My musical journey began in church

From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha

Rap sensation Evado Lee has revealed that his musical journey actually started in the church before launching into secular music, where utmost dedication and raw talent quickly set him apart.

“Yes, I’m proud to say this, the church was my first platform in my musical journey, right within the heart of Abakpa Nike, Enugu State,” he quipped.

From an early stage, his commitment to music convinced many around him that he possessed the potential for a remarkable career.

His transition into rap was largely influenced by Hugo P, a longtime collaborator and childhood friend. Evado frequently accompanied Hugo P and other artists to studio sessions, observing, learning and gradually shaping his sound. These early experiences helped him develop his artistry beyond singing, establishing him as a rapper in his own right.

By 2019, Evado was already releasing music on Audiomack, a platform he later described as his favourite during Audiomack’s Home Hero documentary. In 2020, he released his debut EP *Can’t Fold*, a project that introduced him to a wider audience. Momentum continued to build with the release of *Drunk in Pain* in 2023 and its follow-up, *Still Drunk in Pain*, in 2024, both of which deepened his connection with listeners and strengthened his presence in the industry.

His most defining moment arrived in 2025 with the release of the single *My Pay*. The song became a street anthem, dominating playlists across neighbourhoods and cities and firmly positioning Evado as one of the hottest artists of the year. The record’s success drew the attention of indigenous rap icon Phyno, leading to their collaboration on *Ilu Agha*, a track that went on to record impressive numbers across digital streaming platforms.

Throughout 2025, Evado broke several industry milestones. He was named among TurnTable’s Top 10 Next Emerging Artists, emerged as the biggest gainer on Spotify’s artist chart in October, ranked among the Top 10 most searched artists on Boomplay and became the most featured South East artiste of the year. His music also secured spots on the Top 50 Hip Hop chart on Apple Music and the Top 10 Audiomack artist chart.

Spotify Wrapped further underscored his impact, with Evado recording approximately 21 million total streams. With momentum firmly on his side, sources close to the artiste indicate that his debut studio album is expected to arrive sometime in 2026.

With a rapidly growing catalogue, strong regional roots and increasing national recognition, Evado Lee has firmly announced himself as a major force in Nigerian music, and all indications suggest his rise is only just beginning.