Following a landmark year that saw him collaborate with rap heavyweight Phyno, fast-rising Nigerian artist Evado Lee is now setting his sights on shaping the musical landscape in 2026. The rapper, born Emmanuel Njoku Chidubem, is building on an explosive 2025 to prepare for major new projects.
From Church Choir to Street Anthems: The Evado Lee Journey
Evado Lee's musical roots are deeply spiritual, beginning in the church. The Enugu-born artist credits his early platform to the church in Abakpa Nike, Enugu State, where his journey first took shape. His raw talent and dedication were evident from the start, convincing those around him of his star potential.
His pivot to rap was significantly influenced by his childhood friend and longtime collaborator, Hugo P. By frequently accompanying Hugo P and others to studio sessions, Evado Lee absorbed the craft, observing and learning until he meticulously developed his own distinctive sound.
The Meteoric Rise: EPs, Hits, and Industry Recognition
Evado Lee began releasing music on Audiomack as far back as 2019. His official debut came in 2020 with the EP Can't Fold, which successfully broadened his audience. He followed this with the impactful singles Drunk in Pain in 2023 and Still Drunk in Pain in 2024, each strengthening his bond with fans and his standing in the industry.
However, 2025 proved to be his defining year. The release of the street anthem My Pay catapulted him to new heights, dominating playlists nationwide and cementing his status as one of the year's hottest artists. The track's massive success caught the attention of rap icon Phyno, leading to a powerful collaboration on the song Ilu Agha, which recorded impressive numbers across all digital streaming platforms.
Chart-Topping Accolades and Streaming Milestones
Evado Lee's 2025 success was quantified by a series of major industry accolades. His achievements include:
- Securing a spot on TurnTable's "Top 10 Next Emerging Artistes" list.
- Topping Spotify's artist chart as the "Biggest Gainer in October".
- Ranking among Boomplay's "Top 10 Most Searched Artistes".
- Being recognized as the "Most Featured South East Artiste of the Year".
Furthermore, his music charted on Apple Music's Top 50 Hip Hop Chart and Audiomack's Top 10 artist chart. The scale of his reach was ultimately confirmed by Spotify Wrapped, which revealed he had amassed approximately 21 million total streams.
With the momentum from his collaboration with Phyno and a breakout year filled with critical and commercial success, Evado Lee is now strategically positioned to create the defining moments of 2026. The industry and fans alike are watching closely to see what the talented lyricist from Enugu does next.
