By Rita Okoye

Rising alternative fusion artist Khaleedthefirst, real name Khalid Suleiman Chibuikem, is making a strong impression on the global music scene with his latest single, Character. In less than a week, the track has surpassed 100,000 streams across platforms, premiered on MTV Base West, and started trending on Shazam.

The single, which was released on March 14, has quickly gained traction, accumulating over 50,000 streams on Audiomack, 30,000 views on YouTube, more than 25,000 plays on Spotify, and 1,000+ Shazams. This viral momentum follows the success of his previous hit, Shobani, which caught the attention of U.S. yogurt giant Chobani.

The music video for Character—directed by Bryan Raudales and co-directed by Khaleedthefirst—features visually stunning scenes shot in Times Square, New York, and Madison Area Technical College, where the artist is currently studying Video and Audio Design. The video stars Stetois James and Alpha Ahmed Diallo, with Khaleedthefirst playing a crucial role in post-production, handling color grading alongside Kayda, who provided additional VFX and enhancements.

“We wanted to create something immersive, something that sticks with the audience,” says Khaleedthefirst. “The extended end credits were intentional—it’s about giving credit to every creative mind involved. Collaboration is at the heart of what I do.”

Since its MTV Base West premiere, Character has become his most-watched video to date, solidifying his status as a major player in the alternative music scene.

Beyond the music, Khaleedthefirst is blending audio and visual storytelling in a way that defines his artistic identity. Having earned a degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from Baze University, Abuja, he now studies creative media in the U.S., bringing a global perspective to his work.

“I wanted Character to be more than just a song—it’s an experience,” he explains. “From the sound to the visuals to the storytelling, everything had to be in sync. That’s why I was deeply involved in every step, from direction to post-production.”

With Character dominating airwaves and streaming charts, fans are eager to see what’s next for Khaleedthefirst. His unique ability to fuse alternative sounds, compelling visuals, and cultural narratives is setting him apart as an artist to watch in 2025.