Thirteen-year-old Nigerian rapper Iceking Ochacho closes his debut album “The Future” with “Grateful,” a thankful closer lasting 2:54.
It is the 15th and last song, and it is also the longest of the late tracks. That extra length gives the album room to wind down. After a run of snappy records like “Vibe Check,” “Magic,” and “Halla My Name,” the final song slows the mood and says thanks. “Blessings” with Jumabee comes right before it, so the ending feels planned as a pair.
Thanks has been a steady theme in his music. “Oh Papa” acknowledged the people who stood by his career, and “Oil on My Head” on the 2025 EP “I’m Back” explored faith and appreciation. So closing a debut with “Grateful” feels natural. Chief Double G produced it, like the rest of the project, and the Afrobeats setting keeps the tone warm.
The milestone is big. Iceking finished the album at 13, after starting rap experiments at seven. He moved from freestyle clips to a 15-track studio project with Magnito, 2Baba, and Jumabee along the way. A grateful ending shows he understands who helped.
Fans of wholesome, feel-good Afrobeats will find this one easy to enjoy. It also leaves the door open for what comes next.
End the album on “Grateful” and tell us – who helped you get where you are?
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