In just a few years, Vicoka has carved out a place as one of the most compelling young voices in Nigeria’s music scene. His songs, stitched together from lived experience, carry the unfiltered emotion of someone who has navigated pain, faith, and struggle in real time. With his breakout single Port Harcourt still touching hearts and his debut EP Spirit finally here, 19-year-old Vicoka, born Christopher Victory, is stepping into a new chapter. We caught up to talk about his journey so far, the stories behind his music, and why he calls himself “The Therapist”
TUE: How are you feeling right now? Spirit with Wizard Chan dropped recently, and your first project is here. What’s the vibe like?
Vicoka: Honestly, I’m the most grateful person on earth right now because of the speed at which things are moving. This is my first time experiencing something like this, and I’m just glad. So far, so good, everything for the project is in place. We’re just waiting to show the world what we have.
TUE: You’ve described your sound as blending hip-hop, R&B, and Afrobeats. But when someone asks, “Who is Vicoka?”, how do you answer?
Vicoka: Vicoka is the therapist. The preacher. The preacher of hope to people through his music. That’s who I am.
TUE: You’ve been open about losing your dad when you were young. How has that shaped the music you make and the stories you tell?
Vicoka: It has basically influenced everything about my music. For me, making music is speaking about my reality. Losing my dad was a reality, and I put it in my music to let the world know this is what happened, and this is why I am the way I am. Every time I sing, I try to portray real-life things that have happened or are happening. Spirit is an example; it came from when I was down, asking God for help.
TUE: You started out with gospel music before moving into Afrobeats. What was that transition like, emotionally and creatively?
Vicoka: I wouldn’t say I moved. Music is music, and music is for everybody. Coming into this part of the industry, I had to find a way to sell myself while still being true to myself. In every song on the EP, I’m still preaching God. I’m telling you God is real, God is everything. So I haven’t diverted, I’m just reaching people in more ways.
TUE: Port Harcourt was a big moment for you, millions of streams, people connecting deeply to it. Why do you think it struck such a chord?
Vicoka: Port Harcourt is that one song that never dies. People connected because it’s a reality. It’s the story of how I grew up in Port Harcourt, just my mum raising all of us. Many people in this country have lost parents, and with that song, the love for mothers came alive again. It revived that connection between people and their mothers, and that’s why it went everywhere.
TUE: Let’s talk about your EP Spirit. You’ve touched on themes of family, resilience, faith, and your city. What’s the story you’re telling here?
Vicoka: Spirit is a story. The whole EP is me moving from a depressed state to finding peace in God, pure healing. The first three songs, I’m down, not myself. The other part is me finding God, seeing that only God can help me and heal me. That’s the story.
TUE: The title track features Wizard Chan. How did that come together?
Vicoka: Honestly, it was God working. We didn’t even know how to approach him about being on the song. But when he heard it, he just played it over and over again at his place. Then he said he wanted to be on it. I was so glad.
TUE: What’s your creative process like, and what goes into it?
Vicoka: My mood plays a big role. Also, my passion for music and inspiration. I love being in the studio, being creative, trying new things, and trying new sounds. That’s how I make my music.
TUE: You’ve mentioned Rema, Omah Lay, Victony, and Billie Eilish as influences. How do you take from them without losing your voice?
Vicoka: I’m not trying to be like them. Everyone has people they look up to, and for me, these artists have impacted my life through their music. I also want to help others through my music. But I’m always original. I’m myself.
TUE: What do you hope Spirit does for your career and for listeners?
Vicoka: I want people to heal. The world right now is rough; it needs healing. That’s my mission with this song and the whole project. The EP has every type of feeling, sadness, joy, and dancing. That’s why it’s called Spirit, your spirit can take you anywhere.
TUE: Outside of music, what keeps you grounded?
Vicoka: I can dance, I can act, but it always comes back to music. My whole life revolves around it. Everything I do, I try to ensure that I’m creating or listening.
TUE: If someone is hearing Vicoka for the first time, what song should they start with?
Vicoka: Spirit. It’s that song for everybody. Your pastor, your lawyer, anyone in the world needs it. It lifts you, it gingers you to do more things for yourself, it keeps your spirit alive and steady. I have a lot of good songs, but I’ll recommend Spirit first.
TUE: If you could open for any artist in the world tomorrow, who would it be?
Vicoka: Burna Boy. He’s one of the OGs who has paved the way for us, and he’s still moving strong.
TUE: After the EP drops, what’s next?
Vicoka: I’d love to go on tour, but that’s God’s doing. I’m working on it, and if He wills it, it will happen.
TUE: Any final words?
Vicoka: First, I’d like to say God is good. For my fans, please take a moment to listen to the Spirit EP and pay close attention. Some people don’t listen to songs properly. This project will help you navigate life; it’s for everybody. Once it’s out, it’s no longer my song; it’s everybody’s song.
Conclusion
If ‘Spirit’ the song is anything to go by, Vicoka’s upcoming EP promises to be a deeply personal and moving body of work. His ability to blend pain, hope, and faith into music that feels both intimate and universal is rare, and at just 19, he’s only beginning to show what he’s capable of.
