

Kida Kudz has built a career around a sound that connects Nigerian musical influences with the energy of British rap. Known for records such as Jiggy Bop and Issa Vibe, the Nigerian-born, UK-based artist has developed a style that blends Afrobeats, Afroswing and hip-hop.
From winning a Nigerian talent competition to building a presence in the United Kingdom’s music scene, his journey reflects the experiences of an artist working across two different musical cultures.
Kida Kudz, whose real name is Olukayode Odesanya, is a Nigerian-born rapper, singer and songwriter based in the United Kingdom. He grew up in Nigeria before moving to the UK at the age of 14 to live with his father and stepmother.
His early exposure to Nigerian music helped shape his musical identity. After relocating to Britain, he became interested in UK rap, grime and other contemporary sounds. These influences eventually became part of the style that distinguishes his music.
Kida Kudz first attracted wider attention after winning the second edition of the Peak Talent Show in 2010. That achievement provided an early platform for his career and helped establish his name among emerging Nigerian musical talents.
How Kida Kudz Built His Music Career
Kida Kudz’s career developed across both the Nigerian and British music scenes. His early recognition in Nigeria gave him a foundation, while his experiences in the UK helped him experiment with different production styles and approaches to songwriting.
Rather than limiting himself to conventional Afrobeats, he explored a combination of rhythmic African sounds, melodic hooks and British rap influences. He describes his distinctive musical approach as Afroswank.
His growing catalogue and collaborations helped him reach listeners beyond his original audience. His music has featured alongside artists from different backgrounds, reflecting the cross-cultural direction of his career.
The Success of ‘Jiggy Bop’ and ‘Issa Vibe’

Two notable songs associated with Kida Kudz are Jiggy Bop and Issa Vibe.
Jiggy Bop showcases his playful delivery and the blend of African rhythms and UK-influenced production that became central to his sound. Its music video, filmed between Lagos and London, also reflected the connection between the two places that have shaped his artistic identity.
Issa Vibe gained additional attention through a remix featuring Burna Boy and Geko. The collaboration helped bring the record to a wider audience and strengthened Kida Kudz’s profile within the Afroswing movement.
Other releases associated with his catalogue include Money featuring Teni, Like Tu Danz and Animalistic. Each offers a different perspective on his combination of rap, melody and contemporary African music.
Kida Kudz’s Albums and Projects
Kida Kudz has released projects that demonstrate his willingness to experiment with his sound.
His 2020 project, Nasty, expanded his catalogue with a collection of tracks influenced by Afroswing and UK rap. In 2021, he released Top Memba, a project that drew attention to his African roots while maintaining the musical approach he had developed in Britain.
In June 2022, he teamed up with Mr Dutch for the collaborative EP World Citizens. The project further reflected his interest in music that crosses geographical and stylistic boundaries.
His work across singles, mixtapes, collaborations and music videos shows an artist who continues to explore different ways of presenting his sound.
Kida Kudz’s Latest Music and Current Direction
Kida Kudz’s catalogue has continued to grow through new releases and collaborations. His Apple Music artist page lists NA RAGE as a single released on September 4, 2026.
The release provides a current entry point for listeners who want to follow his more recent work alongside established songs such as Jiggy Bop and Issa Vibe.
For fans following the Nigerian-born artist, his latest music offers an opportunity to see how his sound continues to develop. Listeners can check his official streaming profiles for the current release catalogue and available music videos.
What Makes Kida Kudz Different?
One of the defining features of Kida Kudz’s music is the connection between his Nigerian upbringing and his experiences in the UK.
His records draw on African rhythms while incorporating elements of grime, hip-hop and contemporary British music. His delivery often moves between rapping and melody, giving his songs a style that sits across several genres.
That combination has allowed him to work within the wider Afrobeats and Afroswing landscape without relying on a single musical formula.
His career also illustrates the role of cross-border collaborations in connecting African artists with listeners in different markets. By working with musicians from Nigeria and the UK, he has continued to develop a catalogue that reflects both sides of his musical background.
Kida Kudz’s Legacy in Afroswing
Kida Kudz remains associated with the development of Afroswing and the blending of African and British musical influences. His journey from a Nigerian talent competition to the UK music scene highlights the opportunities and challenges involved in building an international music career.
With releases such as Jiggy Bop, Issa Vibe, Nasty and Top Memba, he has established a recognisable body of work for listeners exploring the intersection of Afrobeats, rap and Afroswing.
As he continues to release music, fans can follow his official artist profiles for new songs, videos and collaborations.
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