals, creating an inviting soundscape that celebrates love and connection.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    love nwantiti (ah ah ah) Start here — This track's infectious melody and relatable lyrics about love propelled it into viral fame, making it synonymous with CKay's artistic identity.
  • →
    dtf — With its upbeat tempo and playful lyrics, this song showcases CKay's ability to blend romantic themes with danceable Afrobeat rhythms.
  • →
    kalakuta — This track stands out with its unique blend of traditional sounds and contemporary production, reflecting CKay's roots while pushing musical boundaries.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases engaging melodies and rhythms but lacks some cohesion in pacing across tracks.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a faster pace that shifts the energy.
  • Vocals are layered with harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly on 'love nwantiti', which features call-and-response elements.
  • Several tracks utilize repetitive melodic hooks that enhance their catchiness and memorability, especially in the choruses.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • playful melodies for dancing
  • short bursts of energy
  • vibrant tracks for celebration
  • introspective moments between grooves

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer long, sprawling albums
  • seek slow, contemplative sounds

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This EP established CKay's reputation with the viral hit 'Love Nwantiti'.
Themes
Nigerian love stories· danceable romance· intimate Afrobeat vibes
Career context
CKay was gaining recognition in the Nigerian music scene leading up to the release of CKay the First, which followed his breakout single 'Love Nwantiti'. This album marked his debut project, solidifying his presence in the Afrobeat genre as he transitioned from a promising producer to a vocal artist.
Stylistic neighbors
Joeboy· Rema· Fireboy DML

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • love nwantiti (ah ah ah)

    Here, CKay shifts from describing idealized love to expressing vulnerability through a direct appeal for connection.

Tracklist

  • 1 dtf 3:31
  • 2 love nwantiti (ah ah ah) Start here 2:25
  • 3 kalakuta 2:39
  • 4 way 2:32
  • 5 ski ski 3:06
  • 6 oliver kahn 2:52
  • 7 like to party 2:51
  • 8 beeni 3:19

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata