Published on September 5th, 2024 | by Ralph Okobz

Candy Bleakz Strives For “Better Days” As She Talks Musical Heritage, Growth, and Evolution

Meet Candy Bleakz, the vibrant powerhouse affectionately dubbed the “Queen of the Streets.” This Nigerian Street-Hop sensation, born Blessing Akiode on August 5, 1999, burst onto the music scene with lightning-fast penmanship and razor-sharp lyrics that have firmly established her as a formidable force in the industry. From her early days belting out tunes in the church choir to electrifying performances that light up stages, her journey as an artist took flight when she triumphed in a school competition, igniting an unquenchable passion for music.

Candy’s talent soared to new heights when she clinched the coveted title at the Lagos Got Talent show in 2016. This victory captured the attention of none other than MI Abaga, the then CEO of Chocolate City, paving the way for her exciting signing with the illustrious label under the Street Billionaires imprint. The exhilarating ride didn’t stop there! In 2021, Candy Bleakz’s star shone even brighter as she snatched up the Gbedu Award for Best New Act and was celebrated in Google’s International Women’s Day campaign.

Step into the vibrant world of Candy Bleakz, a trailblazer who recently lit up the stage at the Recording Academy’s Global Spin Series, where she proudly showcased Afrobeats to an international audience! In 2022, she set the music scene ablaze with her acclaimed “Fire EP,” featuring infectious hits like “Tikuku,” crafted by the talented Grammy-winning producer Rexxie.

But the magic doesn’t stop there! Candy recently mesmerized her fans with her electrifying EP, “Better Days.” Blending the rich sounds of indigenous Hip Hop with the pulsating rhythms of Afro-Pop and Amapiano, she demonstrates her unstoppable talent and artistic evolution in this highly anticipated release.

Comprising eight exhilarating tracks, the “Better Days” EP serves as a vivid tapestry of Candy Bleakz’s journey of growth and self-discovery since her groundbreaking debut with the “Fire EP.” Each song is a bold statement of her self-assured and ambitious exploration of identity. With standouts like “Debe” featuring Bloody Civilian and “No Worry,” Candy Bleakz showcases her dynamic musical prowess and lyrical artistry, inviting listeners to join her on this thrilling musical adventure!

1. Hi Candy, how are you? It’s a pleasure to meet you. Can you tell us about your journey into the world of music and what inspired you to become a rapper?

I started music playfully and started going for one rap battle to the another till I eventually won Lagos Got Talent in 2017. From there, my story changed for the better

2. How do you think your cultural background and heritage influence your music and lyrics?

From my music, you can tell that I’m from the ghetto. I’m for the ghetto kids. My background gives me a different perspective about life. It has taught me that you have to work to win and then pray. It’s really all men for themselves. My music says it all.

3. Who are some of the African music stars that have inspired and influenced your style?

Osupa Saheed, Pasuma, Aruno Ishola, Baddo, Brymo etc.

4. What message or themes do you aim to convey through your music, especially as a female artist in the Afrobeats genre?

Inspirational music. It’s not happy and It’s not sad. Life can be hard but keep going whether they show you love or not, only you can help you.

5. What are your long-term goals and aspirations in the music industry, particularly in terms of achieving global success as an Afrobeats star?

I want to be one of the biggest artists in the world. When they are mentioning the top 10 in the world, I want to hear Candy Bleakz.

6. Can you share with us a memorable moment or experience that has shaped you as an artist?

Well, getting signed to a label.

7. How do you envision your music impacting the global music scene, and what steps are you taking to achieve international recognition?

Everyone is a hustler. My music is real life. When you listen to my music, you can relate. It’s like I’m in your life and telling you how it works. I just wanna keep doing me and dropping good music, tour around the world and make sure my music isn’t limited to just Nigeria.

8. What are your thoughts on the representation of women in the “Afrobeats to the world” movement today?

It’s harder for women and we don’t really support each other as much as we should. I feel like we are trying but we can definitely do more.

9. You recently dropped an EP titled “Better Days”, can you give us more insight on how the project was created and your “wow” moment during its creation?

It’s me saying don’t wait for people because you can do it for yourself. Another name for miracle is effort, whether they like it or not, just be successful and they will be forced to celebrate you. In short, keep going because better days are ahead. You will smile last.

10. How do you approach collaborations with other artists and what do you look for in a collaboration partner?

I like to make the music first, think about who will kill the sound and relate to the lyrics, then just reach out and send over. Sometimes, I link up too depending on the energy between me and the artist. But it’s all about who will kill the song.

11. How do you balance staying true to your roots in Afrobeats while also experimenting with new sounds and influences to evolve as an artist?

Well I just know there’s no limit to talent. I’m just focused on jumping on any sound a producer brings to me. If it sounds nice, I release it. If not, it stays in draft forever. But no matter what I go still dey give them normal Candy vibes.

12. What advice would you give to aspiring female artists who are looking to make their mark in the music industry?

Believe in you, not them. Don’t sell your body because that’s the end of your value. Let your talent and ginger do the work.