Candy Bleakz

EARLY LIFE

Born Akiode Blessing Mariam on August 5, 1999, in Bariga, Lagos, Nigeria. She grew up moving between different locations in Lagos, including Bariga, Oworonshoki, Ikorodu, and Iyana Ipaja. Due to financial problems, she was forced to drop out of school. She didn't initially intend to pursue a music career, listening to artists like Haruna Ishola and Saheed Osupa through her father and stepfather.

CAREER

Candy Bleakz began her professional music career in 2013 with the song 'Blessing Sky'. She gained initial recognition after winning a rap battle at Olabisi Onabanjo University. She placed second in the Lagos Got Talent Competition (held from December 25, 2016, to January 1, 2017) and won Best Female Artist at the Annual University Crest Awards in 2017. Following her success at Lagos Got Talent, she was signed to Street Billionaires, an affiliate of Chocolate City, and later directly to Chocolate City Music in 2020. Her song 'Owo Osu' featuring Zlatan and Naira Marley was released in 2019. She has released EPs 'Fire' and 'Better Days'. Her music is characterized as 'Not happy not sad', focusing on relatable themes that appeal to both street and mainstream audiences, often drawing comparisons to a modern form of Fuji. She received Grammy Academy recognition around 2021 and was listed by the Grammy in 2024 among female African hip-hop artists to watch. Candy Bleakz has made minor appearances in Nigerian film productions. While she remains focused primarily on her music career, her acting credits include, Badcop (2023), Traffic (2020).

PERSONAL LIFE

Her parents initially disapproved of her music aspirations, leading her to pursue education secretly to gain independence. She recently reunited with her mother after a six-year separation.