Apple Music announces Chella as ‘Up Next Artiste’ in Nigeria

Apple Music has announced that the latest featured artiste in its ‘Up Next’ artiste development programme in Nigeria, is Afrofusion singer-songwriter Chella (real names Uzochukwu Michael Ikechukwu).

“Being selected for Apple Music Up Next Nigeria is a huge honour for me,” he said. “It’s a blessing to have my music recognised on such a global platform. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my sound with the world, and I’m excited for what’s ahead as I continue this journey.”

Born and raised in Abuja, Chella grew up in a musically-inclined family and honed his musical talents performing spontaneous street freestyles in eccentric outfits, while simultaneously earning a BA from Abia State University.

However, it was his unique persona, clever wordplay, and undeniable talent that gained him a cult following, blending traditional African sounds with contemporary beats that saw his breakout hit, ‘Nyash Na Nyash’, become a street anthem. The track’s subsequent remix featuring Young John cemented his place as an emerging Afrobeat star, and the release of his debut EP Tears Of A Mad Man has only further amplified his status as one of the most exciting voices in Nigerian music.

As the newest ‘Up Next’ act to be spotlighted in Nigeria, Chella will be featured across Apple Music’s Nigeria’s Up Next playlist. The curated ‘Up Next’ playlist features a dynamic class of new and emerging artistes, thoughtfully hand-picked by Apple Music editors from around the world. The playlist is genre agnostic and represents a line-up of artistes our global editors are passionate about and eager to expose to a larger audience.

Chella joins Kold AF, ShineTTW, Shoday, Qing Madi, Rain in April, Khaid, Ninety, Young Jonn, T.I Blaze, Browny Pondis, Ajebo Hustlers, Jaido P, Wavy The Creator and SGaWD as Apple Music’s growing stable of ‘Up Next’ artistes from Nigeria.

The vast global ‘Up Next’ roster of past talent includes Grammy-nominated and critically lauded talent like 6lack, Daniel Caesar, H.E.R., Greta Van Fleet, Khalid, Amy Shark, Billie Eilish, Sabrina Claudio, Sigrid, Mr Eazi, Stefflon Don, Bad Bunny, Juice WLRD, Bazzi, Jax Jones, NCT 127, Summer Walker, Tierra Whack, Dean Lewis, Pink Sweat$, Koffee, Megan Thee Stallion, Burna Boy, Clairo, Lunay, Jessie Reyez, Orville Peck, Victoria Monét, Ingrid Andress, Conan Gray, Don Toliver, Rema, BENEE, Holly Humberstone, Natanael Cano, Givēon, beabadoobee, Arlo Parks, Tate McRae, Foushee and Tems.

Rotimi Ige