[6] He had a childhood interest in UK rap,[3] but has also stated that his favourite song growing up was "Don’t Speak" by No Doubt;[7] he often listened to rap with friends and played music by indie rock bands such as Arctic Monkeys and Bloc Party at home.
[7] His debut EP Love Bites was released 6 November 2020, largely inspired by his childhood; NME called it "unfiltered".
[12][13] In January 2023, Okezie released "Veronica", about young love, in the run-up to his EP Peace Of Mind.
[17] Rolling Stone UK stated that Okezie was "leading the way for a new generation of indie stars" with the album, comparing it to Bloc Party, LCD Soundsystem, The Rapture, Pete Doherty, M.I.A.
[19] In May Okezie won the Ivor Novello Award for Rising Star,[20] and stated that he was working on a deluxe version of How To Make A Master Peace to be followed by a second album, which would be "sleazier" and "poppier".
[22] Okezie released the single "Home" featuring Wale in July 2024,[23] and announced his second EP How To Make A(nuva) Master Peace.
[29] Okezie has cited M.I.A., Blood Orange,[1] Santigold, The Strokes, LCD Soundsystem,[21] Bloc Party, Arctic Monkeys,[10] Bodyrox, Princess Superstar, Friendly Fires, Justice, early Calvin Harris,[15] The Veronicas, Paramore, Fleetwood Mac, Nirvana, The Notorious B.I.G., and Big L[7] as influences.