By Efe Onodjae

Chocolate City Music has announced the winner of its CC20LegacyVerse challenge, awarding the emerging rapper ₦1 million and a coveted feature on the official remix of “Legacy” as the label celebrates 20 years in the Nigerian music industry.

Launched in 2025 to mark the company’s milestone anniversary, the competition drew thousands of entries nationwide. Contestants were tasked with recording their best verse over the “Legacy” instrumental, originally featuring label alumni Jesse Jagz, Ice Prince, and Blaqbonez.

Speaking at the announcement in Lagos, Chocolate City Group CEO Abuchi Peter Ugwu praised the winning entry for its standout authenticity, lyrical depth, and delivery.

“For 20 years, we’ve been at the forefront of identifying talent that defines generations,” Ugwu said. “The winner embodies what we look for — authentic talent, lyrical prowess and the hunger to push Nigerian rap forward. This challenge connected our legacy with the future and reminded us why we started: to give voice to exceptional talent that might otherwise go unheard.”

The winning verse will now be featured on Chocolate City’s forthcoming 20th Anniversary Album, a special project that will include classic tracks, new collaborations, and tributes reflecting the label’s two-decade journey.

Founded in 2005, Chocolate City has evolved from a small independent label into one of Africa’s most influential music companies, launching the careers of M.I Abaga, Ice Prince, Jesse Jagz, Dice Ailes, Blaqbonez, and others while championing artiste development and industry best practices.

Ugwu reflected on the label’s resilience: “We set out to build an institution that could evolve with the industry. We’ve weathered countless changes in how music is created, distributed and consumed. The key has always been our core mission — discovering exceptional talent and creating an ecosystem where artistes thrive commercially and creatively.”

Head of Marketing Moyosore Olumodeji described the response as overwhelming, with high-quality entries from Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja, Calabar, and beyond.

“What struck us was not just the volume but the quality and diversity of submissions,” Olumodeji said. “The win is well-deserved, but this challenge revealed something bigger — the future of Nigerian rap is in excellent hands.”

The cheque presentation took place at Chocolate City’s Lagos headquarters. The anniversary album is expected soon, alongside continued advocacy for fair royalties, intellectual property protection, and professional standards in the industry.

Ugwu emphasised long-term vision: “Sustainable success requires building systems, not just signing artistes. Our job is to stay ahead while ensuring artistes have the tools for lasting careers.”

As Chocolate City looks beyond its 20-year milestone, the label reaffirms its commitment to talent discovery, timeless music, and a sustainable future for African artistes.