Imo State, located in southeastern Nigeria, is known not only for its cultural richness and hospitality but also for producing some of the most successful music artists in the country. These musicians have taken Nigerian music to the global stage, blending Afrobeat, hip-hop, gospel, and R&B in creative ways that resonate with millions of fans worldwide.
In this blog post, we explore the richest musicians from Imo State in 2025. These artists have built remarkable careers, won national and international awards, and accumulated impressive wealth through music, endorsements, and brand partnerships.
1. Chidinma Ekile (Miss Kedike)
Chidinma Ekile, affectionately known as Miss Kedike, is one of the most prominent female music artists from Imo State. Although born in Lagos State, Chidinma hails originally from Imo.
She gained fame in 2010 after winning Project Fame West Africa Season 3. Her debut singles “Jankoliko” and “Kedike” brought her massive recognition in Nigeria and across West Africa. She became a household name with her stylish blend of Afro-pop and R&B.
Over the years, Chidinma transitioned to gospel music, showing her spiritual evolution and musical depth. In 2021, she released her debut gospel EP titled New Season, which featured soul-lifting songs like “Jehovah Overdo” and “This Love.”
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $1.25 million – $3.2 million
Awards: KORA Awards, The Headies, City People Entertainment Awards
Fun Fact: She was the first female musician to top the MTV Base Official Naija Top 10 chart.
2. Naeto C (Naetochukwu Chikwe)
Naeto C is a pioneer in Nigerian hip-hop and is widely respected for his lyrical depth and elite brand image. Born in Houston, Texas, to parents from Owerri, Imo State, Naeto C’s musical journey began in the early 2000s when he co-founded the World Famous Akademy with Ikechukwu and Uzikwendu.
He rose to fame with his hit “Kini Big Deal” and later “10/10,” both of which became street anthems. He was signed under Storm Records and worked with heavyweights like Don Jazzy and Obi Asika.
Naeto C is not just about beats and rhymes — he holds a Master’s degree in Energy Economics from the University of Dundee, Scotland. His blend of intellect, class, and musical prowess distinguishes him from many in the Nigerian music scene.
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $3 million – $5 million
Notable Albums: U Know My “P”, Super C Season, Day 1
Fun Fact: His mother, Kema Chikwe, is a former Aviation Minister and influential politician in Imo State.
3. Victony (Anthony Ebuka Victor)
Victony is among the new wave of Afrobeat artists redefining the sound of modern Nigerian music. Born in Ojo, Lagos, and originally from Orsu LGA in Imo State, Victony started making music in 2016 by releasing rap songs on SoundCloud.
He rose to prominence with the release of his debut EP Saturn in 2020 and gained massive popularity after collaborating with Mayorkun and later Burna Boy on the remix of his hit track “Soweto.”
In 2021, Victony was involved in a serious car accident that required spinal surgery. After recovery, he performed seated in a wheelchair during shows, an act that earned him admiration for his resilience.
His second studio album Stubborn, released in 2024, is a sonic blend of Afro-fusion, soul, and trap music, which critics described as "a coming-of-age masterpiece."
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $500,000 – $1.5 million
Notable Tracks: “Soweto,” “Jolene,” “Holy Father”
Fun Fact: He was once nicknamed “Outlaw King” by fans on Twitter due to his unique music style.
4. Humblesmith (Ekenedirichukwu Ijemba)
Ekenedirichukwu Ijemba, better known as Humblesmith, is a native of Uruala in Ideato North, Imo State. He emerged in 2015 with his hit single “Osinachi,” which featured rapper Phyno and was later remixed with Davido.
Humblesmith’s music fuses Afropop and highlife, often addressing themes of resilience, love, and spirituality. His 2018 album Osinachi featured stars like Tiwa Savage, Flavour, and Rudeboy.
He’s been nominated for various awards including The Headies, Nigeria Entertainment Awards, and African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA).
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $800,000 – $2 million
Notable Tracks: “Chairmoo,” “Focus,” “Attracta”
Fun Fact: Humblesmith was once a professional dancer before transitioning into music.
5. Chigozie Wisdom Anyanwu
Chigozie Wisdom is one of the most respected gospel artists from Imo State. He began his professional music journey in 2010 and quickly became known for his passionate worship style.
His songs are spiritually uplifting and widely sung in churches across Nigeria. His vocal delivery and stage presence have won him admiration and bookings both locally and internationally.
He is also a music director and has mentored many up-and-coming gospel artists from southeastern Nigeria.
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $250,000 – $500,000
Popular Songs: “I Am That I Am,” “Bow Down and Worship,” “Messiah”
Fun Fact: Chigozie Wisdom started as a backup singer in his local church choir in Owerri.
6. Uchechi Treasure Okonkwo (Adakirikiri)
Popularly known as Adakirikiri, Uchechi Treasure Okonkwo is a child gospel music sensation, actress, and YouTube content creator from Owerri, Imo State.
Born on October 12, 2008, Uchechi began acting and singing at a very young age. She broke into the limelight with her hit gospel song “Okeosisi”, and later expanded her reach by acting in Nollywood movies.
She owns a thriving YouTube channel AdaKirikiriTv, which has garnered over 1.4 million subscribers and features comedy skits, music, and inspirational content. Despite her young age, she is already building a strong entertainment brand.
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $300,000 – $600,000
Popular Songs: “Odogwu Jesus,” “Chukwu Okike”
Fun Fact: She is one of the youngest YouTubers in Nigeria with a monetized channel.
FAQs
Q1: Who is the richest musician from Imo State in 2025?
A: Naeto C is currently the richest musician from Imo State with an estimated net worth of $3–$5 million.
Q2: Are there female musicians from Imo State who are successful?
A: Yes, Chidinma Ekile and Uchechi Treasure (Adakirikiri) are two outstanding female musicians from Imo State.
Q3: Is Victony originally from Imo State?
A: Yes, Victony is from Orsu Local Government Area in Imo State.
Q4: Which genre is most common among Imo State musicians?
A: While there’s a mix, Afrobeats and Gospel are the most dominant genres among Imo musicians.
Q5: Are there upcoming musicians from Imo State to watch out for?
A: Yes, the state is home to many rising talents who are making waves on platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
Summary Table: Richest Musicians from Imo State (2025)
Artist Name | Estimated Net Worth | Genre | Notable Hits | Origin in Imo State |
---|---|---|---|---|
Chidinma Ekile | $1.25M - $3.2M | Gospel/Secular | "Kedike", "Jankoliko" | Imo State (via Lagos) |
Naeto C | $3M - $5M | Hip Hop | "Kini Big Deal", "10/10" | Owerri, Imo State |
Victony | $500K - $1.5M | Afrobeats | "Soweto", "Jolene" | Orsu, Imo State |
Humblesmith | $800K - $2M | Afropop/Highlife | "Osinachi", "Chairmoo" | Uruala, Ideato North |
Chigozie Wisdom Anyanwu | $250K - $500K | Gospel | "I Am That I Am" | Imo State |
Uchechi Treasure (Adakirikiri) | $300K - $600K | Gospel/Child Star | "Okeosisi", "Odogwu Jesus" | Owerri, Imo State |
Final Thoughts
The musical talents from Imo State are a testimony to the state’s cultural depth, creativity, and resilient spirit. From hip-hop to gospel, Afrobeat to highlife, these musicians have carved a niche for themselves in the competitive Nigerian music industry and beyond.
Their stories reflect passion, grit, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As Imo continues to nurture new talent, the next generation of music legends is already in the making.
If you're from Imo State and dreaming of music success, these stars show that it’s possible to rise from local communities to international fame and fortune.