Hailing from North Hull Estate and ‘Best Newcomer’ at the 2025 Northern Music Awards, Chiedu Oraka is redefining UK rap with his dynamic sound.This August, he marks a career-defining moment as he opens for Coldplay on the Hull dates of their Music of the Spheres tour.
Oraka’s acclaimed mixtape Misfit (released via Launchpad+ EMI North in 2024) earned critical acclaim from NME, Clash, Wonderland, DJ Mag and The Telegraph to name a few, with strong support from BBC Radio 1, 6Music, and 1Xtra. Single "Helly Hansen 6" landed on BBC 6Music’s C List for four consecutive weeks, and Oraka became BBC Radio 1’s first-ever Future Flex freestyle performer.
Known for his electrifying stage presence, Oraka has performed across the UK and internationally, including his debut Glastonbury 2024 performance on the BBC Introducing stage, a sold-out headline UK tour, and SXSW 2024 in Austin, where he supported Skepta for the British Music Embassy. His high-energy performances have also earned him support slots with Stormzy, KRS-One, Casisdead and Akala.
16th July 2025
What time of day do you feel most inspired?
I would say late afternoon or late morning when driving around my city. Probably after running a few errands or when I've finished a gym session. I write most of my bars when driving for some reason and if I think of something I have to write it down in my phone straight away.
What do you daily to get into your creative mindset?
Some sort of exercise. I just need to train and it’s not even to look good I just need to for my own mental health. Once I've done some sort of exercise I just know that the creative part of the brain will benefit.
Tell us a bit about your self-care routine
I may have answered that in the question above. Some sort of exercise at least 5 to 6 times a week and a daily prayer. I have to speak to god in the morning before I do anything.
Where's your favourite space to experience music?
In the car on a long drive. I like hitting the motorway with a new album to listen to. I just like zoning out and listening to the lyrics and sonics with no interruption.
Favourite song you've release to date
This is such a hard question because I am constantly evolving as a song writer. But you can go listen to a song called “Dancing in the moonlight”
You have 24 hours to master a musical skill, what are you choosing?
I would love to be able to sing. Imagine me with smooth vocals like Marvin Gaye. I’d be a very wealthy man.
You have 24 hours, which musician/industry person are you spending it with?
I would like to spend the day with Nas. In my opinion the greatest rapper of all time. I would love to pick his brain about story telling. He’s a very cool guy so just to be in his presence would be a dream.
If you could time travel for the day, which era of music would you most like to visit?
80’S in my opinion the greatest period of music. Spandau Ballet, Fleetwood Mac, Talking Heads. I'd be in the clubs most evenings I think, absolutely loving life.
The grime and rap influence on your music is undeniable. You have 24 hours to rework a song from a completely different genre into your own, which song are you picking?
Easy question. Gold by Spandau Ballet. The soundtrack to 80’s pop music. What an anthem.
5 artists you'd want at a day festival?
Little Simz
Clipse
Skepta
Nas
Groove Armada
You’re supporting Coldplay next month, walk us through your prep for a live show
You know what, I don’t do anything out of the ordinary. Say a little prayer, drink plenty of water. I don’t really say much, I like to just get in the zone and let my music do the talking.
Imagine it’s your last ever 24 hours in Hull, what are you doing?
It would be all about nostalgia for me. Probably go to Queenie Park and sit down on a bench, thinking about all the amazing times I had here as a kid. I'd then head to a place called yankee land in the city centre just so I could get some scran.
Then I would go to my studio to record one last song. Then I would come back to the estate and go to the local boozer which is called ‘The Lord Nelson’. Have a few brandies and coke and speak to the locals. After that I would go to the shops on Endike Lane and pick up some goodies and chocolate and have a chat with the younger lot who would be hanging outside the shops causing mayhem.
Finally I would head to my mum’s and get her to cook my favourite dish which is okra soup with oxtail and pounded yam.
What a final day.
What's next for you?
All roads lead to Coldplay in August. I'm supporting them for two dates on their Music of the SPHERES world tour in my home city. It’s still sounds crazy to say that out loud. Plenty of new music on its way too.
Your song of the day
Clipse - The Birds Don’t Sing