Introducing: Chiedu Oraka

Groundbreaking East Coast rap, Yorkshire style…

YOUR NAME: Chiedu Oraka.
WHAT DO YOU DO/PLAY? I am a rap recording artist.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PLAYING MUSIC? I started taking music seriously about 6 years ago before that it was just a passtime that I would do at house parties free styling to American instrumentals saying anything that rhymed to get a laugh from my mates.

GIVE US THREE REASONS WHY WE SHOULD TRACK DOWN, LISTEN AND DISCOVER YOUR MUSIC?
1. I am the sound of northern working class England.
2. It is my duty to document social issues and be a voice for the often forgotten.
3. Music is one of the only things that can determine a human’s perspective or mood on a daily basis; I have such a diverse catalogue that can trigger all sorts of emotion. This is the sole reason why I make music to give people a different experience every time they hear me rap.

WHERE DO YOU SOUND BEST – FESTIVAL, CLUB, BEDROOM – OR SOMEWHERE ELSE?
I love playing festivals it’s where I bring out my A game. The energy at most of the festivals I have played has been crazy. I just thrive off that sort of atmosphere.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CD?
My first CD was Tupac’s All Eyez On Me, absolute classic.

SO, WHEN IT ALL GOES RIGHT AND YOU’VE GOT A MANSION AND A SUPERMODEL GIRLFRIEND, WHAT WILL BE YOUR BIGGEST MUSICAL INDULGENCE?
To be able to support my mum and sister financially. My mother sacrificed a hell of a lot to raise us both and to give us everything we needed to have a great start in life. So the least I can do is give back and make sure she never has to go without. I have always said I would love to buy my mum a Nigerian restaurant. There are so many different restaurants in Hull there just needs to be an African one now with our family name on it.

SO, WHEN IT ALL GOES WRONG AND YOU’VE ACRIMONIOUSLY BROKEN UP CITING HUGE MUSICAL DIFFERENCES, WHAT DO YOU FALL BACK ON?
I would probably use my degree (Sport Development and Coaching) in some way. Either a football coach or a P.E teacher. I would love to counsel athletes who have suffered horrendous injuries so I can help them get back on their feet.

WHO ARE YORKSHIRE’S FINEST IN CULTURE, SPORT AND MUSIC?
Arctic Monkeys – absolute icons (they totally get it). Nicola Adams – a true testament of hard work and doesn’t get enough credit for her achievements. Naseem Hamed – another boxer, I know, but come on, what a charismatic, talented and hard hitting champion. The ultimate maverick

NAME YOUR SUPERGROUP – WHO’S PLAYING WHAT AND WHO’S ON VOCALS?
It would have to be a super rap group for me. Nas, Lauryn Hill, Tupac with Mike Skinner and Dr Dre as the producers. A bit random but I am sure we would make millions and sell out arenas.

GO SEE THIS FILM: Juice.
GO READ THIS BOOK: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S Lewis.
GREAT LOST BAND/ARTIST: Little Simz.
LONDON, L.A OR LEEDS? Sorry, it’s got to be London.

AND FINALLY… AS YOU LEAVE THE STAGE, WHAT ARE YOUR PARTING WORDS?
Either ‘lockdown for life’ or ‘lockdown over everything’.

For more info visit: facebook.com/chieduorakaofficial