Candy Bleakz has earned acclaim as the foremost female rapper in Nigeria and Africa at large, garnering impressive streams, awards, and recognitions. Get familiar with this VIPER interview…

What five words define your sound?

Relatable, Hustle, Dance, Street, Aspirational.

Tell me something unique about your creative process.

I like to think about how people like me will relate to the music. I want the music to reflect real life experiences and to ease the pain.

Which song of yours would you like people to hear first?

That’s a tough one. I can’t choose [laughs]! Right now I’m currently enjoying ‘My Dear’ which is an unreleased song. But a good introduction is ‘Tikuku’.

What inspired you to make that song?

Pain and betrayal.

What’s the most vulnerable you’ve allowed yourself to be when writing/making music?

Listening to producers and accepting writers.

What’s the best/worst experience you’ve had on stage?

When I was still an artist on the come up, a bouncer slapped me at a show.

What is your favourite song to perform?

‘Tikuku’ and ‘Wale’.

Which artist/song/album made you want to make music?

None, I just love all good music. Music came unexpectedly not because of anyone. Also I’m inspired by how it can change people’s lives. 

What’s the meaning behind your name?

Bleakz was created from my first and last name – Blessing Akiode. Candy was given to me by my friends – I guess cause I’m a sweet person [laughs].  

If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing instead?

I would be acting or playing football or probably a doctor. 

What’s success to you?

Success to me is achieving great milestones in my career. Being able to help people and and also being able to afford everything I want without thinking about it. 

What moment in your life/career forced you to change direction?

The moment I got signed to Chocolate City and had a hit song – ‘Owo Osu’ featuring Naira Marley and Zlatan. In that moment I started making money, people started recognising me, I knew I had to improve and grow faster to maintain what I had achieved. 

Where can people keep in touch with you?

iamcandybleakz on twitter, instagram, snapchat, and Candy Bleakz on Facebook