Ground Zero

I am Richard Shekari, a multifaceted artist and humanitarian based in Abuja, Nigeria. Born on 11 April 1981 in Bauchi, my musical journey began early in life in the church choir, where singing as a tenor taught me discipline, harmony, and the spiritual power of music. The choir instilled humility, showing me that each voice contributes to something greater, and introduced me to music as worship and service.

In my teenage years, I explored rap, drawn to its raw emotional expression and lyrical storytelling. Rap honed my writing skills, rhythm, and wordplay, giving me the tools to transform personal experiences into poetry over beats. During this period, I released two underground rap albums, using them as a space for experimentation and growth.

Today, my music reflects both these paths. The reverence and melody of my choir days merge with the lyrical precision and storytelling of rap, creating songs that are both prayer and reflection. As a gospel songwriter, I aim to touch listeners spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually, blending heartfelt worship with thoughtful lyrics.

Beyond songwriting, I mix and master my music to shape its emotional and sonic character. I am also an author, exploring ideas and stories through literature. Looking back, my journey is not of conflict but of complement—choir gave me the heart of worship, rap gave me the voice of expression, and together they form the foundation of my artistic identity today.