Chiedu Oraka embraces resilience on new single ‘Cocoa Butter’
Hull rapper Chiedu Oraka makes his long-awaited return with ‘Cocoa Butter’, alongside the announcement of his forthcoming EP, 'Kwechiri', arriving 18th November. Marking a fresh phase for the artist known as 'The Black Yorkshireman', the release pairs a new sonic direction with a story of perseverance.
The single arrives after a significant year for Oraka, who supported The Streets and was hand-picked by Coldplay to open two shows in his hometown of Hull. Building on that momentum, ‘Cocoa Butter’ signals a departure from his established sound, offering the first taste of a more dancefloor-focused approach that runs through the forthcoming EP.
Produced by Oliver Reese, the track introduces a project shaped by risk and experimentation. Its accompanying video sees Oraka take on the role of a cowboy, transforming the Yorkshire landscape into a frontier setting for a story of honour, rivalry and defying the odds.
That last theme carries particular weight across Kwechiri. Translating to 'resilience' in Igbo, the EP’s title reflects both Oraka’s Nigerian roots and the circumstances surrounding its creation. After being involved in a car crash on his way to his first songwriting camp, he faced a choice between returning home and writing off the week or pushing forward despite the setback. Oraka chose to persevere, with the EP written and recorded in a single week.
With ‘Cocoa Butter’, Chiedu Oraka offers an introduction to a different side of his artistry, while Kwechiri promises to capture the mindset behind that evolution. Following a year of major opportunities, the Hull rapper is using his next release to explore new territory without losing sight of the resilience that has brought him this far.
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