Have you been wondering who this guy who sang Arike is? Find out in this Kunmie Biography, which covers everything from his age to his real name.
Kunmie, born Oluwabukunmi Ariyibi Peter, is a fast-rising Nigerian singer whose name exploded across social and streaming platforms in early 2025. With a captivating vocal range and emotive lyricism, Kunmie made history with his debut single “Arike”, a song that skyrocketed him from relative obscurity to international recognition.
In just under a month, Arike crossed 7 million Spotify streams, making him the first breakout Nigerian music star of 2025.
This biography explores the full story behind Kunmie’s journey, his early beginnings, viral rise on TikTok, his chart-topping debut EP “Before We Became Strangers”, and what makes him one of the most promising names in Nigerian pop music.
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Early Life and Background
Kunmie was born as Oluwabukunmi Ariyibi Peter, a name that blends Yoruba heritage with deep cultural roots. While much of his early personal life remains private, what is clear is that his musical journey didn’t begin with fanfare. With a smooth, soulful voice and knack for penning heartfelt lyrics, Kunmie quietly honed his craft before bursting into the limelight.
- Full Name: Oluwabukunmi Ariyibi Peter
- Stage Name: Kunmie
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Social Media Handles:
- Instagram: @kunmieofficial
- TikTok: @kunmieofficial
- Instagram: @kunmieofficial
His low-key online presence, with fewer than 100,000 followers across all platforms, didn’t prevent his music from going viral—a testament to the power of authenticity and quality music.
Music Career Beginnings
While there’s limited public information about Kunmie’s musical training or early projects, his official entry into Nigeria’s mainstream music scene happened in February 2025 when he dropped his debut single, Arike. The song, filled with sweet melodies and emotionally rich lyrics, found resonance among young Nigerians, couples, and lovers of Afro-soul/pop music.
This launch was accompanied by his first full body of work, an extended play titled “Before We Became Strangers,” and a concept-driven EP with just four tracks showcasing his artistry and versatility.
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Breakthrough with Arike
Kunmie’s breakout came with the single “Arike”, released on February 15, 2025. In a digital era dominated by short-form content, the song’s catchy yet emotionally moving delivery struck a chord, especially on TikTok, where it was featured in over 186,000 user-generated videos within weeks.
Viral Stats & Milestones:
- #2 on Spotify Global Viral Chart – First emerging Nigerian act to hit this feat
- #1 on Spotify Nigeria Viral 50 Chart
- Top 3 on Apple Music Nigeria
- #9 on Apple Music Lagos Top 100
- #8 on Nigeria Top 10 Chart
- 22,000+ Shazams in 12 hours – Fastest rising song on the platform in early 2025
- 7+ Million Spotify streams in 4 weeks
These numbers placed Arike among modern classics like CKay’s Love Nwantiti and Rema’s Calm Down, both of which saw international success via social platforms.
Kunmie’s Debut EP: Before We Became Strangers
Following Arike’s meteoric success, Kunmie released his debut EP, “Before We Became Strangers”. The project features four tracks:
- Admit
- Majẹkajá
- Arike
- One More Chance
The EP carries a theme of love, heartbreak, emotional maturity, and longing, all wrapped in minimalist Afrobeat and R&B-inspired production. His vocal delivery and storytelling gained critical praise, marking him as a true artist and not just a viral sensation.
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Musical Style & Influences
Kunmie’s sound is a fusion of Afro-fusion, R&B, and soulful pop, characterized by smooth melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and mid-tempo instrumentals. His delivery evokes nostalgia, vulnerability, and elegance — comparable to artists like Johnny Drille, Fireboy DML, or even global icons like Giveon.
Influenced by Nigerian culture and the new wave of Afrobeats, his music straddles the line between alternative soul and commercial appeal.
Social Media & TikTok Power
Despite having fewer than 100k followers across Instagram and TikTok, Kunmie’s success proves the viral potential of TikTok in launching careers. With 186k+ UGCs, his music organically reached millions, catching the attention of both Nigerian and international listeners.
The virality of Arike reaffirms the new reality of the Nigerian music industry — where streaming platforms and TikTok determine success as much as radio airplay and label backing.
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Kunmie Net Worth & Recognition
As of early 2025, Kunmie’s estimated net worth is not publicly confirmed, but given his streaming numbers and the commercial success of his EP, industry estimates suggest he’s already earned tens of thousands of dollars from platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, plus early endorsement interest.
What makes this more impressive is that all this success happened without a known record label or major PR machine — a testament to the power of viral content and raw talent.
Personal Life on Kunmie Biography
While Kunmie has not shared much about his age, date of birth, or relationship status, it is clear that he is focusing heavily on building his brand and sound in 2025. His decision to keep a low personal profile is rare but refreshing, as it places the emphasis squarely on the music and not the spectacle.
Fans eagerly await more interviews and media appearances to get to know the man behind the music.
Comparison with Other Breakout Nigerian Artists
Kunmie’s success draws comparison to previous viral sensations like:
- CKay (Love Nwantiti)
- Rema (Dumebi, Calm Down)
- Asake (Mr. Money With The Vibe)
- Mr. Fido (Joy Is Coming)
Like these acts, Kunmie is now seen as a standard bearer for Gen Z Afrobeats — mixing modern themes with emotional vulnerability.
What’s Next for Kunmie?
With such a strong start, expectations are sky-high. Fans and critics alike anticipate:
- A debut album
- International collaborations (possibly with artists from South Africa, UK, or U.S.)
- Live performances and TikTok campaigns
- Touring in major Nigerian cities and African music festivals
Kunmie’s career trajectory suggests he could become one of the defining Nigerian artists of this decade.
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Quick Facts About Kunmie
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Oluwabukunmi Ariyibi Peter |
| Stage Name | Kunmie |
| Known For | “Arike,” viral success, Spotify charts |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| EP Title | Before We Became Strangers |
| Notable Song | Arike |
| @kunmieofficial | |
| TikTok | @kunmieofficial |
| Followers (2025) | <100k combined |
| Estimated Net Worth | $30,000–$50,000 (unofficial) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Kunmie?
Kunmie is a Nigerian singer and songwriter who gained massive fame in 2025 after his song Arike went viral on TikTok and topped several streaming charts.
What is Kunmie’s real name?
His full name is Oluwabukunmi Ariyibi Peter.
What song made Kunmie famous?
His debut track Arike is the hit that made him go viral, especially on TikTok.
What is Kunmie’s debut project?
Kunmie’s debut EP is titled Before We Became Strangers and contains four tracks.
Is Kunmie signed to a record label?
As of now, there’s no public information about any label affiliation.
Final Thoughts
Kunmie is not just another viral moment — he’s a movement. From the raw emotional appeal of Arike to his poetic storytelling in Before We Became Strangers, the young Nigerian singer is carving out his place in the Afrobeat landscape. With consistency, authentic artistry, and a little industry support, Kunmie is on course to become one of this decade’s most influential Nigerian voices.
