Manager (ft. CKay) By ClassiQ

ClassiQ’s “Manager,” featuring CKay, is a 2018 hip-hop track from his EP New North. Apple Music and Audiomack date it to September 21, 2018, and it runs 4 minutes and 8 seconds. It is the fourth song on the project, and the credits name CKay on vocals. For anyone searching for the ClassiQ and CKay “Manager” song, it is a notable early pairing between Northern Nigerian rap and one of Nigeria’s most recognizable singers.

ClassiQ, born Buba Barnabas Luka in 1991, is a rapper from Bauchi State and a leading voice in Hausa rap. His style blends Hausa and English with hip-hop and Afrobeat influences, and he is often called “Arewa Mafia.” At the time of this release, YouTube lists the track under Chocolate City, and his later singles include “Gwaska” and “Bandamuba” featuring Ice Prince.

CKay is the Nigerian singer later known worldwide for the 2019 hit “Love Nwantiti,” which makes this feature an early look at an artist who went on to reach a global audience. On “Manager,” his role is vocals, according to the YouTube credit, and that feature gives the track a melodic side alongside ClassiQ’s rap. I could not verify the lyrics, the producer, or the writing credits, so I will not describe the verses or the arrangement.

New North gives the song its context. Hausa music blogs describe the project as eight songs plus a bonus track, released in September 2018 and received as a major release in his career. The EP also contains “Gargajiya,” a string-led dance record celebrating Northern culture, so “Manager” sits beside one of his most recognized songs.

The track has also been re-uploaded in recent years. Audiomack shows an upload dated August 2025 that lists the 2018 Chocolate City copyright, with more than 1,600 plays, and a Nigerian music blog reposted the song as a throwback as late as January 2025. That kind of renewed sharing is common for older tracks and suggests listeners are still finding it.

I found no verified viral moment behind current attention, so the clearest explanation is catalog discovery. As ClassiQ’s newer releases reach more people, many go back to the New North EP, and a feature from a name like CKay gives a reason to press play. You can find the song through official platforms such as Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube.

 “Manager” shows ClassiQ’s willingness to build bridges across styles. His Hausa-leaning rap meets CKay’s smooth vocal color, the pairing gives the record a distinctive blend, and it stands as a worthwhile piece of the New North story. It is a rewarding listen for anyone tracing how Northern Nigerian hip-hop found a national stage.

“Manager” is an exciting track with captivating energy, impressive delivery, and a memorable sound. Make sure you listen to this impressive song and add it to your playlist today.

Manager (ft. CKay) By ClassiQ BELOW