How I started music – Nigerian singer Winnerman
Fast-rising Afroabeats/afro-fusion singer, Ehigie Moses Ikeakhe, professionally known as Winnerman, has explained how he ventured into entertainment. Winnerman, who hails from Uromi, Edo State, revealed that his background deeply inspired his foray into music. “Music started naturally for me from childhood. Growing up in Benin City exposed me to different sounds, cultures, church music, street […]
Fast-rising Afroabeats/afro-fusion singer, Ehigie Moses Ikeakhe, professionally known as Winnerman, has explained how he ventured into entertainment.
Winnerman, who hails from Uromi, Edo State, revealed that his background deeply inspired his foray into music.
“Music started naturally for me from childhood. Growing up in Benin City exposed me to different sounds, cultures, church music, street vibes, Afrobeat, R&B and international music. I was always fascinated by how music could connect people emotionally regardless of language or background.” said Winnerman.
“As I grew older and travelled across different countries, my exposure became wider and my love for music became deeper. In 2016, I officially stepped into the industry with my debut single “Nobody Gat What We Gat,” and that was the beginning of my professional journey as an artist. Since then, I have continued to evolve creatively and spiritually through music.
“I am very proud of my Edo roots because our culture is rich in creativity, resilience, pride and history, and all of these influence my personality and artistry.”
Winnnerma, who spoke in an interview, is a businessman and co-founder of entertainment outfit, Born Winners Empire (BWE),
Winnerman said his family values and upbringing shaped his entrepreneurial spirit, discipline and resilience.
“I am also deeply involved in media, entertainment, hospitality and youth development through the platform I co-founded, Born Winners Empire (BWE). For me, music is more than entertainment. It is culture, storytelling, emotion and connection. Everything I do revolves around inspiring people, especially young Africans, to dream bigger and believe in possibilities beyond limitations,” stated Ehigie Moses Ikeakhe.
“I come from a family of ten children and I am the ninth child. I was raised in a hardworking and disciplined home where business, responsibility and ambition were part of everyday life. My father was a respected civil servant who rose to the position of Director at the Edo State Water Board during his career. His experience and vision later inspired the creation of Frost Water, the family’s bottled water company, which I currently help manage as part of our growing business structure.
“My mother, Mrs. Caroline Ikeakhe, was a strong and passionate businesswoman who played a major role in bringing many of the family’s business ideas to life. Growing up around both public service and entrepreneurship gave me a balanced mindset very early. From bakeries to different family ventures, there was always a culture of hard work, resilience and creativity around us.
“That environment shaped my mentality, influenced my entrepreneurial journey and also inspired the discipline and consistency I apply to my music career today.”
Winnerman was educated in the United States, United Kingdom and Russia, touted his international exposure for the his music’s global appeal.
“Travelling and studying in places like the United States, Russia and the United Kingdom changed my perspective a lot. It exposed me to different cultures, music styles, creative systems and human experiences. My education at Florida International University in Miami, Synergy University in Moscow, and the University of Sunderland in London gave me a broader understanding of both business and global culture. That exposure naturally influenced my music and artistry. It helped me understand that music is a universal language. So while my roots remain African, my sound is designed to connect globally,” implied Winnerman.