A rising star has emerged in the Afrobeats scene: Favor Ekah Ernest, better recognized by his stage name, HYCE.
The young artist recently shared his thoughts on a significant milestone in his career the collaboration with Afrobeats legend Davido on the highly anticipated remix of his hit single, “Ogechi.”
This partnership, in collaboration with fellow artist Boypee, not only represents a high point in his musical journey but also signifies a transformative moment for this budding talent.
HYCE delves into the story behind the remix of “Ogechi,” revealing that its genesis occurred during a campus tour in Enugu.
“I performed alongside Topboy Zyno, where I first met Boypee and reconnected with Brown Joel from Lagos,” HYCE recalls.
This reunion sparked an unmistakable creative energy among the artists. “Our instant chemistry ignited a fire of creativity. Following the show, we agreed it was time to collaborate formally,” he elaborated.
“Once we returned to Lagos, we rushed to Dawie’s studio to record ‘Ogechi,’ aware that we were onto something special.”
In the rapid pace of the digital age, they chose to tease their creation on TikTok, releasing a snippet video that generated an overwhelming response.
The buzz surrounding “Ogechi” exploded, resulting in hundreds of thousands of user-generated posts within just days of its announcement.
But HYCE and his collaborators felt they needed an even more significant element to elevate the track.
“We had always envisioned a feature with Davido, knowing it could take the song to new heights,” he explained.
Thankfully, their mutual connection, Cubana Chief Priest who serves as a mentor to Boypee and is a vocal admirer of “Ogechi” facilitated the introduction.
The fateful night arrived when Boypee placed a call to share the exciting news: Davido wanted to lend his esteemed voice to “Ogechi.”
The artists met at Davido’s residence mere nights before his wedding to Chioma. “Davido was incredibly enthusiastic.
He said, ‘This will be released on my wedding day,'” HYCE said, recalling the feverish excitement of the moment.
The remix was expedited into production, leading to what would become a global anthem.
Reflecting on the experience, HYCE acknowledged, “It was a dream come true, a prayer manifested.” The journey toward this pivotal moment began in 2023 with the initial release of “Ogechi.”
Its irresistible beat and catchy hooks resonated with listeners, but HYCE understood that to truly elevate the track, he needed something extraordinary particularly, the involvement of someone like Davido, renowned for his ability to amplify musical ventures.
“Cubana Chief Priest believed in ‘Ogechi’ from day one and recognized its potential, which made all the difference,” HYCE explained.
When the “Ogechi” remix was officially released in 2024, HYCE found himself launched into a new stratosphere of fame.
The track garnered international acclaim, attracting a broader audience and leading to multiple award nominations.
“Working with Davido opened doors I never thought possible,” he reflected on the impact of the collaboration. “It validated my craft, giving me the confidence to push my boundaries. He recognized talents within me I never even saw.”
Beyond the commercial success that followed, HYCE treasures the valuable insights and mentorship he received from Davido during their time together.
“He provided crucial guidance about navigating the music industry and encouraged me to stay authentic to my artistic vision,” HYCE noted.
One of the most unforgettable experiences he encountered was performing at Davido’s Timeless concert in 2023.
“Taking the stage in front of a sea of eager faces tested my resolve. The outpouring of love and support was overwhelming and solidified my confidence,” he explained.
“It revealed new heights to strive for while also highlighting areas for improvement.”
Since the remix, HYCE has embarked on a whirlwind of global tours, bringing his electrifying performances to countries such as Ghana, Tanzania, and Kenya.
“Touring these nations has been surreal and is ranked among the highlights of my career,” he described.
“Experiencing the love and enthusiasm from fans firsthand, away from mere social media and streaming numbers, was exhilarating.”
The sensation of hearing fans sing his songs back to him was an unforgettable pinnacle of success an extraordinary moment that solidified the tangible reality of his hard work.
“The songs’ popularity preceded my arrival, creating an electric atmosphere that will forever resonate in my journey as an artist,” HYCE shared.
With his horizons broadening, HYCE approaches the future with determination and ambition.
