Toronto-Based R&B/Afrobeat Artist ZOCHI Releases Bold, Faith-Rooted Queer Anthem “Beside Me”

Thu Jul 10, 2025
ZOCHI

ZOCHI, Canada’s self-proclaimed Queen of Afropop—and a real-life Nigerian princess—releases her fearless and tender new single “Beside Me” today. Blending R&B soulfulness with Hip-Hop grit and Afrobeat rhythm, “Beside Me” is an anthem for belonging, vulnerability, and queer faith. The song follows her internationally celebrated single “Alone (Whole Again)” and continues her journey as one of Canada’s most exciting rising artists.

“I wanted to write a song that can still be universal even if faith-based,” ZOCHI shares. “We all want to be loved and accepted. It shouldn’t matter if the declaration of love is coming from the queer community. I just want people to feel and be compelled to love when they listen to this song.”

Canadian Emerging Artist Music Awards (CEAMA) Launches Toronto Artist-in-Residence Program, Welcomes Afropop Star ZOCHI as First Recipient

Fri Jul 04 2025
ZOCHI

Toronto, ON — The Canadian Emerging Artist Music Awards (CEAMA) proudly announces the official launch of the CEAMA HOUSE Artist in Residence Program, a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to artist development and industry mentorship for Canada’s most promising emerging talent. The program kicks off in Toronto with its inaugural 2025 Artist in Residence: ZOCHI, the Nigeria-born, Saskatchewan-based Afropop trailblazer, known across the country as Canada’s Queen of Afropop.

As the 2025 CEAMA HOUSE Artist in Residence, ZOCHI will receive a fully funded, one-year residency and development scholarship that includes housing, marketing and publicity support, artistic development, and full-service artist management through Black Exposed Entertainment. ZOCHI has also been officially signed to CEAMA HOUSE, a music development company — not a traditional label — built by legendary Canadian artists for the next generation of creators.

The “Whole” Story: To Zochi, Love Means Never Having To Say You’re “Alone”

Thu May 02, 2024
Zochi

While the supposedly religious try to claim God’s favor for themselves and deny it to anyone they see as “other,” Canadian Afrobeats queen Zochi – and a real-life Princess in royalty, too - has something more open-hearted in mind. Her new single, “Alone (Whole Again),” sees her praying for the consummation of a same-sex attraction not just because she wants it, but because the Lord must too. Check it out on YouTube here: