Five African music icons will this week grace the studios of African Voices Changemakers, CNN International’s magazine programme. The 30-minute show is sponsored by telecommunications giant, Globacom.
They include Nigerian songwriter, singer and actor, Chike Ezekpeazu Osebuka, simply known as Chike; Starboy Entertainment signee, Damilola Abdul Rasak Afolabi a.k.a. L.A.X; talented singer and rapper, Candy Bleakz, whose real name is Blessing Akiode; Ekeh Chiaka Joseph, known as Majeeed, and Ghanaian singer, Wendy Shay.
A graduate of Covenant University, Nigeria, 31-year-old Chike gained prominence during his participation in the Project Fame West Africa and The Voice Nigeria reality shows. He thereafter ventured into acting before veering into full-time music. The Glo ambassador is reputed for hits including his 14-track debut album, “Boo of the Booless”, for which he won the Album of the Year award in the City People Music Award in 2020.
L.A.X, also 31, is a Master’s degree holder from University of Manchester, United Kingdom. He started out as a rapper in a group of three called Flybois. Rapper Candy Bleakz began her musical career in 2013 with her debut album “Blessing Sky” but was signed to Chocolate City Music in the year 2020. Majeeed graduated from Iscom University, Republic of Benin, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications. He started his music career with two promotional singles, “Gee for Life” and “Rocky Lo”.
The only Ghanaian on the show for the week, Wendy Shay, 28, is a trained nurse who also attended a music school in Bernhausen, Germany, to horn her musical skills. Her debut single, “Uber Driver” launched her career in 2018.
The programme will be on DSTV Channel 401 on Saturday at 8.30 a.m. and will be repeated the same day at noon. Other repeats follow on Sunday at 4.30 a.m. and 7.00 p.m., on Monday at 4.00 a.m., and on Saturday next week at 8.30 a.m. and 12 noon. It will also air again on Sunday at 4.30 a.m. and 7.00 p.m. and on Monday at 4.00 a.m.