Nigerian music continues to welcome fresh voices, and one of the latest is Ogbonnaya Nkemdirim, professionally known as 9ikky, who has officially unveiled his debut extended play (EP), a six-track project released on May 13, 2026.
The project represents a significant milestone in his growing career, which has been steadily developing over the years through writing, performing, and competing in rap-focused spaces before transitioning into a more structured recording journey.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the body of work, 9ikky explained that the songs are rooted in lived experience and observations of people around him. He described the EP as being shaped by everyday emotional and social realities, with themes that reflect struggle, resilience, and personal reflection.
His musical journey dates back to 2012, when a chance encounter with the lyrical style of Nigerian rapper Nigga Raw sparked his interest in writing music. That moment, he has shared, became the foundation for his development as a lyricist.
Born in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and originally from Arochukwu in Abia State, 9ikky spent his formative years in Bonny Island. He is the first of five children in his family, a background he occasionally reflects on when discussing his drive and determination.
Between 2014 and 2018, he studied Geology at the University of Calabar, a period during which his passion for music remained active alongside his academic pursuits. On campus, he was known for performing as a rapper, entering talent competitions, and earning recognition through rap battles that helped him build a local following.
Over time, his style evolved into what he now describes as emotionally driven music grounded in real-life storytelling. According to him, the aim is not just performance but connection—creating songs that listeners can relate to on a personal level.
As he promotes the newly released EP, 9ikky is focusing on expanding his reach and establishing a stronger presence within Nigeria’s competitive music industry, using this project as a foundation for what he hopes will be a longer and more impactful career.