In the pulsating heart of Nigeria’s Afrobeats scene, where Lagos dominates the spotlight and global hits echo from every corner, a fresh voice is emerging from an unexpected corner of the country. Meet Edwizzy, better known to his growing legion of fans as CityBoyFriend, the 21-year-old sensation who’s blending raw talent with unapologetic independence. Hailing from the vibrant Ibaji Local Government Area in Kogi State but now firmly planted in the creative buzz of Abuja, Edwizzy isn’t just making music, he’s crafting anthems that capture the spirit of a new generation. With his latest drop, City Boy Friend, hitting the airwaves just a week ago on November 14, 2025, it’s clear: this is an artist on the cusp of something massive.
From Kogi Hills to Abuja Lights
The Early Years
Born in 2004 amid the lush landscapes and resilient communities of Ibaji, Edwizzy (Friday Atule Edward) grew up in a world far removed from the glitz of Nigeria’s entertainment capital. Kogi State, often called the “Confluence State” for its riverside heritage, instilled in him a deep sense of rhythm, inspirational and storytelling elements that would later define his sound. Music wasn’t just background noise in his household, it was a lifeline, a way to dream bigger than the local horizons.
By his early teens, Edwizzy had relocated to Abuja, the nation’s political and cultural nerve center. The city’s eclectic mix of high-energy street vibes and upscale aspirations became his playground. “Abuja shaped me,” he once shared in a rare interview snippet on social media. “It’s where the city boy in me woke up hustling between school, gigs, and late-night studio sessions.” Self-taught on beats and melodies, he drew inspiration from Afrobeats giants like Wizkid and Burna Boy, but infused them with a personal twist: introspective lyrics wrapped in infectious hooks that speak to love, ambition, and the grind of young adulthood.
Breaking Ground as an Independent Singer
Edwizzy’s foray into the music world was anything but conventional. In 2019, at just 15 years old, he dropped his very first single a bold, DIY release that showcased his budding vocal prowess and knack for catchy choruses. Uploaded to streaming platforms with zero label backing, it was a raw declaration: “I’m here, and I’m not waiting for permission.” That track, though under the radar at the time, marked the start of a grassroots hustle. Edwizzy built his fanbase organically, gigging at open mics in Abuja’s underground spots and leveraging social media to connect with listeners who craved authenticity over polish.
Fast-forward to 2024, and the world started paying attention. His official single, Caro, exploded onto playlists with its sultry vibes and relatable tale of unrequited love. Produced in a home studio with nothing but grit and a laptop, Caro became a sleeper hit, racking up streams and shares across Nigeria’s youth-driven platforms. What set it apart? Edwizzy’s signature style a fusion of smooth R&B-infused Afrobeats, laced with playful pidgin flows and electronic undertones that feel both nostalgic and futuristic. As an independent artist, he’s opened for collaboration or contract with any interested labels, “I want my music to be 100% me,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter) earlier this year. “No suits telling me how to feel”, and he has been keeping it real from all the singles he has released back to back since 2024-2025 you can tell that he’s got everything it takes to stand out in the industry without fears.
In an industry flooded with manufactured stars, Edwizzy’s DIY ethos is refreshing. He’s collaborated with rising stars and producers from Kogi and Abuja, he has collaborated with singers like Mhizta Pi (Mama Pikin) and many others, turning bedrooms into hit factories. Critics and fans alike are buzzing: “He’s the artist to watch,” proclaimed a recent Pulse Nigeria feature. “Edwizzy’s got that rare blend of vulnerability and swagger that could redefine the next wave of Afrobeats.”
The Latest Anthem
City Boy Friend Drops and Resonates
If Caro was his breakout, City Boy Friend is his victory lap. Released on November 14, 2025, this track is pure adrenaline a high-octane banger that dives into the highs and lows of urban romance, with Edwizzy crooning about being the ultimate “city boy” who’s equal parts charmer and dreamer. Clocking in at under three minutes, it’s engineered for loops: think pulsating bass drops, shimmering synths, and a chorus so sticky it demands replays.
The rollout was classic Edwizzy teasers on Instagram Reels, a surprise listening party at an Abuja rooftop bar, and a music video shot guerrilla-style on the streets of the Federal Capital Territory. Within days, it’s climbing charts on Boomplay and Spotify’s Nigerian viral playlist, with fans dubbing it “the soundtrack to every late-night drive.” At 21, Edwizzy’s maturity shines through; the song isn’t just a flex it’s a mirror to the complexities of modern love in a fast-moving world.
Why Edwizzy is the Future of Nigerian Sound
What makes Edwizzy, aka CityBoyFriend, stand out in a sea of talents? It’s his unfiltered authenticity. In a genre often criticized for glossing over real struggles, he brings the periphery to the centre stories from Kogi’s heartland echoing in Abuja’s skyline. As an independent force, he’s proving that you don’t need a fat budget to make waves; passion and persistence will do.
With whispers of upcoming EPs and potential collabs on the horizon, 2026 could be Edwizzy’s year to go global. Whether you’re bumping Caro on your commute or dissecting the layers in City Boy Friend, one thing’s certain: this CityBoyFriend is here to stay. Keep your ears peeled, Nigeria the revolution in melody is just getting started.
Stream Edwizzy’s music on all major platforms. Follow him on social media below:
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