Khaid is a Nigerian singer, rapper, and songwriter signed to Neville Records. He rose to prominence in 2022 with his debut single, “With You,” and has since released 2 EPs and multiple charting singles. Khaid blends Afrobeats with trap and R&B, a sound that separates him from more traditional Afropop artists.
Who Is Khaid?
Khaid is a Nigerian singer, rapper, and songwriter known for an airy blend of Afrobeats and trap. He has released hit singles including “With You,” “Jolie,” and “Anabella,” alongside 2 EPs, Diversity and Emotions, since debuting in 2022. In 2023, Khaid earned a Rookie of the Year nomination at The Headies, Nigeria’s leading music awards.
What Is Khaid’s Real Name and Background?
Khaid’s real name is Sulaimon Shekoni Solomon. He was born on December 10, 2004, and grew up in the Shibiri-Ojo area of Lagos State, Nigeria. He is the sixth of 10 children in his family. Before starting his music career, Khaid worked as a roadside mechanic in Ojo, fixing vehicles to help support his household.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Real name | Sulaimon Shekoni Solomon |
| Born | December 10, 2004 |
| Birthplace | Shibiri-Ojo, Lagos State, Nigeria |
| Genres | Afrobeats, Afro-trap, R&B |
| Label | Neville Records |
| Years active | 2022 to present |
How Did Khaid Start His Music Career?
Khaid started his music career by freestyling on the street while working as a mechanic. In 2021, he posted a freestyle video online that caught the attention of Sydney Talker, a Nigerian comedian and content creator known online as the Towel Guy. Talker, a University of Benin computer science graduate, launched his own label, Neville Records, on January 20, 2022, and announced Khaid as the label’s first signed artist on the same day.
Khaid released his first single, “With You,” on January 28, 2022, just 8 days after signing. The song reached number 48 on Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 50 chart. He followed the single with his debut EP, Diversity, later that year.
What Are Khaid’s Most Successful Songs and EPs?
The table below lists Khaid’s key releases from 2022 to 2026, including chart performance where reported.
| Year | Release | Type | Chart Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | With You | Single | No. 48, Nigeria TurnTable Top 50 |
| 2022 | Diversity | EP | Debut project |
| 2023 | Jolie | Single | No. 7, Nigerian pop chart |
| 2023 | Anabella | Single | No. 1, Nigerian Afropop chart |
| 2023 | Emotions | EP | Includes “Jolie” and “Anabella” |
| 2023 | Forever | Single | Released September 2023 |
| 2026 | B4R&WTAPE | EP | 4 tracks |
2023 marked Khaid’s breakout year. “Jolie” reached number 7 on the Nigerian pop chart, while “Anabella,” from his second EP, Emotions, reached number 1 on Nigeria’s Afropop chart. That same year, Khaid was nominated for Rookie of the Year at the 16th Headies, alongside artists including Odumodublvck, Bayanni, and Guchi.
Who Has Khaid Collaborated With?
Khaid has built a collaboration list spanning West Africa, Europe, and the US. He worked with Boy Spyce on “Carry Me Go,” a single that charted in both the UK and the US. He also released “Run Away” with Ghanaian singer Gyakie, and has worked with DJ Neptune and TAR1Q. In 2025, Khaid extended his collaborations further, releasing joint singles with Carterefe, Tayc, and Trinix.
What Has Khaid Released in 2025 and 2026?
Khaid stayed active through 2024 and 2025 with a mix of solo work and features. His 2024 solo singles included “I Don’t Wanna Die” and “Orobo.” In 2025, he released the solo tracks “For You” and “Sorry I’m Not Sorry,” alongside the collaborations “Pray” with Carterefe and “Aje” with Tayc and Trinix. In 2026, Khaid returned with a 4-song EP titled B4R&WTAPE, his first project since Emotions in 2023.
What Makes Khaid One of Nigeria’s Rising Afrobeats Stars?
Khaid built his career on 3 factors: a distinct genre blend, consistent yearly releases, and collaborations across multiple markets. His mix of Afrobeats, trap, and R&B sets him apart from more traditional Afropop artists. Since his 2022 debut, Khaid has released new music every year, including 2 EPs, a Headies nomination, and singles that charted in Nigeria, the UK, and the US. His path from roadside mechanic to Neville Records’ first signed artist remains a central part of his public story.