Born and raised in North and East London, Christopha has never been one to back down from a challenge. A self-proclaimed relentless dreamer, his path hasn’t been the typical rap story. After leaving a Fortune 500 company straight out of university to chase music full-time, life eventually pulled him back into the corporate grind, a decision made out of necessity to support himself and his family. But with that choice came the weight of stress, self-doubt, and the kind of internal conflict that can make even the brightest dreams feel out of reach. Still, Christopha found his way back to the mic, and when he did, he didn’t just return quietly. He committed himself to “26 Miles and Running,” a year-long challenge of releasing a song every two weeks, a marathon of creativity and discipline that made it clear he wasn’t here to play.
Now, with the announcement of “26 Miles and Running Part 2,” Christopha is back on his stride, kicking things off with “Runway,” which earned him his first Spotify editorial playlist spot—a milestone that feels like the beginning of something even bigger. Hot on its heels is his latest single, “IOU,” a smooth, laid-back rap track laced with R&B and soul influences. “IOU” feels like a love letter in song form, not just to a partner, but maybe even to the idea of love itself—the steady, calming kind that feels like home. It’s chilled, it’s heartfelt, and it shows off Christopha’s ability to balance vulnerability with cool confidence, a quality that’s becoming a signature in his music.
Drawing inspiration from legends like Kano, Common, and India Arie, Christopha exists in that sweet spot where thoughtful lyricism meets groove-heavy production. It’s no surprise BBC 1Xtra and BBC Introducing have been watching him closely, and if his standout verse from the iconic 1Xtra rap cypher at Maida Vale Studios is any indication, there’s still so much more left in the tank. With “IOU,” he isn’t just dropping a love song—he’s setting the tone for the year ahead. The marathon continues, and Christopha’s only just getting warmed up.
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