Blaqbonez The Self Proclaimed Best Rapper in Africa Who Turned Confidence Into Currency

Emeka Akumefule

Before the viral tweets, before the bold declaration “Best Rapper in Africa,” and before the chart-topping albums, there was a young boy in Nigeria who found comfort in words. The world knows him as Blaqbonez — confident, witty, controversial, and unapologetically ambitious. But his journey began as Emeka Akumefule, a creative child whose weapon would eventually become lyricism.

Born on January 29, 1996, in Imo State, Nigeria, Emeka grew up in a modest family environment. Life was structured, disciplined, and rooted in strong values. But beneath that structure, there was imagination.

From childhood, Emeka loved storytelling. He paid attention to language. He noticed how words could shape perception. While other children were consumed by play, he was fascinated by expression.

Growing Up With Curiosity

Though born in Imo State, Blaqbonez spent much of his upbringing in Lagos, where he was exposed to the fast-paced energy of Nigeria’s entertainment capital. Lagos is loud. Competitive. Creative.

That environment sharpened his awareness.

As a teenager, he became obsessed with rap music. He listened to American hip hop artists, studied rhyme schemes, memorized verses, and practiced freestyling. He admired global icons like Kanye West and other lyric-driven rappers who combined intelligence with bold personality.

But he did not want to copy anyone.

He wanted to dominate his own space.

The Early Rap Battles

Blaqbonez began participating in rap battles and freestyle competitions during his secondary school and university years. He later attended Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, where he studied Engineering.

University life became his training ground.

He released underground mixtapes and built a loyal campus following. His confidence was visible even then. He declared himself the best rapper long before mainstream recognition.

Many laughed.

But he kept saying it.

Confidence became his strategy.

Mixtapes and Underground Respect

Between 2015 and 2018, Blaqbonez released several projects including “Best Rapper in Africa” mixtape series. The title was intentionally provocative.

He understood marketing.

In a crowded industry, subtlety can make you invisible. So he chose boldness.

His lyricism was sharp. His delivery playful yet calculated. He blended humor with braggadocio. He mocked critics before they could mock him.

Slowly, the industry began to notice.

Signing With Chocolate City

In 2019, Blaqbonez signed with Chocolate City, one of Nigeria’s most respected music labels. The label had previously housed heavyweights like M.I Abaga and Ice Prince.

For Blaqbonez, this was validation.

He released the EP “Bad Boy Blaq,” which expanded his audience. Songs like “Mamiwota” showcased a blend of rap and Afro-fusion.

He was evolving.

Sex Over Love Era

In 2021, Blaqbonez released his debut studio album, “Sex Over Love.” The project explored themes of relationships, emotional detachment, fame, and vulnerability.

The album was bold, humorous, and reflective.

Tracks like “Bling” became hits. The remix featuring Wizkid elevated his visibility even further.

Suddenly, the “self-proclaimed” title did not sound so exaggerated anymore.

He was charting.

He was trending.

He was winning.

Marketing Genius

What separates Blaqbonez from many peers is his understanding of branding.

He uses humor strategically. He creates viral moments intentionally. He trolls the industry in a way that keeps him in conversation without destroying relationships.

He understands digital culture deeply.

Every controversy feels calculated.

Every bold statement feels intentional.

Musical Style and Versatility

Though rooted in rap, Blaqbonez refuses to be boxed in. He experiments with Afrobeat, trap, R&B, and even dancehall influences.

His lyrics are often witty, sarcastic, and layered with wordplay. He balances introspection with arrogance.

He can switch from emotional vulnerability to comedic exaggeration seamlessly.

That unpredictability keeps audiences engaged.

Young Preacher and Continued Growth

In 2022, he released “Young Preacher,” a project that reflected growth and ambition. The title symbolized his desire to preach his philosophy — ambition, self-belief, and dominance.

The album featured collaborations across genres, showing his industry reach.

He no longer needed to shout “Best Rapper in Africa.”

His numbers began speaking.

Personal Philosophy

Blaqbonez often emphasizes mindset.

He believes confidence creates reality.

By repeatedly declaring greatness, he forced audiences to consider it.

He transformed what began as a joke into brand identity.

Behind the playful arrogance lies discipline. He writes extensively. He studies trends. He plans rollouts carefully.

Influence on Nigerian Hip Hop

At a time when Nigerian rap was struggling for mainstream relevance against Afrobeats dominance, Blaqbonez helped revive attention toward lyricism.

He made rap fun again.

He proved that rappers could be commercially viable without abandoning bars.

Young artists now embrace bold marketing partly because he demonstrated its effectiveness.

Challenges and Criticism

Of course, boldness attracts critics.

Some accuse him of overconfidence. Others question his lyrical supremacy claims.

But Blaqbonez thrives on debate.

Controversy fuels conversation.

And conversation fuels visibility.

Legacy in Progress

Emeka Akumefule’s story is still unfolding.

From a young boy fascinated by rap flows to a university battle champion, to a Chocolate City star redefining Nigerian hip hop marketing — his rise reflects strategy and stubborn belief.

He did not wait for validation.

He created it.

He did not wait for the crown.

He announced himself king.

Whether history ultimately crowns him or not, one thing is clear.

He forced his way into the conversation.

And in an industry built on noise, that may be the greatest skill of all.

Blaqbonez is not just a rapper.

He is a brand architect.

A lyrical strategist.

A marketing disruptor.

And his story is far from finished.