Nigerian singer CKay has opened up about the public’s perception of his smile, sharing why people often tell him to smile more. Despite the compliments on his smile, CKay doesn’t feel the need to constantly show happiness, especially in public or pictures.
During a recent interview on the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast hosted by Joey Akan, CKay revealed that he frequently receives comments about having a “nice smile” and being told he should smile more. However, he admitted that he doesn’t smile much in photos, which may contribute to this perception.
“I don’t smile enough in pictures,” he explained. “People see me more in pictures than in real life. Maybe they build a perception of me needing to smile more based on that.”
CKay also linked his smile to his creative process, revealing that when he started working on his upcoming album, he wasn’t in a particularly cheerful place. He emphasized the importance of authenticity in his music, stating that it reflects both positive and negative emotions.
“I wasn’t smiling when I started working on this album; the mood was reality,” CKay shared. “Making music only about the positive things wouldn’t be realistic. There are moments for smiles, and moments of reality. Both positive and negative emotions happen, and art should reflect that.”
The singer’s candid reflection on his music and public image underscores the importance of being true to oneself, embracing both the ups and downs in life.

