AfroSoul artist Ch! Nonso unveils his new single “My Own” supported by NZ On Air, a bass-led, mid-tempo groove that bridges Nigerian Pidgin, Igbo language, and the fluid rhythms of modern Afrobeats. The release offers the first glimpse into his upcoming 2026 album, a body of work set to weave together both energetic, layered tracks and intimate moments.
Download/stream “My Own”:https://precise.fm/myown
Produced by The Rap Scientist himself, Mazbou Q, with contributions from bassist Dave Schaevitz and Weird Together’s Mavs Adegbite (percussion), the track unfolds as a conversation between two halves of the self, the extrovert and introvert, the anima and animus, the yin and yang.
“It’s a wellbeing check-in between these dualities,” says Ch! Nonso. “They understand they complement each other, so they’re rooting for each other. Probably my most symmetrical song lyrics yet.”
Born in Enugu, Nigeria and now based in Auckland, Ch! Nonso’s music is deeply influenced by Igbo rhythms such as Amawbia and Mbaise sounds, as well as Highlife, R&B, Afrobeat, Jazz, and Soul. His lyrical storytelling draws on traditional African philosophies while exploring themes of identity, belonging, and cultural duality.
A former church choir member and university boyband vocalist, he previously performed as Nuel Nonso with Ijebu Pleasure Club and collaborated with artists like Phodiso, Mazbou Q, New Telepathics, and Sola Rosa. His debut EP, Kola Nuts & Chardonnay (2023), described by Stuff NZ as “a masterclass in bridging worlds”, blending West African rhythms with soul and jazz “in a way that feels both celebratory and grounded.”
“The rhythm comes first, I want people to let their bodies respond to it,” Ch! Nonso explains. “Then the melodies, harmonies… and for those who don’t speak Nigerian Pidgin or Igbo, there’s a kind of voyeuristic joy in hearing something so rooted in another world.”
Ch! Nonoso’s Favourite lyric from the track?
‘Welụ ọsọ, welụ ije, take the best route… home.’
‘E ji m ọsọ, e ji m ije, I’m taking the best route… home.’
“These moments feel tender and reciprocal. The inner child healed. Lol,” he says.
Supported by NZ On Air ‘My Own’ is now available on all streaming platforms.