Urban Chords

Urban Chords is a groundbreaking AI-generated Nigerian gospel and Afro-pop collective based in Lagos, Nigeria. Far from a traditional singing group, Urban Chords does not exist in real life; it is a virtual choir created by Nigerian producer and vocal designer Olamide Emmanuel Ajayi, who also goes by the moniker Emanvee.The collective is recognized for seamlessly blending the soulful roots of gospel choir harmonies with contemporary urban Afrobeats and R&B elements.

Since its emergence, Urban Chords has captivated the African music scene by transforming popular secular hits into spirit-stirring choir versions and releasing original inspirational music. They are best known for their 2025 viral hit “I’m a Mess (Choir Version)” and for making history as the first AI-generated music project to debut on the Nigerian Official Top 100 Albums chart.

Operating under the label imprint Lyripedia, Urban Chords has sparked massive streaming success and deep conversations about the future of artificial intelligence, copyright, and artistry in the African music industry.

Background and Formation

Unlike traditional musical groups that form in churches or music schools, Urban Chords was born out of technological innovation. The project was conceptualized by Olamide Emmanuel Ajayi, a Nigerian music producer and vocal designer.Launched under the music startup and label imprint Lyripedia, the vision behind the collective was to use artificial intelligence to bridge the gap between church and secular culture.By programming advanced AI voice models, Ajayi engineered a dynamic, multi-layered virtual choir capable of delivering soulful, realistic vocal performances that mimic the passion and texture of a live gospel ensemble.

How Their Music Career Started

Urban Chords initially gained traction online by releasing gospel-infused covers of popular secular songs. In 2024, they released early original singles like “World,” but their profile truly skyrocketed in 2025 when they began publishing their signature “Choir Refix” tracks. They took massive Afrobeats hits, most notably Omah Lay’s “I’m a Mess,” and reimagined them as sweeping, emotionally charged choir anthems. The AI rendition of “I’m a Mess” resonated deeply with listeners, charting highly on streaming platforms and eventually peaking at number 11 on the Shazam Global Chart.

Career and Breakthrough

The virtual collective’s definitive breakthrough occurred in October 2025 with the release of their project “Choir Refix”.The album completely disrupted the Nigerian music industry by debuting at number 43 on the TurnTable Nigerian Official Top 100 Albums chart, pulling in over 834,000 on-demand streams in its first week.This historic milestone marked the first time an AI-generated album had ever broken into the country’s national charts.By November 2025, Urban Chords had amassed over 465,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and tens of thousands of followers across platforms like Audiomack, proving that their virtual nature did not hinder their commercial appeal.

Musical Style and Influences

The sound of Urban Chords is defined by rich, multi-part vocal layering that replicates the atmosphere of a massive church choir.Their music heavily features contemporary urban influences, merging Afro-pop rhythms and R&B grooves with traditional gospel harmonies.Whether they are singing original compositions or covering mainstream hits, the group prioritizes meaningful lyrics that focus on themes of spiritual upliftment, personal reflection, faith, and community resilience.

Notable Songs and Albums

Following the monumental success of the “Choir Refix” album, Urban Chords expanded its discography with several impactful extended plays and singles.In late 2025, they released the gospel-themed EP “Grace Till December,” which featured the popular track “He Did It Again”.They have also achieved significant streaming numbers with original singles like “Badman Gangsta,” “Grace,” and “People”.Additionally, the virtual group has been credited as a featured artist alongside mainstream acts, such as on the hit “Intentions” by Nigerian singer FAVE.

Legacy and Influence

Urban Chords holds a unique and highly debated place in the history of African music. As pioneers of AI-generated music in Nigeria, they have forced the industry to confront the rapid evolution of technology. Their chart success triggered widespread discussions among critics, music executives, and intellectual property lawyers regarding copyright laws, authenticity, and the commercialization of AI voice models in the Afrobeats space. While traditionalists question the use of machines in spiritual music, Urban Chords has undeniably proven that AI can be used to create emotionally resonant music that connects with hundreds of thousands of fans.

Current Career and Recent Activities

The virtual collective has maintained a prolific release schedule. In 2026, Urban Chords released a steady stream of new projects, including the “Broken to Blessed” EP and the “OUTSIDE” EP.They also continued their collaborative streak, releasing tracks like “Joy will come” and “Proclaim” alongside Emanvee and Soul of Afrika. Despite the ongoing debates surrounding their existence, Urban Chords continues to be a dominant presence on digital streaming platforms, operating at the cutting edge of music and technology.