Nigerian rapper Rowland Onyedika Chima, widely known as Cruz of Life, has announced the release of his first official project for 2026.
The two-track Extended Play titled ON IT is scheduled for release on February 12 and features a collaboration with entertainer Ray Emodi, also known as AWSM (Actor Wey Sabi Music).
The project is expected to highlight Cruz of Life’s energetic delivery and confident lyricism, a style that has defined his growing presence in Nigeria’s music scene.
A native of Ikeduru Local Government Area in Imo State, the artist began developing his craft at Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo. During his time there, he joined a church choir, where he worked as both songwriter and performer.
According to him, his ability to freestyle, command the stage, and engage audiences quickly earned him recognition as one of the standout rappers on campus. His bold approach and life-driven lyrics eventually inspired his stage name, Cruz of Life.
He also noted that he won several awards while representing his institution during campus music competitions.
In 2016, Cruz of Life relocated to Lagos to further pursue his music career. He made a notable return in 2020 with the single Time 4 Money featuring Yovi. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting lockdown slowed the momentum of that release.
Undeterred, the rapper resurfaced in 2024 with tracks such as Good Conduct and Gum Body. He has since maintained a steady stream of releases, including KOV, Online Money, and TMO, reinforcing his commitment to growth and consistency.
With ON IT, Cruz of Life aims to open a new chapter in 2026. The collaboration with Ray Emodi has already sparked anticipation among fans, who are eager to see how the duo blends their styles on the upcoming EP.
As the release date approaches, the project signals Cruz of Life’s continued push to strengthen his footprint in Nigeria’s evolving music landscape.
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