Kirz, born Macdonald Chidozie Okeke in Imo State, Nigeria, is one of the most versatile and fast-rising voices in the international Afrobeat and Dancehall scene. Raised in a large family and later moving to Lagos in search of better opportunities, Kirz turned his passion for music into a solid and determined artistic path.
During his formative years, he worked in various studios as a songwriter, back-up vocalist, and sound engineering, developing a musical style that blends Afro-pop, Afrobeat, Reggae, and Caribbean influences.
His breakthrough came in 2017 when he won the Docdeff Beat Killer Contest, a milestone that opened the doors to festivals, collaborations, and his first important opportunities as a performer.
His sound is rooted in a mix of African heritage and Caribbean influences, strengthened by collaborations with artists and producers from Jamaica, Haiti, Saint Vincent, Grenada, and the United States. Among his early tracks gaining public attention are Bad Condition, Pray for Me, Far Away, Freedom, produced by Jahboot, known for his work with Popcaan and Party Boy, produced by Blacka Kartel, a longtime collaborator of Vybez Kartel. Also noteworthy is his Dancehall reinterpretation of Beyoncé’s Brown Skin Girl.
Kirz releases his music through Manatee Records, a label active since the 1990s with operations and partnerships across Chicago, Kingston, London, and several West African music hubs. Today, the label is committed to supporting the new generation of Afrobeat artists, with teams based in Nigeria, Gambia, and Ghana.
Among his most recent releases is Gold Digger, a track that has brought renewed international attention to Kirz and continues to perform well, including its remix version featuring a female MC from Chicago. Songs like Jam It, which blends Afrobeat, Reggae, and elements of fusion, highlight the artist’s ability to move freely across different genres.
In 2024, Kirz released International, a 10-track project that merges Afrobeat, Dancehall, Reggae, and urban soul. The album features new songs alongside several 2024 releases and was welcomed enthusiastically by fans. Among the most appreciated tracks are International, No Feelings, Champion, So Many Men, Rewind, Prettiest Girl, and Gold Digger.
Champion, in particular, is an energetic and celebratory anthem that combines rhythm, self-confidence, and a strong sense of empowerment. The track speaks about living fearlessly, embracing one’s identity, and maintaining inner strength, with lines like “They know say me a champion for real” showcasing charisma and determination.
With his steady growth, creative versatility, and a well-defined sonic identity, Kirz is establishing himself as one of the most promising Afro-Dancehall artists on the international stage.
