Introducing Chiedu Oraka, a wordsmith who’s bucking the trend away from guitar music in Hull. His environment has a strong impact on his music; infusing his lyrics with Yorkshire slang and tongue-in-cheek humour atop a genre-smashing mix of everything from UKG to early 00s rave culture with a nod to Grime and UK Rap in between. Following on from his huge tracks The War Chant, Darcy and Men Behaving Badly, he’s just dropped Bianca which is a House flavoured bop from his forthcoming EP Back to Black – which shines a light on the Yorkshire Black Experience. Chiedu’s previous musical output has garnered accolades from Toddla T (Radio 1) and Majestic (Kiss FM). Yorkshire represent! We caught up with him for a few questions…

1. Contestant, what’s your name, chosen craft and where are you based?

My name Chiedu Oraka and i am musician from Hull in East Yorkshire 

2. How would you describe your sound?

I would describe it as the sound of northern working class Britain. There is no father to my sound, i just do what I want. I am not concerned about staying in a lane or making people happy who don’t really care about my art anyway. I represent a forgotten part of the UK and my music represents that. 

3. Who/what do you consider to be the biggest influence on your music?

My mum, my sister and the area i grew up in “North Hull Estate.” My mum is a don, Nigerian single parent who came to this country for a better life and brought up two kids on one of Englands toughest council estates. All this music stuff is for her man, she deserves to have a decent retirement. North Hull made me the man I am today, so many trails and tribulations, victories and losses. Very rough but a very honest place, you had to grow up quick round here. 

4. What’s the proudest moment to date for you as an artist?

My song Darcy being on over 3 million streams is pretty sick. Just because it was made in such an organic way. There was no fancy studio equipment involved, it was made in a box bedroom on a council estate. We didn’t have a clue how big that tune would be. That song has taken me and my team to so many different places. 

5. Do you have any advice for our readers who maybe trying to play the mad game of music?

Just be your self at all times, do not sugarcoat your sound to try and fit in with a crowd. If they really love you they will accept you regardless. Everybody in this game thinks they know what’s best for you so they will try and put their ten pence worth in. Keep focused and surround your self with honest and creative people. You’ve got this trust me.

6. Name 3 people you would love to work with and why?

Skepta - The GOAT. He does what he wants and every verse he scores. Love the fact he’s stayed indie all these years. From north London to North Hull, that would be a madness.

Little Simz - I love to see strong black females represent. I have been a fan of hers for years so its great to see her flourish now, i honestly believe she has one of the best catalogues in UK Rap. Her live shows are sick too. I could learn so much from her.

Nas - My favourite rapper ever. His pen is untouchable. I would probably get to star struck any way if i got the chance to work with him. Haha!

7. What have you got planned for the not so distant future?

3-4 more singles and EP before the year is out.

8. What’s the album you’ve played more than any other?

Dr Dre - 2001

9. What’s the best concert you’ve been to and where was it?

Kanye and Jay Z, Watch The Throne tour in Manchester 

10. Name three things you can’t live without?

Trainers, Newcastle Utd and music.

Be sure to follow Chiedu for the latest news and music. Bianca is available to stream now.