Born Ezekiel Georgewill, Swayvee’s journey begins in the bustling heart of Lagos, winds through the vibrant streets of Port Harcourt, and stretches into moments of silence, struggle, and eventual self-discovery. What started as a child’s fascination with rap battles has grown into a career that now commands attention, fueled by persistence, reinvention, and an unshakable belief in his sound.
Swayvee’s earliest memories are of noise and discipline in Lagos. His father’s strict hand and his mother’s market stall shaped his childhood whilst the chaotic energy of the markets taught him to adapt quickly and blend into different spaces. But Lagos would not be his only classroom. At six, he moved to Port Harcourt, a city that would plant the first seeds of music in him.
Street battles became a regular spectacle, first watched and then joined, shaping the rhythm of his youth and the foundation of his musical identity. A distant cousin, the only musically inclined person in his family, became his early mentor, guiding him to record his first track, Music and Hennessy.
Right ftom the beginning, Swayvee’s childhood was defined by movement. He rarely stayed in one place, following neighbors, tagging along with friends, and exploring beyond what his parents could contain. His restlessness was natural, an impulse to experience life beyond boundaries. In those years, he dreamed not of music but of flight, aspiring to become a pilot and travel the world.
Yet in a twist of fate, music became the wings he never anticipated. What began as fun, a hobby, slowly evolved into a serious pursuit, even as his family initially dismissed his freestyles and doubted his potential. Over time, however, those early skeptics became his strongest supporters.
His first identity as an artist came through the name Fatal Emcee, given by a teacher who noticed him rapping in class. That name carried him through early competitions and his first recordings, but as his sound evolved beyond rap, it no longer reflected his style. He transitioned to Swayzee, blending his musical style with his given name, Ezekiel, before settling on Swayvee after copyright complications forced another change. The new name was simple, unique, and fully aligned with the sound he had been developing.
The path to recognition was slow. In 2016, he recorded a song for a competition and placed second, gaining a modest cash prize and a small production opportunity. It was an encouraging first step but not yet a career. After signing with a Record company in 2018, he spent time behind the scenes, learning, experimenting, and refining his craft. By 2020, with a clearer vision and professional study of music, he began to build the sound that would define him.
Yet progress was not linear. In 2022, he reached a low point, nearly giving up. He disappeared from social media, abandoned his phone, and locked himself away. In the solitude of his home studio, he recorded, practiced, learned, and rediscovered his sound. That period of focus and isolation became a turning point, allowing him to emerge stronger and more confident in his artistic identity.
His rise to wider recognition came with “Us”, a song crafted with the intention of bringing people together. When it went viral, the speed of its success was overwhelming. Streams and shares multiplied in a matter of days, forcing him to step fully into the spotlight. The moment opened doors, connecting him with established artists and offering opportunities that had once felt distant.
Shortly after, he created DnD (Dance No Go Dance), a new project born from a night of excitement and improvisation. The chorus was originally just a playful hum, not meant to anchor the song, but it became central as the track developed. Sent to a collaborator, the song immediately resonated and was included on an album, proving again that inspiration often strikes in the simplest moments.
Looking back, Swayvee sees the evolution of his sound clearly. Early recordings were raw, and his 2019 Lost Files EP was still a work in progress. Yet every challenge and every critique helped shape his versatility. He learned to navigate different genres while keeping his signature style intact, a style he refuses to compromise.
Now, with his EP Persuasion and a series of new collaborations on the horizon, 2025 marks a pivotal year but not the peak of his journey. Each year, he believes, should surpass the last, and he is already looking toward 2026 with anticipation.
From a restless child in Lagos to a globally emerging artist, Swayvee has proven that persistence, reinvention, and self-belief can transform uncertainty into opportunity.
Music gave him wings and his flight is only just beginning.
