Introduction
In an industry where female rappers often struggle to find visibility, Candy Bleakz has broken the mold. With her vibrant personality, street-rooted lyricism, and unapologetic delivery, she brings a fresh wave of authenticity to the Nigerian music industry. Signed to Chocolate City Music and known as “Ladies Dragon,” Candy is not only reshaping what it means to be a female rapper in Nigeria, but she’s also helping global audiences discover the rich culture of Nigerian street music.
Early Life and Background
Birth and Family
Candy Bleakz was born on August 5, 1999, in Epe, Lagos State, Nigeria, where she spent most of her childhood. Born into a Yoruba family, she grew up in a tough environment that heavily influenced her music and storytelling style. From a young age, she displayed an unfiltered passion for creativity—particularly rap and poetry—which would later serve as a vehicle for her career.
Education
She attended secondary school in Lagos, where she first began experimenting with rhymes and informal rap battles. She enrolled in university but had to drop out in her second year due to financial constraints, a decision she refers to as both difficult and necessary. Despite this, she remained determined to pursue a music career, viewing education as a valuable asset, but music as her ultimate calling.
Musical Beginnings
First Recordings
Candy Bleakz released her first single titled “Blessing Sky” in 2013, which marked her entry into the Nigerian underground rap scene. The song was self-recorded and distributed via mobile phones and local mixtape vendors, gaining attention among street music enthusiasts in Lagos.
Early Competitions and Street Credibility
Her career took a turn when she placed second in the Lagos Got Talent competition in 2016. That same year, she won Best Female Artist at the Annual University Crest Awards, which gave her both exposure and validation as a serious artist.
Her blend of Yoruba street lingo, Afrobeat rhythms, and trap influences resonated with a youth audience looking for an authentic voice from the streets.
Breakthrough and Rise to Fame
“Owo Osu” (2019)
Her major breakthrough came in 2019 when she released the single “Owo Osu” featuring street kings Naira Marley and Zlatan Ibile. The song became a viral hit, generating over 2 million views on YouTube and securing her place among Nigeria’s fastest-rising talents.
The song’s title, which translates to “monthly salary,” speaks to the daily hustle of working-class Nigerians. With this track, Candy positioned herself not just as a rapper but as a voice for the marginalized and ambitious youth.
Joining Chocolate City Music
In 2020, Candy Bleakz signed a record deal with Chocolate City Music, one of Africa’s most influential record labels, known for producing acts like M.I Abaga, Blaqbonez, and Dice Ailes. This move elevated her platform and gave her access to wider promotional resources and collaborations.
Her debut single under Chocolate City was “Kelegbe,” which became another street anthem.
Musical Style and Influences
Candy Bleakz describes her sound as “Afro-Street,” a fusion of Afrobeat, indigenous Yoruba rap, hip-hop, and trap. Her music reflects the realities of growing up in Lagos, speaking on themes like hustle, betrayal, street life, female empowerment, and overcoming adversity.
Influences
Her musical influences include:
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Da Grin – For Yoruba indigenous rap
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Nicki Minaj – For female rap empowerment
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Naira Marley – For street credibility and linguistic flow
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Reminisce & Olamide – For blending street life with mainstream music
Discography
Extended Plays (EPs)
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Fire EP (2022)
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Tracks: “Tikuku,” “Red,” “Dragon Anthem”
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Themes: Self-confidence, hustle, identity
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Better Days EP (2024)
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Tracks: “Free For All,” “Blessings,” “Wale”
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Themes: Growth, challenges of fame, inner peace
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Popular Singles
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“Owo Osu” ft. Zlatan & Naira Marley (2019)
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“Kelegbe” (2020)
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“Baba Nla” ft. Teni (2022)
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“Tikuku” (2022)
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“Wale” (2023)
Collaborations and Performances
Candy Bleakz has collaborated with:
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Teni – “Baba Nla”
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Zlatan and Naira Marley – “Owo Osu”
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Blaqbonez, M.I Abaga, and other label mates on various freestyles and projects
She has also performed on international stages, including:
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Felabration (Lagos)
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Afronation Festival
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Coke Studio Africa
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Drake’s NOCTA Nigeria campaign launch
Media Coverage and Accolades
Candy Bleakz has been featured in:
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Guardian Nigeria – for breaking barriers in hip-hop
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FAULT Magazine UK – as one of Africa’s most promising female rappers
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OkayAfrica, Pulse NG, and The 49th Street
Awards/Nominations:
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Headies Rookie of the Year Nominee (2022)
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Best Street Hop Act Nominee – City People Music Awards (2023)
Challenges and Controversies
Despite her rapid rise, Candy Bleakz has faced:
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Gender Bias – Being a female rapper in a male-dominated street genre
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Financial Hardships – Dropping out of school due to lack of funding
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Censorship – Criticism for explicit lyrics and street-focused themes
Nonetheless, she uses her story to inspire others to defy societal expectations and fight for their dreams.
Personal Life and Advocacy
Candy Bleakz remains private about her personal relationships but is vocal about mental health, gender equality, and the importance of supporting emerging female talents.
She supports initiatives focused on:
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Girl-child education in Nigeria
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Empowering women in music
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Anti-drug campaigns in urban youth communities
Legacy and Impact
Candy Bleakz is reshaping the image of the Nigerian female rapper. Her street authenticity, consistent releases, and fearless attitude have inspired many young women to believe in their voices.
Cultural Significance
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Representation: One of the few prominent Yoruba-speaking female rappers
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Voice for the Youth: Her lyrics speak to the real-life challenges of Nigeria’s Gen Z
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Afro-Street Sound Pioneer: Created a sub-genre that bridges street hop and Afrobeat
Future Plans
Candy Bleakz has expressed plans to:
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Launch her own record label for female artists
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Release a full studio album by 2025
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Collaborate with international artists like Megan Thee Stallion and Burna Boy
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Go on a global tour across Africa, Europe, and the U.S.
Conclusion
Candy Bleakz’s journey is a compelling testament to what talent, determination, and street credibility can accomplish. From the backstreets of Lagos to global stages, she has carved out her niche and continues to rise as one of the most influential female rappers in Africa. Her music, resilience, and boldness mark her as more than just a trend—Candy Bleakz is a movement.
FAQs about Candy Bleakz
Q: What is Candy Bleakz’s real name?
A: Akiode Blessing Mariam.
Q: When was she born?
A: August 5, 1999.
Q: What record label is she signed to?
A: Chocolate City Music.
Q: What genre is her music?
A: Afro-Street, which fuses Afrobeat, hip-hop, and indigenous Yoruba rap.
Q: What is her most popular song?
A: “Owo Osu” featuring Naira Marley and Zlatan.