Biography
Tellz Ikima is a rapper, singer, and producer whose music is rooted in consciousness, community, and personal truth. Drawing from his experiences growing up amid civil unrest and emergencies in Plateau State, Jos, Nigeria, Tellz crafts powerful stories about societal struggles, humanity, and the need for peaceful coexistence. His sound is as reflective as it is raw, shaped by the vibrant rap culture of Jos that molded both his character and his artistic direction. He began his professional journey in 2014 with the release of his debut EP, “Tellzrific Not Terrific”, a 7-track project that introduced his lyrical prowess and signature wordplay. From 2015 to 2018, Tellz honed his skills, performing at open mics and festivals, building a reputation for his compelling lyricism and stage presence. In 2019, he released his second EP, “The Good, The Bad and The Junkie”, a bold 8-track journey into mental health, social commentary, and personal struggle. The EP features notable collaborations—including a guest appearance from Nigerian rap heavyweight Blaqbonez. Tellz went viral on the Slimcase Rap Show, pulling in nearly 600,000 views, and emerged as a winner in the Battle of the Mic Rap Competition. His skills also caught the attention of MTV Base, where he was featured in a cypher, and he delivered a standout performance on Amazing Klef’s ‘Showoff’ platform.