From Church to Fame: Hyce’s Inspiring Story of Perseverance and Success

In this exclusive interview with Sunday Ehigiator, rising Afrobeats sensation HYCE (Favor Ekah Ernest) shares his inspiring story, from humble beginnings playing instruments in his father’s church to becoming a global phenomenon.

With chart-topping hits like ‘Vanilla’, ‘Mind’, ‘Tension’, and ‘Ogechi’, HYCE reveals the creative forces driving his success, discusses impactful collaborations, and unveils his vision for the future, offering a rare glimpse into the mind of one of Afrobeats’ most promising talents.

What drew you to music, and how did you get started?

My music journey began in church, where my father serves as a pastor. Growing up, I played instruments and developed a passion for music.

During my secondary school days, I drew inspiration from emerging artists making waves at a young age. Their success sparked something within me, and I started experimenting with freestyles and singing along to popular songs.

As I honed my skills, I realised I could create my music. I began collaborating with friends who had access to studio sessions, sometimes even writing songs for them.

These experiences fueled my desire to pursue music professionally. My confidence grew With each step, and I knew I was destined to share my unique sound with the world.

How did you break into the music scene?

After secondary school, I kicked off my music journey by collaborating with friends on their tracks, as I couldn’t afford production fees.

This exposure helped me hone my craft and build momentum. In 2020, I took a significant leap by releasing my debut single, ‘Owo’, featuring Sounds. This marked the beginning of an incredible ride.

A game-changer came in December 2022 with the release of “Vanilla,” my first viral hit. This song catapulted me to new heights as an Afrobeats artist, opening doors and paving the way for future successes. The song’s impact was monumental, and I continued to ride the wave.

Building on this momentum, I teamed up with Boypee and Brown Joel in 2024 to create another smash hit.

The remix, featuring Afrobeats legend Davido, solidified my position as one of the top emerging Afrobeats artists of the year. This collaboration has been a defining moment in my career, and I’m excited for what’s next.

How would you categorize your music style?

My music style is a unique blend of pop, R&B, and soul-infused with Afrobeat elements, creating a solid Afro-fusion sound.

I draw inspiration from a diverse range of artists and genres, believing that eclectic listening habits are key to staying creative and innovative. By embracing various musical influences, I aim to craft a distinctive sound that resonates with a wide audience.

Who inspires your musical creativity?

My musical influences are headlined by Afrobeat legends Wande Coal, Wizkid, and Davido, whose impact is evident in my love-centric sound.

Davido’s influence, in particular, has significantly boosted my industry viability, and his feature on my remix has been a career-defining moment. These icons have shaped my artistic vision, inspiring me to create authentic, soulful Afrobeats that resonate with audiences worldwide.

To what do you credit your current chart dominance?

I attribute my success to God’s grace and the unwavering support of my family and management team. As an artist on the rise, I’ve worked tirelessly day and night, and I’m humbled by the results.

Rather than viewing the industry as a competitive space, I believe there’s room for everyone to shine. I focus on doing my best, leaving the rest to divine providence. I’m grateful for my achievements, but I don’t compare myself to established artists; instead, I celebrate the unique opportunities for each of us to thrive.

Share the story behind “Ogechi” and its remix with Davido?

‘Ogechi’ was born after a campus tour in Enugu, where I performed alongside Topboy Zyno. That’s where I met Boypee and reunited with Brown Joel, whom I’d known from Lagos.

Our instant chemistry sparked a creative fire. After the show, we decided to collaborate and, upon returning to Lagos, headed straight to Dawie’s studio to record ‘Ogechi’. We knew we had something special.

We teased ‘Ogechi’ on TikTok with a snippet video, and the response was overwhelming, with hundreds of thousands of posts in just days, before its official release.

We had always envisioned a Davido feature, knowing it would elevate the song. Thankfully, Cubana Chief Priest, a mentor to Boypee and a huge ‘Ogechi’ fan, made it happen.

One night, Boypee called, saying Davido wanted to join forces on ‘Ogechi’. We met at his place, just two nights before his wedding to Chioma.

Davido was enthusiastic, declaring, ‘This will be released on my wedding day’. The remix was engineered immediately, and the rest is history; a global smash hit. It was a dream come true, our prayer answered.

What was collaborating with Davido on the ‘Ogechi’ remix like?

It was a global smash hit, just as I said. And we are grateful to God.

What were your Africa tour highlights that you just concluded?

Performing in Ghana, Tanzania, and Kenya was a surreal experience that ranks among the highlights of my career.
It was exhilarating to witness firsthand the love and enthusiasm beyond social media and streaming numbers.

Seeing fans sing my songs back to me was an unforgettable moment, making the success of my chart-topping tracks feel tangibly real. The songs’ popularity preceded my arrival, creating an electric atmosphere that left an indelible mark on my journey as an artist.

Can you walk us through your creative process?

Songwriting is a deeply personal process for me, driven by my own experiences and emotions. I pour my heart into every lyric, crafting an authentic and relatable story that resonates with others.

By sharing my true feelings, I hope listeners can connect with my music on a deeper level, embracing the emotions and vulnerability that fuel my creative expression.

What’s the trajectory of your musical growth, and what’s next?

My musical journey has been marked by significant growth and evolution. Exploring my catalogue reveals a transformative process, where I’ve experimented with various sounds to define my unique tone.

From ‘Vanilla’ onwards, I’ve refined my style, melodies, and storytelling, navigating themes of love, lust, heartbreak, and romance.

As I look ahead, my upcoming releases will showcase increased versatility. I’m delving into fresh themes: the hustle, loyalty, mental health, family, and prayer.

This new chapter allows me to expand my creative horizons, tackling complex emotions and experiences. Fans can expect a more dynamic, mature sound, as I continue to push boundaries and explore the depths of my artistry.

What’s your creative process for new music?

When crafting new music with my producers, I prefer starting from scratch. I share my emotional state and creative vision, giving them a sense of the emotions I’m about to convey. From there, we collaboratively build the song, allowing the music to organically unfold.

What drives your lyrical content?

Songwriting is a deeply personal and emotional outlet for me, fueled by my own experiences and feelings.
I pour my heart into every lyric, hoping listeners will resonate with my emotions. My music explores universal themes of love, lust, heartbreak, and romance, authentic reflections of my journeys.

Your take on the music industry’s current state?

The music industry is in a constant state of evolution. I’m grateful that Afrobeats is gaining global recognition, and attracting investments from international stakeholders. However, in our pursuit of success, we must avoid compromising our values and authenticity.

As artists, it’s crucial to preserve our uniqueness and originality – the qualities that initially sparked our interest. I’m committed to creating exceptional music that will endure and solidify my position among the top cultural influencers. By staying true to myself and my art, I aim to make a lasting impact.

What are your short/long-term goals and strategies?

I’m nearing my short-term goal of establishing myself as a prominent figure in Afrobeats, with 2024 marking significant progress.

Looking ahead, my long-term vision is to transcend borders and become a global musical icon, leaving an enduring legacy that cements Afrobeats’ place in music history, ensuring my name is revered for generations to come as a pioneering force in the genre.

What’s your life mantra?

My mantra is simple: work, work, and pray. I prioritise keeping God at the centre of everything I do, and that’s what drives me forward. By balancing diligence with faith, I stay grounded and focused on my path.

What’s your approach to fan engagement?

As an artist, my fanbase is vital. I’m grateful for my loyal community, affectionately called ‘PENGUINS’, who share a mutual love and appreciation. Social media platforms provide an ideal space for meaningful engagement, allowing me to stay connected and interact with them.

What’s your standout performance?

Performing at Davido’s Timeless concert in 2023 was a pivotal moment. Stepping onto the massive stage, in front of a sea of faces, tested my resolve. The overwhelming love and support solidified my confidence, revealing new heights to strive for and areas to improve.

How do you balance artistic expression with commercial appeal?

To make a lasting impact, embrace an all-encompassing style. ‘Steeze’ goes beyond music. It’s about presenting yourself with flair. Stay fresh, clean, and stylish, as a well-rounded aesthetic resonates with audiences. A polished appearance compliments your sound, making you irresistible to fans.

What role does social responsibility play in your music and public persona?

Social responsibility is woven into my creative DNA. I leverage my platform to uplift and empower others, sparking meaningful conversations that drive positive change.

Through my music and public presence, I strive to inspire a deeper connection with my audience, fostering a community that values impact and inclusivity.