By Tela Wangeci
There’s a particular kind of magic that happens when a city’s underground talent finally gets its moment in the sun. In Enugu, Nigeria a place where music spills from open windows, street corners, and neighborhood bars that moment has arrived for two fresh voices: Rico4vee and Starkidmaker. Their debut single, BLOK BABY, is more than just a song. It’s a celebration, a statement, and the sound of two artists stepping boldly onto the global stage.
Released under BLOK ENTERTAINMENT (BLOKENT) and produced by one of Nigeria’s rising beatmakers, Chify Jay, BLOK BABY is the kind of track that makes you move before you even realize it. Bright, buoyant, and brimming with confidence, it fuses the timeless grooves of Afrobeat with a polished, contemporary sheen the kind of hybrid sound that travels well beyond borders while staying rooted in its origins.
From its opening bars, BLOK BABY is unapologetically infectious. Chify Jay’s production is a masterclass in balance: traditional Afrobeat percussion that nods to the genre’s Lagos and Fela-inspired roots, layered with synths and rhythmic breaks that feel at home on today’s global playlists. His arrangement leaves room for both artists to shine, a testament to a producer who understands that a beat isn’t just background, but a canvas.
The chorus is pure sing-along magic catchy without being disposable, playful without losing musicality. It’s easy to imagine it echoing across festival fields, packed Lagos clubs, or in the middle of a carefree road trip with the windows down.
Both artists hail from Enugu, but their approaches to music couldn’t be more complementary. Rico4vee is smooth his voice gliding over the beat with a melodic ease that feels effortless. Starkidmaker, on the other hand, is pure electricity. His delivery snaps with energy, each line pushing the track forward with urgency and swagger. Together, they create a dynamic that’s hard to manufacture: chemistry that feels genuine.
For both, BLOK BABY represents a turning point. It’s not just their first official release under BLOKENT it’s their introduction to an audience far bigger than the neighborhoods that first knew their names. “This song is the start of something much bigger,” says Rico4vee. “It’s about showing the world who we are and where we come from.”
While Rico4vee and Starkidmaker take center stage, BLOK BABY wouldn’t be what it is without Chify Jay. Quickly becoming one of Nigeria’s most promising young producers, Chify has carved out a reputation for blending authenticity with accessibility. His beats carry the heartbeat of Afrobeat but are designed for global ears a sound that can land on a playlist in Lagos and Los Angeles alike.
Here, he creates a track that’s simultaneously intricate and easy to love. The percussion pops, the bassline is warm and inviting, and the melody feels like sunlight in audio form. For BLOK ENTERTAINMENT, BLOK BABY is another step in its mission to find and develop Africa’s next generation of stars. Known for its ability to spot raw talent and give it the right stage, the label has built a reputation as both a creative home and a launchpad. With this release, they’re not just introducing two artists and a producer they’re signaling that Enugu has a new wave ready to compete on a world stage.
“This isn’t just about one song,” a BLOKENT rep explains. “It’s about showing that incredible talent can come from anywhere and we’re committed to putting that talent in front of the world.”
In today’s Afrobeat scene, where global interest is at an all-time high, it’s easy for new acts to get lost in the noise. But BLOK BABY feels like it has staying power partly because it’s catchy, but mostly because it’s grounded in real personality. It’s the sound of two artists confident in their craft, unafraid to have fun with it, and eager to invite listeners into their world.
The single also represents something bigger for Enugu: a moment of recognition. While cities like Lagos and Accra often dominate the conversation around Afrobeats, BLOK BABY is proof that Nigeria’s smaller music hubs are brimming with just as much talent, ambition, and creativity. As BLOK BABY makes its way onto streaming platforms and into the ears of listeners worldwide, there’s a sense that this is just the opening chapter. With Rico4vee and Starkidmaker’s contrasting styles, Chify Jay’s signature production, and BLOKENT’s clear vision, the foundation is set for something much bigger.
So, whether you’re an Afrobeat devotee or new to the genre, consider BLOK BABY your introduction to three names you’ll want to remember. Play it once, and you’ll likely find yourself hitting repeat. Play it twice, and you might just become part of the wave they’re building.
The voices of tomorrow have arrived and they’re here to make you dance.
Stream “BLOK BABY”