Kvng Nero Exemplifies Resilience and the Essence of Responsibility

[Image:Instagram]

Writer:  Toriola Olawale. 

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 From his family home in Benin City to a decade-long journey that led to his debut EP, ‘Can’t Wait To Be King’, Kxng Nero’s story is one of patience, purpose, and perseverance. His path is marked by meticulous growth, a deep sense of responsibility, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity.

Unlike many of his peers who churn out music annually, Nero has spent the last ten years carefully refining his sound and honing his craft. The result? A debut EP that isn’t just a collection of songs but a profound statement of identity and purpose. The young emerging act, Kxng Nero, is always brimming with energy and stories for days. While jovial in casual interactions, one can still sense the confidence of a star he effortlessly embodies. 

Kxng Nero is neither a stranger nor a newcomer to the Afrobeats music scene. Since his days at UNIBEN, he has always found pockets of space to thrive and shine—not just through his music but also by actively participating in both academic and non-academic capacities.

His vibrant and funny personality enables him to mingle effortlessly across different social circles, endearing himself to a diverse audience. For an emerging act, his aura and confidence are remarkable. He carries himself as though he’s been in the industry for years, armed with a wealth of knowledge known only to him. These traits have allowed him to build something every creative dreams of—a loyal and active community of listeners who ride hard for him despite his sparse consistency in releasing music or a cohesive body of work.

Kxng Nero’s interactions with his audience reveal a bond that transcends music. It’s an interpersonal connection that heightens the anticipation for his projects, making each release feel like an event. So, imagine the surprise—and even disappointment—of some fans when he announced that his much-anticipated EP would be an exclusive drop on a platform unfamiliar and relatively unknown to his demographic.

This unexpected move sparked organic conversations on X (formerly Twitter). Fans demanded explanations, and industry commentators questioned the sustainability of Nero’s decision, inadvertently leading to increased awareness of the project and attracting new listeners. It’s safe to say that, after a decade of honing his craft, Kxng Nero has learned how to use his art to ignite conversations.

 In this conversation, Nero takes me through his early life, the challenges he faced, and why he waited so long to release his first body of work.

Can You Tell Me About Your Early Life Before Music?

“I grew up in Benin City, in an average family, as the first child, first son. I went to secondary school, and I’ve always been drawn to creating. I don’t just see myself as an artist; I’m a creative. From making music to conceptualizing videos and artwork, I’m fully involved in the creative process.

Growing up, I talked a lot—so much that people called me a talkative, which made me feel a certain way. Now, I see talking as content, ironically. I had stories to tell but didn’t know how to channel them. Music became my outlet, allowing me to express myself deeply. I wanted people to connect with me, to hear my music and say, ‘Wow, Nero, this is amazing.’ That was always the goal.”

Who Are Your Musical Influences?

“I started listening to music early, primarily Nigerian music—P-Square, 2Face, Plantation Boiz, Remedies, Eedris Abdulkareem, Tony Tetuila. I grew up surrounded by Afrobeats, so creating that style of music comes naturally to me.

My dad was a huge reggae fan, so reggae influences are evident in my music. For instance, the reggae vibe in ‘Holy Mary’ is a nod to my upbringing.”

As A Kid With Multiple Interests Spanning Across Public Speaking And  Acting, Would You Say Music Was Your First Love ?

“No, acting was my first love, followed by football. I never imagined myself in a 9-to-5 job. At 14, I realized football in Nigeria was a pipe dream due to a lack of resources, so I shifted my focus to music.

Music came naturally to me because of my dad’s influence. He played music all the time, and I could tell what good music sounded like. By 16, when I entered university, I knew music was my path.”

You Mentioned That You’re The Firstborn Child Of Your Parents, How Has Being The Firstborn In An African Home  Impacted Your Music?

“Being the firstborn in an African family means one thing: responsibility. You’re automatically accountable. That sense of duty carries over into my music.

I’ve always been responsible for my younger brother, ensuring he’s where he needs to be. This mindset translates into my work ethic—I pay attention to every detail, from production to team management. Being a firstborn teaches you resilience and the ability to lead under pressure.

In my life, nothing has ever been handed to me; I’ve always had to fight for what I want. That’s why my EP is called Can’t Wait To Be King—it’s a reflection of my journey. I deserve to be king, but I’ve had to work relentlessly to claim that crown.”

 Schooling In Nigeria In The Mid-2010s Had a Unique Flavor To It , From Notable Music Competitions To Active Student Union Bodies. What was Your Time in UNIBEN like?

 “UNIBEN was fun, and it was where I had my first experience with a music community. It taught me how to make music and understand its culture. I was active in school—attending classes, participating in campus activities, and still finding time to be in the studio.

In 2015, I won the Sprite Triple Slam competition at UNIBEN, and that was a huge boost for me. It gave me the confidence to keep pushing. Balancing academics and music was tough, but it taught me discipline and resilience.”

What Was The Process Of Recording Music Like 10 Years Ago In Uniben?

“Recording music back then wasn’t easy. I had to save up just to get into the studio. At the time, it cost ₦10,000 to record one song, but my weekly allowance was only ₦3,500. So I partnered with a friend to split the cost. Luckily, the studio was running a promo: two songs for ₦10,000. We each contributed ₦5,000 and recorded two tracks.

Sadly, the songs didn’t gain any traction, and it was a huge letdown for me. I felt discouraged but determined to keep going. That’s when I decided to participate in a competition. Winning that Sprite Triple Slam competition gave me the confidence boost I needed to believe in my craft and push forward despite the challenges.

Why Did It Take A Decade To Release Your First Ep?

“I wasn’t ready. I needed to find my sound. In 2018, I tried to record an EP, but my phone, along with all the stems, was stolen. In 2019, I started working with my A&R, Ovie, and together we realized my music had to be unique. It wasn’t until 2024 that I felt the sound was truly ready.

My goal is to release music that resonates deeply. Can’t Wait To Be King isn’t just an EP; it’s a decree for everyone to recognize the work and purpose behind my music.”

How Has Your Partnership With Mdundo Influenced Your Career?

“This partnership with MDUNDO started with a conversation with Amanda. She introduced me to the platform and helped me understand its benefits. MDUNDO is hyper-local—it targets audiences who can’t afford streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music.

As an emerging artist, I’ve realized the importance of platforms that allow people to consume music for free while still supporting the artist. MDUNDO has given me visibility and a new audience, and I’m grateful for that. I hope the relationship continues to grow.”

What’s Next For Kxng Nero?

“My music will officially be available on all streaming platforms starting February 10th. We’re also planning my first intimate live event, in collaboration with TeeChops. It’s going to be special—a chance to connect with my fans, family, and community.

Shout out to MDUNDO for believing in me and supporting this project. This is just the beginning.”