Charles Onyeabor

Nigerian-Italian singer, songwriter and performer.

Charles Onyeabor in a white outfit and flat cap, holding a glass

Early life

Born in Enugu, Nigeria, Charles Onyekachi Onyeabor grew up around his father William Onyeabor’s recordings. Afro-funk, electronic music, disco and soul were among his earliest influences.

He moved to Italy in 2003. His music draws on life in both countries, with songs in English, Pidgin and Italian that speak about love, identity, ambition and everyday life.

Charles Onyeabor wearing a cream coat at Hard Rock Cafe

Recording career

Charles made his debut in 2020 with “They Can’t Pull Us Down”, featuring Miriam Taylor. His first album, Like Father, Like Son, followed in November 2023. Onyekachi arrived in September 2024, followed by the Ifenkili EP in 2025 and Legacy Continua in July 2026.

His early stage experience included Una Voce per San Marino, San Marino’s national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2022. He continues to work across Afrobeats, funk, soul and other styles, rather than limiting his music to a single genre.

Charles Onyeabor performing in sunglasses and a black shirt

Live performances

Charles has performed at Sanremo Rock & Trend Festival, Afrobeat Invasion in Germany, Kwaku Festival in Amsterdam and Phynofest in Essen. His European performances include opening shows for Ruger, Kizz Daniel and Offset.

In 2025 he launched The Charles Onyeabor Show at Hard Rock Cafe in Florence. The second edition returned to the venue on 3 October 2026 for another sold-out night, with an international lineup and songs from Legacy Continua.

The journey so far

2020
The first single
“They Can’t Pull Us Down”, featuring Miriam Taylor, marks the start of Charles’s recording career.
2022
Early recognition
Named Africa’s Diaspora Artist at the Scream African Awards.
2023
Like Father, Like Son
The 20-track debut album arrives on 17 November. Charles also performs at Sanremo Rock & Trend Festival and Afrobeat Invasion.
2024
Onyekachi
The second album is released on 1 September through Rapid Groove Records. Live dates include Ruger’s Bologna show and Phynofest in Essen.
2025
Ifenkili & the first headline show
The Ifenkili EP is released. Charles launches his headline concert at Hard Rock Cafe in Florence and performs on Kizz Daniel’s European tour.
2026
Legacy Continua
The new album arrives on 26 July. Charles opens for Offset in Florence and returns to Hard Rock Cafe for the second edition of his headline show.

On screen

“They Can’t Pull Us Down” and “Ije Nwoke” feature in Orah, the Canadian-Nigerian crime thriller directed by Lonzo Nzekwe. The film screened at the Toronto International Film Festival and Cinéfest Sudbury in 2023.

Recognition

Charles received the Africa’s Diaspora Artist award at the 2022 Scream African Awards. His work has been covered by BBC, Rolling Stone UK, GQ South Africa and publications across Africa and Europe.