Ch! Nonso

Born in Enugu, Nigeria, Ch! Nonso is an AfroSoul artist of Igbo descent residing in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa (Auckland, New Zealand). His debut project Kola Nuts & Chardonnay (2023) marked a powerful introduction— an exploration of homecoming and a reclamation of the philosophies and stories his name embodies.

Drawing inspiration from sounds that have deep roots in African music traditions, Ch! Nonso’s first foray into music was as a church choir member and later as a member of a boyband in university. Previously he performed under the alias Nuel Nonso as lead vocalist for Ijebu Pleasure Club and has worked with Phodiso, Mazbou Q, New Telepathics and Sola Rosa.

Sonically, Ch! Nonso’s sound is influenced by traditional Igbo rhythms such as Amawbia and Mbaise sounds, Highlife, RnB, Afrobeat, Jazz, Soul and artists such as Femi Kuti, Destiny’s Child, Celestine Ukwu, Plantashun Boiz and Stevie Wonder.

In September 2025, Ch! Nonso achieved his first major recognition as a songwriter, becoming a Top 5 finalist for the APRA Silver Scroll | Kaitito Kaiaka alongside long-time collaborator Mazbou Q for their track “TORQUE.” Featured on Mazbou Q’s album RAP SCIENCE, the song samples Ch! Nonso’s “Ka Home” from his debut EP Kola Nuts & Chardonnay.

Described by Stuff as “a masterclass in bridging worlds,” his work “blends West African rhythms with soul and jazz in a way that feels both celebratory and grounded.” His reflective lyricism offers commentary on straddling multiple cultural identities and finding meaning in the liminal space between traditional African worldviews, colonial histories, and Western systems.

Since releasing his debut EP, he’s been quietly working on what comes next….something that digs even deeper.