Chinonso Nwodo

Kolaboy, born Chinonso Nwodo, is a prominent Nigerian rapper and songwriter known for his unique blend of Igbo language and contemporary hip-hop. Emerging from Enugu State, he has carved a niche for himself in the Nigerian music industry, gaining recognition for his lyrical prowess and cultural representation.

Early Life and Education

Chinonso Nwodo was born on May 2, 1997, in Ugbawka, Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. He hails from a Christian family and is of Igbo ethnicity. Kolaboy attended St. Charles Lwanga College in Enugu, where he obtained his Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) in 2013. He furthered his education at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) in Enugu, where he honed his skills in music and performance.

Career Beginnings

Kolaboy’s foray into the Nigerian music industry officially took off in 2018 with the release of his breakout track, “They Didn’t Caught Me.” The song, which cleverly sampled the instrumental of Olamide’s popular hit “Motigbana,” quickly went viral for its witty use of Nigerian Pidgin English, humorous storytelling, and relatable streetwise themes. With its memorable hook and comedic undertone, the track resonated with a wide audience, particularly younger Nigerians navigating daily social realities.

The song’s title itself became a catchphrase across social media and among youths, solidifying Kolaboy’s image as an artist who could skillfully blend satire, slang, and indigenous culture into mainstream music. This unique appeal helped him stand out in a highly competitive and often trend-driven music landscape.

Building on the momentum of his debut success, Kolaboy followed up with another attention-grabbing release titled “Onyx,” featuring Emmanuella—the beloved child comedienne from the globally recognized Mark Angel Comedy series. This collaboration not only showcased Kolaboy’s creative range but also highlighted his strategic approach to entertainment—bridging the worlds of comedy and music to broaden his fan base.

“Onyx” combined thoughtful lyricism with humorous visual storytelling, and the involvement of Emmanuella drew in a family-friendly demographic while reinforcing Kolaboy’s reputation for cultural relevance and entertainment versatility.

Early in his career, Kolaboy became known not just for his musical style but for his cultural authenticity. He frequently rapped in Igbo, Nigeria’s third most spoken language, while blending Pidgin English and fluent rhyming structures—creating a sound that felt both rooted and revolutionary.

His early works established him as a voice of the streets and a champion of the underrepresented, setting the stage for a career built not only on viral hits but on meaningful messages, grassroots appeal, and unwavering cultural pride.

Musical Style and Discography

Kolaboy is renowned for infusing Igbo language and culture into his music, creating a distinctive sound that resonates with a diverse audience. His discography includes:

• They Didn’t Caught Me (2018)
• Onyx (2018)
• Kola from the East EP (2022)
• Kolapiano EP (2023)

Notable singles include “Omalicha,” “Collect,” “Normal Thing” featuring Flavour, and “Do You Really Like Me” remix with Ugoccie.

Collaborations and Associations

Kolaboy has collaborated with several artists, including:

• Harrysong on the remix of “They Didn’t Caught Me”
• Flavour on “Normal Thing”
• Ugoccie on the remix of “Do You Really Like Me”
• Ejyk Nwamba on “Omalicha”
• Anyidons on “Ototo Mmiri”

These collaborations have expanded his reach and showcased his versatility in blending traditional and modern sounds.

Controversies and Public Perception

In 2023, Kolaboy found himself at the heart of a heated controversy when fans and social media commentators accused highlife superstar Flavour N’abania of borrowing stylistic elements from his music in the hit song “Ojapiano.” The debate quickly gained traction on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, with many pointing out the similarities in rhythm, fusion of traditional Igbo instrumentation (particularly the oja flute), and the overall cultural aesthetic that Kolaboy had long championed in his earlier works.

Supporters of Kolaboy argued that he had been a pioneer in blending modern rap with indigenous sounds and storytelling, especially within the Igbo music space. They felt that Flavour’s use of similar sonic elements in Ojapiano—a fusion of Oja (traditional Igbo flute) and Amapiano (a South African house subgenre)—echoed Kolaboy’s artistic signature without due acknowledgment.

On the other hand, Flavour’s defenders maintained that music is inherently collaborative and evolutionary, with styles often overlapping. They argued that both artists were drawing from a shared cultural heritage and that influence should not always be interpreted as imitation.

Kolaboy, for his part, addressed the controversy with grace and maturity. While he did not directly accuse Flavour, he took to social media to reassert the uniqueness of his sound and emphasize the importance of recognizing and respecting emerging voices in the industry. His calm response earned him praise for professionalism, but also reignited conversations about how veteran artists can unintentionally overshadow or appropriate trends set by rising talents.

The controversy, though short-lived, brought renewed attention to Kolaboy’s music and message. It highlighted the ongoing challenges younger artists face in gaining visibility and maintaining ownership of their creative identity in an industry where larger names often dominate airwaves.

This moment added a layer of complexity to Kolaboy’s public perception—solidifying him not just as an entertainer, but as a cultural innovator and advocate for creative authenticity in Nigerian music.

Personal Life

Kolaboy maintains a private personal life, with limited public information about his family, relationships, or marital status. He continues to focus on his music career and cultural advocacy through his art.

Awards and Recognition

While specific awards are not documented, Kolaboy’s impact on the Nigerian music scene, especially in promoting Igbo rap, has earned him a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.

References

• Afrokonnect. (2025). Kolaboy Biography, Cars and Net Worth 2025. Retrieved from https://afrokonnect.ng/kolaboy-biography-net-worth-2025/(Afrokonnect)
• TheCityCeleb. (2025). Kolaboy Biography: Height, Age, Album, Net Worth, Songs, Wikipedia, Girlfriend, Record Label. Retrieved from https://www.thecityceleb.com/biography/celebrity/musician/kolaboy-biography-height-age-weight-net-worth-songs-wiki/(TheCityCeleb)
• Premium Times. (2023). Copycat,’ Flavour calls out Kcee over infringement. Retrieved from https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/music/750083-copycat-flavour-calls-out-kcee-over-infringement.html(Premium Times Nigeria)
• Viberate. (n.d.). Kolaboy – Songs, Events and Music Stats. Retrieved from https://www.viberate.com/artist/kolaboy/:contentReference[oaicite:150]{index=150}
• TrendyBeatz. (2025). Kolaboy – Kola From The East EP Album. Retrieved from https://trendybeatz.com/artist-albums/1890/kolaboy-kola-from-the-east–ep-album:contentReference[oaicite:153]{index=153}
• Wikilifeng. (2022). Kolaboy Biography | Age | Net worth | Family & Profile. Retrieved from https://wikilifeng.com/about/kolaboy:contentReference[oaicite:156]{index=156}
• Facebook. (2021). THE BIOGRAPHY OF CHINONSO NWODO AKA KOLABOY. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/UgbawkaNkanuEastLgaEnuguState/posts/the-biography-of-chinonso-nwodo-aka-kolaboychinonso-nwodo-popularly-known-as-kol/4736206133175020/:contentReference[oaicite:159]{index=159}
• Instagram. (2025). Kolaboy, born Chinonso Nwodo on May 2, 1997, in Ugbawka, Nkanu East, Enugu State. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/charge9ja/p/DFbXu34oFAe/:contentReference[oaicite:162]{index=162}

Kolaboy continues to be a significant figure in the Nigerian music industry, using his platform to celebrate and promote Igbo culture through his artistry.

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