From “Nobody Else” (2013) to “More Than Gold” (2019) featuring Mercy Chinwo, Judikay’s music speaks volumes. But who is she, and where did it all begin?

Judith Kanayo-Opara, known as Judikay, was born on October 26, 1994, in Sango Otta, Ogun State, Nigeria but she comes from Oshimili South in Delta State. Apart from being the eldest child, she was raised in a strong Christian home, where her faith played a vital role in shaping both her life and her music. Her passion for music was evident from her time at the Christian Pentecostal Mission, where she developed her vocal skills as a chorister. With her strong enthusiasm for the arts, she enrolled at Redeemer’s University in Ede, Osun State, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts.

Watch More Than Gold video here

Her passion for music began at the Christian Pentecostal Mission, where she honed her vocal skills as a chorister. Driven by her love for the arts, she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts at Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State. Before stepping into the spotlight, she had the opportunity of working as a backup singer for Florocka (a multi-award-winning Nigerian Gospel singer, songwriter, producer and sound engineer) and she also released her debut single Nobody Else in 2013. Her breakthrough came in 2019 when she released More Than Gold featuring Mercy Chinwo. This song was one that got a lot of attention raking in over 35million views on Youtube. That same year, she released her debut album, Man of Galilee, and won the Breakthrough Artiste of Excellence award at the AGMMA, cementing her place as one of gospel music’s fastest-rising stars. After that, she kept the momentum going with other incredible singles like “Capable God,” “Song of Angels,” and “Fountain.” It’s been an exciting journey for the artist since then.

Watch Song of Angels here

Judikay’s rise continued with major recognitions. In 2020 she won the Best Breakthrough Female Minister at the Maranatha Awards and was named African Artist of the Year at the Impact Gospel Awards. The following year she received a nomination at the Marantha awards for the Gospel song of the year. Additionally, in 2022, she received a nomination for African Act of the Year at the Vine Awards. It has been an exciting journey for the artist marked by consistent growth and impact.

Beyond music, Judikay’s life has also been eventful. She got married in 2020 to Anselem Ikechukwu Opara, and in 2022, they welcomed their first child. In February 2024, Judikay officially parted ways with EeZee Conceptz after five years with the record label. At the time, the separation seemed amicable, with no reports of conflict or wrongdoing. The announcement, as seen in certain news outlets, simply stated that Judikay was moving on to a new phase in her career. There were no indications of internal disputes, and fans assumed the departure was mutual and peaceful.

However, the situation took a new turn in 2025 when another EeZee Conceptz signee, Mercy Chinwo, was involved in a publicized dispute with the label. The controversy surrounding Mercy Chinwo’s departure reignited discussions about past exits from the record label, including Judikay’s. This prompted Judikay to address speculations, providing clarity on her own experience with EeZee Tee and putting to rest any lingering assumptions stating her desire to focus on her ministry and personal growth.