Raldie Young

Rex Okey Opara Jr., professionally known as Raldie Young, is a boundary-pushing Nigerian multidisciplinary artist renowned for his genre-defying music and bold creative vision. Growing up in Lagos, Raldie's artistic journey was shaped by a diverse range of influences, from his father's eclectic music collection to his early experiences with digital media and graphic design. Despite facing challenges like bullying and familial discord, Raldie's passion for artistic expression remained unwavering, leading him to explore various art forms and eventually finding his voice in music.

Raldie's career began as a graphic designer, working for esteemed companies like T.M. Lewin and Chocolate City Music, while simultaneously honing his skills as a musician and content creator. His debut single "Manuel" in 2015 marked the start of his musical exploration, with subsequent projects like the introspective EP "St. James: RIVERS" (2016) and the haunting "The Morningstar Prelude" (2018) showcasing his evolving sound and lyrical depth.

Continuing to push artistic boundaries, Raldie released the experimental mixtape "MMXVIII" (2019) and the introspective "Songs From My Bedroom" (2020), offering listeners a glimpse into his innermost thoughts and emotions. In 2020, Raldie garnered widespread acclaim with singles like "Protein Junkie" and "October 23rd," the latter serving as a poignant reflection on queer identity amidst societal unrest. Collaborating with Nigerian Afro-fusion artist Yéla on the empowering track "UNCOOL," Raldie solidified his reputation as a trailblazer in the Afro House genre. His contributions to projects like Yéla's "Existence Resistance" further underscore his versatility and collaborative spirit.

Inspired by his selection for the prestigious OneBeat Virtual Music Fellowship and Goethe Talents program, Raldie's music took on new dimensions with the release of the mixtape "BAHN+" (2023), blending ambient house, hyperpop, and R&B influences into captivating sonic landscapes.

With accolades including performances at the Pop-Kultur music festival in Berlin and scholarships from Goethe Talents, Raldie Young continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his innovative approach to music and unwavering commitment to authenticity. As he gears up for future projects like "CHIRON" (2024), Raldie remains dedicated to amplifying marginalized voices and challenging societal norms through his art, leaving an indelible mark on the global music scene.