C BLAQ, formally known as Charles E Itoko was born in the slums of Ajegunle Lagos and grew up listening to the likes of Fela, 2pac, Biggie and a few more.
He told our reporter that his moniker “C Blaq” aka King Blaq is from the abbreviation of his name Charles. As a child my peers used to taunt and tease me because of my complexion and skin colour. So I decided to turn things around and make it my identifying factor. The C originates from my first name CHARLES and BLAQ from the colour of my skin, although I spell black with a Q as a sign of quality, and so Black Charles became ‘C BLAQ’.
“Music has always been a part of my life growing up but Hip hop became my passion after listening to 50cents ‘Get Rich Or Die Tryin’”.
Over the years I have jumped on several viral materials to maintain a presence in music while preparing to put out my first collective body of work. From my first release ‘WAFF CITY BOI’ in 2012, it has been an amazing journey so far.
C Blaq who believes in moving slowly and steadily instead of rushing to failure, says the most important thing is to keep pushing forward towards your goal while trying to avoid as many obstacles along the way as possible. “Distractions and peer pressure will test your resolve and determination to keep going, it takes perseverance to become a successful rap artist especially here in Africa where fans prefer dance music to rap,” Charles added.
“The EP I am presently working on is a culmination of my life experiences thus far, it will showcase my talents and detail my struggles as an independent artiste”.
C Blaq currently lives in Capetown, South Africa. He is a rapper, songwriter, producer, businessman and philanthropist. His debut EP is scheduled for release late summer 2022. It is time for the music world to witness the life and rise of C BLAQ aka Kingblaq.