Kheengz, born King Bawa, is a Nigerian rapper and actor making waves in the music scene. Hailing from the north of Nigeria, Kheengz is a proud representative of his heritage, using his platform to challenge stereotypes and advocate for his region. This article delves into Kheengz’s biography, musical journey, and estimated net worth in 2024.
Kheengz Biography
Kheengz, born King Bawa (July 8, 1992), is a Nigerian rapper and actor making waves in the African music scene. Hailing from Northern Nigeria, Kheengz brings a unique perspective and flow to the industry, tackling stereotypes and advocating for his region through his music. This biography delves into Kheengz’s life, musical journey, and rise to prominence.
Early Life and Education
Born in Zaria, Kaduna, and raised in Bida, Niger, Kheengz is of Kadara ethnicity. The third of six children, he balanced his academic pursuits with his passion for music. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, showcasing his intellectual prowess alongside his artistic talent.
Musical Beginnings and Influences
Kheengz’s love for rap blossomed in secondary school around 2006. By 2010, while attending university, he took his passion to the next level, venturing into recording. Early influences included Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie and Nigerian superstars Ice Prince and M.I Abaga. Kheengz honed his craft by creating covers and freestyles of their hit songs, garnering recognition within the industry.
Breakthrough with College Kid Mixtape (2013-2014)
Kheengz’s debut project, the College Kid Mixtape, dropped on August 30, 2013. This mixtape marked a significant milestone, featuring established rappers like M.I Abaga, Erigga, Snowflake, Soul Flavour, and G’rell. The project’s lead single, “Jealousy,” resonated with audiences, solidifying Kheengz’s presence. He further captured hearts with a video titled “I Believe,” dedicated to students tragically killed in the College of Agriculture, Yobe State.
Championing the North: VOA (Voice of Arewa) and Pedestal EPs (2015-2017)
Kheengz continued his upward trajectory with his sophomore project, the VOA (Voice of Arewa) EP released on November 21, 2015. This EP served as a platform to advocate for his Northern Nigerian roots. He further amplified his message with the Pedestal EP released on December 21, 2017. The track “I Am North” became an anthem, challenging stereotypes and celebrating Northern Nigerian identity.
Debut Album: Voice of Arewa (2019-2021)
Kheengz’s highly anticipated debut album, Voice of Arewa (also known as Voice of the North), arrived on December 25, 2019. The album solidified his position as a leading voice for Northern Nigerian hip-hop. It featured collaborations with established artists like Erigga, DJ AB, DJ Steev, and Ijaya. The success continued with a 2019 remix of “Alhamdulillah” featuring the iconic Ice Prince.
Collaboration and Exploration: The Four Horsemen EP and Acting Debut (2020-2021)
Kheengz showcased his collaborative spirit in 2020 with the joint EP The Four Horsemen alongside fellow Northern rappers DJ AB, Deezell, and BOC Madaki. This four-track project further cemented their collective identity within the Nigerian music scene.
Kheengz’s talents extend beyond music. In 2021, he ventured into acting, starring in the Netflix series Crazy, Lovely, Cool. This exploration demonstrates his multifaceted artistry and potential for a flourishing career.
Who be This Guy (2021): Chart-topping Single and Beyond
The highly anticipated single “Who be This Guy,” featuring rapper p, was released on June 4, 2021. The media buzz surrounding the collaboration translated into chart success upon release. The accompanying music video, directed by Bash’em, further solidified Kheengz’s star power.
Net Worth (2024 Estimate)
Kheengz’s dedication and talent have translated into financial success. His net worth is estimated to be around N120,000,000.00 (One Hundred and Twenty Million Naira) as of 2024. This wealth stems from various sources, including sold-out concerts, monetization from his YouTube channel and other streaming platforms, endorsement deals, and reportedly, ventures into cryptocurrency trading.
Conclusion
Kheengz is a rising star in the Nigerian music scene, using his platform to advocate for his Northern Nigerian roots. A skilled rapper, collaborator, and now actor, Kheengz continues to impress audiences and push boundaries.
