Nigerian Singer Khaid Narrates Journey from Mechanic to Fame, Plans Kenya Visit

• Nigerian singer Khaid revealed that he once worked menial jobs in Lagos before breaking into the music industry
• Khaid told TUKO.co.ke that he never abandoned his musical dream despite the hardships, and credits a social media discovery for turning his life around
• The Afrobeats rising star expressed his desire to visit Kenya and perform for fans in East Africa

Long before the streaming numbers and award nominations, Khaid was fixing cars on the streets of Lagos.

The Nigerian singer, born Sulaimon Shekoni Solomon, has opened up about the gruelling path he took before Afrobeats gave him a way out.

Singer Khaid’s rise

Growing up in Shibiri, Ojo, in Lagos, within a large family, Khaid took on whatever work was available to keep things moving at home. Mechanical repairs, painting and barbering were all part of his daily hustle, even as music remained his true ambition.

“My journey has not been easy. I went from working as a mechanic on the streets of Lagos to pursuing my dream of becoming a musician.

Even when things were difficult, I never gave up on music because I believed that one day my hard work would pay off. Getting discovered changed my life, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my talent with the world,” he told TUKO.co.ke.

The turning point arrived when popular Nigerian content creator Sydney Talker spotted Khaid’s talent through social media.

The exposure opened doors, and his debut single, With You, quickly racked up millions of streams, drawing listeners in with a sound that blended Afrobeats and trap in a fresh way.

He kept the momentum going with tracks like Jolie and Anabella, and his team-up with Boy Spyce on Carry Me Go broadened his fanbase considerably.

The music industry took notice, and Khaid earned a Rookie of the Year nomination at the 2023 Headies Awards. His debut EP, Diversity, further cemented his sound, weaving together western trap rhythms, Afrobeats and Amapiano into a cohesive body of work.

With his reputation growing steadily across Nigeria and beyond, Khaid has set his sights on East Africa. Kenya, in particular, is a market he is eager to tap into, where Afrobeats has built a devoted following over the years.

“I want to one day give my Kenyan fans a chance to experience my music and learn more about the artiste behind the hits,” he said.

For a musician who once balanced a spanner in one hand and a microphone dream in the other, the prospect of performing in Nairobi would represent yet another chapter in a story that continues to surprise.

What did Mama Ojo say about son’s birth?

In other news, Nigerian comedian Sam Spedy, popularly known as Mama Ojo, touched fans with an emotional video celebrating the arrival of his son, Joel, with his wife, Simi Richard.

The comedian was seen crying tears of happiness while holding his newborn for the first time.

Fans and fellow entertainers congratulated the growing family.

Source: TUKO.co.ke