ZOCHI
“BESIDE ME”
CEAMA House
Coined by media as Canada’s Queen of Afropop (and a real-life Nigerian princess), ZOCHI releases her fearless and emotionally charged new single and video “Beside Me” with CEAMA House, a program dedicated to artist development and industry mentorship for Canada’s most promising emerging talent. A blend of R&B soulfulness, Hip-Hop edge, Afrobeat rhythm, and inspired by her journey as a Black queer woman, “Beside Me” is an anthem for belonging, vulnerability, and queer faith.
“Beside Me” was recorded and engineered with longtime collaborator Walter Jeworski, produced by Hip-Hop DJ Dexty (Daniel Rolàk). It follows ZOCHI’s internationally successful hit single ‘Alone (Whole Again)’ featured on CBC’s Marvin’s Room, Billboard Magazine, Tinnitist, Cashbox, and Rudy Blair Entertainment Media. All agree ZOCHI is one of Canada’s most exciting rising artists.
ZOCHI recently performed at NXNE 2025 and the Saskatchewan leg of Jully Black’s “Songs & Stories Tour” where her rise continues at a meteoric speed. ZOCHI is currently nominated for Best Pop Music Video at the Canadian Independent Music Video Awards, and Afrobeats Artist of the Year at both the Western Canadian Music Awards and Saskatchewan Music Awards.
ZOCHI was chosen as the CEAMA House artist in residence where she was named “CEAMA Afrobeats Artist Of The Year,” with upwards of $50,000 in development funding. CEAMA House, a music development company, founded by Black Exposed Ent. was built by legendary Canadian artists for the next generation of creators. ZOCHI will receive a fully funded, one-year residency and development scholarship that includes housing, publicity support, artistic development, and full-service artist management through Black Exposed Ent.
“Beside Me” marks the evolution of ZOCHI’s sound and story, highlighting her strength as a lyricist, vulnerability as a storyteller, and the power she possesses while celebrating her story.
About:
CEAMA is the first Canadian awards program that exclusively recognizes emerging musicians and industry professionals for their creativity, community impact, social purpose, and long-term growth. Chosen artists are vetted by icons of Canadian music. Mentors include Michael Williams (Founding VJ, MuchMusic) Solitair (Hip-Hop legend, producer) and more to be announced. CEAMA HOUSE board Vice Presidents, Joel Joseph (producer for Nelly Furtado, Kardinal Offishall) and Sean Jones (Juno-winning R&B artist, In Essence) emphasize the mission: “We are not a record label. We are a music development company built by legends, for future artists.
Posted by Mahalia Saint-Eloi.
