Akorede Ezekiel, popularly known by his stage name – McKay, has been winning hearts from the Nigerian shores to the buzzing streets of South Africa. He is not just a rapper, he is also a producer, a songwriter and a member of the South African Drill band, the prominent and ‘Well Known MemberZ‘, a group popularly known for using masks to hide their faces. Born in the late ’90s in Lagos, Nigeria, the multi-talented Drill artist has been consistent in showcasing his immense talent to the world. In the past few years since his career began, he has been relentless in achieving his goal to succeed in the industry, and with three released projects and the promise of more in the future, he is on the right track.
His sound is defined and distinct, piercing through the hearts of music lovers and enthusiasts. He once gained the attention of American award winning rapper, Big Sean on Instagram after he released his Mixtape, TRAPPIST-1 in 2017. This EP gained a lot of attention and reviews, sitting at number 4 on the Top 200 HipHop albums in South Africa. It has now amassed over 1 million streams on Digital play stores. The talented singer is on the rise and is currently on the verge to take the world by storm – in a way the world has never seen him before.
On this interview, McKay discusses with Lambo Xtra on What’s Next in his musical career. He expresses how far he has come, his introduction to Drill, and his association with the Drill band, the Well Known Memberz.
How has the journey been since King and Knights?
It has been amazing. The level of growth and maturity in both my sound and my knowledge of the music business has increased exponentially, and it feels nice being equipped with the information needed to conquer the music industry.
Who are your musical muses?
Nasty C, Digga D, Central Cee, Logic
Since you began, have you faced any challenges, and if you have, do you mind sharing them?
Mainly, it would be doing everything by myself. From mixing and engineering my songs to promoting and marketing. It’s just really hard to find people that can do all that for you with the same amount of energy and passion you have for your own music.
Who inspired you to go into Drill?
Arghhh I gotta give it to my boys, the Well Known MemberZ, GBG.
They took the drill scene by storm here in SA, and they’ve been my biggest inspiration so far. I was also inspired by some UK cats; the likes of Digga, Central Cee, Dutchavelli, etc.
Tell us more about the Well Known MemberZ
They are the coolest in the country right now, literally moving really mad and pioneering a whole new movement here in South Africa. I really believe they’re about to be the next big thing in the country.
What’s the story behind wearing a mask?
The story behind the mask Is quite simple; like they always say, “NO FACE, NO CASE”.
What inspired the decision to move to S.A?
A better life. Like things are crazy hard in Nigeria right now, and the music scene is even harder.
What’s your advice to upcoming artists?
Getting to the level u want to be in, in this music thing requires money. So, get a day Job to sponsor your music yourself. I’m so happy I learnt that lesson early in my music career.
What’s next for you?
Ohh you will just have to wait and see. The name MCKAY is about to be on everyone’s lips, and the FACE is about to be everywhere. MAD MAD plans for 2021.
