From the groovy funk track "They Can't Pull Us Down," the Afrobeats jam "Like Father Like Son," to the Amapiano tune "Anyi no o na- eme," Charles has dabbled in multiple genres. In addition to being multi-genre, he crafts his songs in English, Pidgin, and Italian.

Since his debut in 2020, Charles Onyeabor has used his music to share profound messages about life issues and spread love.

In "Fine Girl," he expressed gratitude towards the women in his life while showering affection on his mother in "Still Your Baby."

Charles has also used his platform to talk about global unity through the Luna-assisted "Black and White" and "We All Need More Love," featuring his constant collaborator, EVRY.

Charles Onyeabor's originality and authenticity have earned him recognition in Europe, Canada, and Nigeria. His single "BYE BYE TO MY EX LOVE" earned a spot on Spotify's Top 100 songs in Nigeria.

Adding to his list of achievements, his tracks "They Can't Pull Us Down" and "Ije Nwoke" were featured on the Canadian-Nigerian crime thriller movie ORAH, a 2024 Canadian Screen Awards nominee.

A stellar live performer, he graced the stage at the 

 Invasion in Germany, which featured performances from popular African acts such as Kenya's Otile Brown and legendary Nigerian duo P-Square.

He also thrilled the audience at the 2023 Sanremo Rock & Trend Festival in Florence, Italy. Further, he was awarded Africa's Diaspora Artist at the 2022 Scream African Women Awards.

Following the release of his single, "Fine Girl," GQ caught up with Charles Onyeabor.

 I have mostly been planning and strategizing with my team. I am confident that 2024 will be one of my best years.

GQ: You recently released a single titled "Fine Girl." What prompted you to show appreciation to women through a song?

 Without women, we would not exist; they complete us, the men. I cannot imagine a better life without women. Our mothers, sisters, and partners deserve all the accolades and appreciation that come their way.

GQ: As an artist active in the European and African scenes, what does success mean to you?

 Becoming a role model to the millions of people who listen to my music is my definition of success as an artist. It is when my music becomes integral to their lives.

Like when I came across a video of someone getting married and they were dancing to my song, "We Fell in Love on Christmas."

Or when someone reached out to me, saying my song ‘’Loving Till the End’’ gave her goosebumps. That is success to me. Should I continue?

GQ: How do you balance paying homage to your father's legacy while establishing your identity as an artist?

 I try to be myself above all and carefully analyze the decisions I make for my music. 'Would my father want me to execute this idea if he were alive?'

That question has been my guide to date. I have written songs I might never release because my father would disapprove of them. Let us remember that I am also his legacy.

GQ: Can you share the challenges you faced due to racial discrimination, particularly during your transition from Nigeria to Italy?

 Before I share the details, I would love to put out a disclaimer that not all Italians are racist. I have met a lot of friendly and accommodating Italians. In Italy, I faced racism due to my skin color and my birth country, Nigeria.

A memorable incident about my skin color was getting stopped by the cops, who asked for my resident permit and car documents.

After presenting my ID and car documents, he insisted on my resident permit without making an effort to check the details on my ID. He called for backup, and his colleague, who arrived later, also asked for my resident permit, stating that as an immigrant, my ID was not enough.

After repeatedly insisting I was Italian, they finally checked the details of my ID, which clearly stated I was Italian. I still remember the embarrassment on their faces, but they later apologized.

There is also a tier of Italians who are more comfortable interacting with Black Americans than Black Africans. I once had an English conversation with an Italian.

During our chat, he asked which part of the United States I was from, to which I clarified Nigeria. He looked at me in disgust and said, 'Africa?' He stood up and left without saying another word after I confirmed I was African.

GQ: Have you encountered moments in your career where you had to confront racial biases or stereotypes within the music industry?

 I have not faced any form of racism in both the Italian and Nigerian music industries, and I hope it stays that way.

GQ: What motivated you to participate in "Una Voce per San Marino" in 2022?

 I was at the initial stage of my career and needed to get used to the stage. I was shy and had difficulties performing in front of a crowd.

And I must say, it made a change in my career. A big shout out to Giordano Tittarelli, who encouraged me.

GQ: You performed at the Sanremo Rock & Trend Festival at the Hard Rock Cafe in Florence, Italy, and the Afrobeat Invasion in Germany alongside P-Square. How do you adapt your music and stage presence to different audiences and venues?

 I start by studying my audience and venue before the performance. Gather information about their musical preferences.

This will help me understand their musical tastes. But my rule as a performer is to have fun and it will automatically resonate with the people.

GQ: Are there any artists in Nigeria and Italy that you would love to work with?

 There are several fantastic artists in Nigeria and Italy I want to work with, but I would not want to disclose them. Let some parts of my journey be a surprise to my fans. I find it exciting.

GQ: What can fans expect from you this year?

, stage performances, and personal shows are coming to a city near you.

"My idea is not to live forever, but to live long enough to create something that will live and last forever," was a quote on Charles Onyeabor's Instagram.

The statement sums up the career of the Nigerian-Italian genre-fluid artist. The eldest son of the legendary William Onyeabor, known for pioneering electro-afro-funk, Charles has refused to box himself into one genre but embraces various musical styles.

5 Minutes with Charles Onyeabor

The son of William Onyeabor an Eastern Nigerian music legend, Charles Onyeabor has spoken about the impact his father's music has outside the shores of Africa. Charles during an interview with Legit.ng made it known that his father was a big artiste in Europe and other parts of the world and he needed to be celebrated like the late Afrobeats legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti.





He further talked about what made him leave Nigeria and pursue a career in Italy: "I wanted to do music that was why I left Nigeria, I wanted something different, being the son on William Onyeabor was difficult, no one ever believed that we could do something without our father's influence, he is rich and very famous. I wanted something different so I went to Italy.



On his style of music, he said: "I don't compete with anybody I'm just doing things my own way, listening to my sound is different I'm not competing with anybody. I just want to tell a story do things on my own, I want to work with some of the big guys, if they also want to."

I wanted to do music that was why I left Nigeria, I wanted something different, being the son on William Onyeabor was difficult, no one ever believed that we could do something without our father's influence, he is rich and very famous. I wanted something different so I went to Italy.

William Onyeabor Is the Fela of the East, Africa Needs To Celebrate Him: Son Declares, Talks About His Music 

“I think Nigerians are the future of music. I remember back then in 2005/2006, some deejays refused to play any afrobeat song. Fast forward today, any deejay without an afrobeat song on their playlist is definitely not a deejay’ these are the words of Charles Onyeabor, the son of legendary Nigerian musician William Onyeabor.

Charles is an Europe based Nigerian born singer who clearly followed the footsteps of his legendary father, William Onyeabor. Over time, Charles has honed his skills and has grown to be a popular name in Italy where he’s currently based.

Describing the acceptance of his music outside the shores of Nigeria, he said ‘Its been pretty amazing. But on the other hand, it’s nothing new to me because my father’s music was and is still accepted outside the shores of Nigeria and seeing my music being accepted makes me definitely grateful’.

It’s difficult not to notice the influence of his dad’s sound in his music and Charles didn’t mince words about it saying, ‘my dad influenced my music a lot. He’s my role model.

I’ve seen him write, compose and deliver his music. I’ve never been that close to anyone to see how their music is done. I wouldn’t want to have a specific genre of music. I just want to deliver my music the way I feel it. If my musical inspiration comes in reggae, I will deliver it in reggae to my fans. If it comes in blues, RnB, Afrobeat, that’s the way I will deliver it. music is music’ he said.

With Italy as one of the most hit countries during the Covid-19 pandemic, Charles explained that ‘the pandemic was a blessing in disguise’. He went on to say ‘the lockdown gave me an opportunity to reflect on my life. That was when I realised I should be doing what I love.

I love music, so I decided to give it a try after 18 years. I started my career during this COVID 19 season. I don’t know what it’s like without the pandemic. But my manager would always say, “the pandemic is the only reason you haven’t gone on a Live show”. I guess COVID has its disadvantages in every business”.

Describing the acceptance of his music outside the shores of Nigeria, he said ‘Its been pretty amazing. But on the other hand, it’s nothing new to me because my father’s music was and is still accepted outside the shores of Nigeria and seeing my music being accepted makes me definitely grateful'.

Nigerians are the future of music: Charles Onyeabor

Nigerian afrobeat sensation Charles Onyeabor, alongside a star-studded ensemble including Psquare, Otile Brown, May7ven, Dj Abrantee, and others, delivered an awe-inspiring performance at the Audi Dome in Germany on March 11th, 2023.



Onyeabor’s signature blend of traditional Nigerian music and modern pop influences was on full display, captivating the audience with his energetic and engaging stage presence alongside his dancers ‘Fernanda La Rose’. The acclaimed musician’s exceptional vocal range and mastery of various musical instruments were showcased in a breathtaking display of talent.

Performing some of his greatest hits, such as “Sawa,” “Jolly,” “Ije Nwoke” and more, Onyeabor transported the audience to the heart of Nigeria, fully immersing them in the dynamic world of afrobeat music. The infectious rhythms and grooves that filled the Audi Dome had the audience dancing along and craving more.

The concert’s top-notch production value, with spectacular lighting and sound design perfectly complementing Onyeabor’s performance, further enhanced the experience. As a versatile artist who refuses to be boxed into a specific genre, Onyeabor’s music is a unique expression of his personal vision. “I wouldn’t want to have a specific genre. I just want to convey my music as I hear it,” he said in a recent interview.

His performance became even more interesting when he called up his friend and colleague, Enrico Matheis “Evry” on the stage who came in with an Italian vibe that got the crowd screaming

Overall, Charles Onyeabor’s unforgettable performance at the Audi Dome was a true celebration of afrobeat music and culture, showcasing the immense talent of this remarkable musician. The performance will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come as a testament to the power of music to unite and inspire.

Nigerian afrobeat sensation Charles Onyeabor, alongside a star-studded ensemble including Psquare, Otile Brown, May7ven, Dj Abrantee, and others, delivered an awe-inspiring performance at the Audi Dome in Germany on March 11th, 2023.

5 Minutes with Charles Onyeabor

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