Chiedu oraka

Musical Artist

Chiedu Oraka is a British rapper from Hull, Yorkshire, known for his introspective lyrics and grime style, which often explores his experiences as a Black person in Northern England. He is the co-founder of the music collective and record label, ROOM 73.

• Musical themes: Oraka’s music addresses topics such as his identity as a “Black Yorkshireman,” mental health, and working-class life, particularly on his 2024 mixtape, Misfit.
• Collaborations and performances:
  
  • In 2025, he was chosen to be an opening act for Coldplay’s stadium shows in Hull.
  • He has performed at major festivals like Glastonbury and Radio 1’s Big Weekend.
  • He has supported prominent artists including Stormzy, Akala, and KRS-One.
• Awards and recognition:
  
  • Oraka won the “Newcomer of the Year” award at the Northern Music Awards in March 2025.
  • His single “Darcy” was featured on Spotify’s “Grime Shutdown” playlist for over 300 days.
  • He was the first artist to perform a freestyle for BBC Radio 1’s “Future Flex”.
    

• Background: Oraka was raised by his mother on a council estate in North Hull and is of Nigerian descent. He has frequently spoken about experiencing racism and feeling like an outsider in a predominantly white city.
• Inspiration: He has cited his mother as one of his greatest inspirations.
• Social advocacy: He uses his platform to speak on racial issues and to provide representation for marginalized communities in Northern England