Meet Chigo | Recording Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chigo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chigo, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born in Riverdale, GA to a household of six but grew up in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Growing up in PH (as we call it) was hard initially. A new environment with people who spoke multiple languages, ate different foods, and listened to different kinds of music. Then there’s this “kid from America” who liked burgers, didn’t understand his native language, and listened to Aaliyah and Monica. I grew up in a household who loved music, my family and I would watch Michael Jackson and soul train VHS tapes and CDs which we still have till today. From there I knew I wanted to be an artist but I wasn’t sure what type of artist I wanted to be. I also loved 90’s and 2000’s R&B and Hip-Hop which was the only thing I listened to until I got to Military school. As I learned to adapt to this new environment, I formed friendships that introduced me to Afrobeat music. Since we weren’t allowed to bring any technology, my friends would sneak radios and CDs into the dorms. Through them, I discovered many Afrobeat artists, such as P-Square, Styl Plus, D’Banj, and Tuface, which helped me define what type of artist I wanted to be. I had fully immersed myself in the Nigerian lifestyle while still carrying my American upbringing. When I returned to GA for college, I explored different avenues like photography and acting but struggled to find my footing as an artist. A trip to Houston with some college friends ultimately set me on my path. Now, with the best of both worlds in my background, I’m able to apply my experiences to my music and my career, alongside a group of friends and family who truly represent who I am today.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
“My music represents the person behind the artist—an individual who relates to the struggles of growing up in two different communities and feeling like they never fully belonged to just one.

It goes without saying that creating art is never easy; it requires deep thought. However, the hardest part for me was starting. I didn’t know who to talk to, where to go, or how to begin telling people I was an artist. By the time I recorded my first single as an official artist, I had probably written or freestyled to nearly hundreds of instrumentals. I credit my entry into the world of artistry and songwriting to my friends Daniel, DERA, and Jayo, who gave me the push I needed.”

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
“I tend to be spontaneous when it comes to planning visits with friends, especially in a city like Atlanta, where there are countless brunch spots offering unique experiences. For breakfast, you can’t go wrong with Atlanta Breakfast Club to start the day. For brunch, I recommend Gocha Breakfast Bar, Botica, and Flying Biscuit (or 5 Church ATL if we’re feeling fancy).

For lunch, Chattahoochee Works is my go-to—a great food hall with many options, including Jamaican, South African, and Thai cuisine. For dinner, it depends on whether we want to be fancy. If we do, there are too many options to choose from! Personally, I would definitely recommend some African and Caribbean restaurants like Le Nouveau, Rock Steady (especially for Bamba Tuesdays), and Cafe Songhai.

Activities include walking the strip, enjoying open mic nights at Apaché Cafe, visiting the High Museum, and playing Beat the Bomb with friends. If it’s sports season, catching a Hawks game or enjoying a night out in The Battery when the Braves are playing is always fun.”

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Of course I would like to say my family and friends especially 4IG1BZ9 (y’all know who y’all are) but I want to give a special shoutout to Daniel, DERA, and Jayo. They’ve been instrumental to my journey as an artist as without them I don’t know if would’ve been able to start so I can’t thank them enough.

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Youtube: https://youtube.com/@chxgo?si=kIVfZ_3VOYym3p35