While the majority of the attention has rightly been on Afrobeats breaking into new countries to make significant strides, the international success of artistes such as Tems and Arya Starr, Tiwa Savage, and many more is part of a bigger picture and move back home which saw more female artistes prove their worth in a male-dominated industry.
Women have been key to the growth of Afrobeats, yet they have typically been kept to the sidelines. Also, if last year is any indication, a shift is on the way with this new exciting wave of female musicians who are not only capturing public attention but also anchored across Nigeria’s booming cultures, making music on their terms and avoiding gatekeepers.
Nigeria has a long history of female singers that have not only reinvented music but also shifted women’s position in society.
The Nigerian born singer, Ehika Chika Precious, a.k.a Hika is a new act to the Nigerian music industry. The young fresh singer, songwriter and performing artiste started singing at a very tender age and want to push further in her musical pursuit.
Hika graduated from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) with a degree in philosophy. The young act, Hika, is not limited to a particular genre of music but always dabbles in pop, reggae, soul and Afro pop.
When Hika broke out in the Nigerian music scene back in 2017 with her debut single, ‘Honeygram’, it was a breath of fresh air for two reasons; the sound and lyricism and also because she was female.
She has since grown into a force to be reckoned with. Hika is confident, fearless and unapologetic. Her debut EP ‘Wayback Love’ captures her versatility in three tracks, where she delivers positive lyrics and brims with a confidence that leaves no doubt about her verses about being the best.
Hika accords the likes of late Lucky Dube, Adele, Camila Cabello as an inspiration. However much she admires them, she says she presses caution to be unique in her own sound.
She looks forward to working with Bruno Mars, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Burna boy, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Davido, Tems and more.
“These artistes are unique in their own ways and collaborating with every one of them will have a unique experience and outcome,” she said.
The young Nigerian recording artist prides herself in creating feel-good Afropop and R&B records, putting on for Africa in the best way she knows how.
“My kind of song is always one where the vocals are delivered to perfection while the simplicity of the melody will make you want to sing along,” Hika added.
Her advice to aspiring musicians is that they remain more focused and determined now more than ever. Hika is without doubt going to hit the music industry with a wave of uniqueness and freshness, everyone should be on the toes for more as she plans to do more music.
