Nigerian rapper Ycee has explained why he stepped away from the music scene for a period.

Speaking during a livestream session with content creator Carter Efe, the artist said his break was intentional and focused on personal growth.

“I went to the mountain; I went on a journey of self-discovery,” he said.

Ycee, whose real name is Oludemilade Alejo, also explained the origin of his popular nickname, ‘Omo Alhaji.’ According to him, the name comes from his father’s Muslim faith.

The rapper started his music career in 2012 as an underground artist before signing with Tinny Entertainment. He later paused his career briefly to focus on his studies at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

Ycee gained widespread attention after releasing Condo featuring Patoranking. The song earned him two nominations at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.

The success of Condo also helped him secure nominations for Best Artist in African Pop at the 2015 All Africa Music Awards and Next Rated at The Headies 2016.

He later released hit songs such as Jagaban and Omo Alhaji. He followed them with his debut project, The First Wave.

In October 2016, Ycee signed a record deal with Sony Music. He ended the partnership in February 2018 after a difficult spell with the label.