Shakez Baba

Born Akachi Igboko, Shakez Baba (aka Baba Ö) is a Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer who hails from Abia State. Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria to a family of academics and professionals, Shakez Baba discovered his passion for music as a kid when he would freestyle to piano renditions with his childhood friend in his home. However, it wasn't until his time in secondary school when he truly discovered his love for hip-hop, performing popular rap songs in school shows with his friends and receiving decent recognition. This passion would later push him to write his first raps and record his first rap covers in his early university days. Shakez Baba possesses a unique style of music, combining a flow which is fresh but reminiscent of prior memorable years of hip-hop, with standout lyricism infused with lingo which showcases his Nigerian roots while being relatable on a global scale. As a record producer, he also flexes range in his choice of instrumentation, putting his music in a class of its own. His musical range comes from his early inspirations, which were firstly RnB and Pop music, to Afrobeat music by Lagbaja and eventually discovering hip-hop listening to early Kanye West albums, Jay-Z, Drake, M.I Abaga, Naeto C and Aka (now deceased). According to Shakez Baba, "I make music I'd love to listen to, that's honest to me and tells the realities of myself and the people around me."