There’s something unmistakably magnetic about the way Chechii weaves her story into sound. Back with her vibrant new single ‘Mi Paddi’, the Afrosoul sensation invites listeners into a sun-soaked celebration of friendship, unity, and global rhythm. Featuring Sierra Leone’s acclaimed duo Kracktwist & Samza, this Afro-fusion anthem pulses with feel-good energy and Chechii’s signature melodic warmth—perfectly timed for the heat of summer.
Formerly known as Uchechi Emelonye, Chechii is no stranger to making an impact. With a voice that earned her BBC Music Introducing’s “Record of the Year 2022” and a growing list of accolades, she continues to push boundaries with a globally inspired sound rooted in Pop, R&B, and Afrobeat. ‘Mi Paddi’ is more than a song—it’s a tribute to the friends we carry with us across time zones and heartbeats, a reflection of Chechii’s own cross-continental journey.
Urbanista Magazine sat down with Chechii to talk about the making of ‘Mi Paddi’, collaborating with Kracktwist & Samza, and why this summer anthem might just be her most personal yet.
Welcome, Chechii! First off, how are you feeling now that “Mi Paddi” is finally out in the world?
Hello, and thank you for having me! I’m feeling giddy. It’s the perfect mix of excitement and joy. I’m excited because this is my first official collaboration, and I got the chance to work with not one, but two amazing artists. I really lucked out! There’s also so much joy, because the whole point of the song was to share that feeling back into the world.
We love the energy of this track—what was on your playlist while you were creating it?
Thank you! While I was creating “Mi Paddi,” I had my summer Afrobeats bangers playlist on repeat. You’ll find artists like Rema, his song Calm Down was on heavy rotation and Tems with Love Me JeJe. I’ll be dropping the link to the full playlist soon if I see some demand, so stay tuned!
Tell us how you linked up with Kracktwist and Samza. Was it a Zoom studio moment or an in-person vibe?
Thanks to the magic of technology, it was all online! The creative process for Mi Paddi happened remotely, which still amazes me. Collaborating with incredible artists across borders, without ever being in the same room, really shows how far we’ve come in both music and tech. Working with Kracktwist and Samza was seamless. They’re super talented, and because they were once a duo, their chemistry was already on point. Mi Paddi actually brought them back together musically, which made the experience even more special. It’s a song that reconnected old friends and built new friendships.
Your music feels so global—what’s one place that really shaped your musical taste growing up?
I’ve lived in several countries, but the U.S. definitely shaped my musical taste the most. I grew up listening to artists like Miley Cyrus and Lady Gaga, which is why you can hear that strong pop foundation in my music. I’ve also been influenced by UK artists like Adele and Little Mix, and of course, Nigerian trailblazers like Tiwa Savage, Wizkid, and Davido. They all helped shape the artist I am today.
You’ve been getting love from the BBC and on the awards circuit. Does that kind of recognition change how you approach your music?
Honestly, it doesn’t change how I create. I’ll always make music for myself and for my fans. But it definitely gives me the encouragement to keep going. That kind of recognition inspires consistency, and I believe consistency will take me to the heights I dream of. I’m incredibly honored by every award and shoutout. I just want to keep making music from the heart and soul, that happens to resonate with the heart and soul of award committees too!
If “Mi Paddi” was the soundtrack to a movie, what would the movie be about?
Oh, I’d love Mi Paddi to be the soundtrack to a classic cop duo comedy. Something like 21 Jump Street, Bad Boys, or Rush Hour. You know, where two people start out clashing but end up realizing they need each other to save the day. I love a good “enemies to friends” storyline. I think the lighthearted, joyful energy of Mi Paddi would be the perfect match.
What’s the next dream collaboration on your list? Anyone you’d love to team up with?
So many! In the UK, I’d love to collaborate with Jorja Smith, Leigh-Anne, and PinkPantheress. Across the pond, I’d be over the moon to work with Miley Cyrus, SZA, or Sabrina Carpenter. And from Nigeria, artists like Tems, CKay, Victony, and Omah Lay are all on my list. The dream is big!
Before we let you go, what’s one thing your fans might not know about you that would surprise them?
One thing that might surprise my fans is my love of fashion and the fact that I actually make clothes! I can crochet, and sew using a machine. Some of the outfits you’ve seen me wear were at least altered by me in some way. It’s one of my secret passions. I grew up in the Bratz doll era, so I’ve always had a thing for fashion. Passion for fashion, always!
