Your first sight of Zikky reminds you of the ever-popular Jamaican Born Reggae icon Sizzla Kalonji. With his scintillating voice rattles and titillates your ear drum whenever he chooses to talk or sing. Always full of life!
Zikky embodies a unique mix of vitality, calmness, and creativity. He relies heavily on instinct and experience to craft his music, giving each song a natural depth and authenticity.
Born Isaac Amos Barde on May 9, 1975, to the family of His Royal Highness Chief Elder Amos Barde the Wakili Ninzom II, of Kafanchan, Kaduna State. Zikky discovered his passion for music early. At just 13, he joined the Seventh-Day Adventist Church choir, where he received his first music lessons. While still in junior secondary school, he wrote his first song, laying the foundation for his career.
In 1994, he had his first public breakthrough, winning the Musikola ’94 Talent Hunt at Bosan Hotel, Kafanchan, Kaduna State, with his original track Jah Gwan Dash Thunder. That victory marked the beginning of his musical journey.
He took his nom de plume from the way his mother used to call him each time he went out to play as a child, “Aizikki,” given to him by his mother. Although initially reluctant to adopt it, he later embraced it as his artistic identity. To distinguish himself—since “Zikky” is traditionally an Indian female name—he added “Man”, creating the powerful and memorable stage name Zikky Man.
Zikky’s upbringing as the son of a retired soldier and a fashion designer exposed him to different parts of Nigeria, enriching his cultural and musical influences. Today, he balances his artistry with a strong professional background as a web and mobile app developer, programmer, and ICT specialist, proving his versatility in both creative and technical fields.
Over the years, Zikky has shared the stage with numerous Nigerian artists, performed at prestigious concerts, and released several impactful singles. His track “You’re My Juliet”—produced by Dave Azi—has gained massive airplay both locally and internationally, streaming on platforms like Spotify, iTunes, Boomplay, Shazam, and Google Music. He releases his debute Album title “The Rebirth" on 10th May 2025 to mark his 50th Birthday which was on 9th May 2025.
Zikky’s music is deeply influenced by reggae greats such as Sizzla Kalonji, Lt. Stitchie, Buju Banton, Tony Rebel, Terror Fabulous, Shabba Ranks, Mad Cobra, Busy Signal, Gyptian, Nadine Southerland, Ras Kimono, Majek Fashek, Oritz Wiliki, Best Agoha, Marshal, Prince Isaac Black, Peterside Ottong, Daniel Wilson, Blackky, Rymzo, LT Shortgun, Sam Thio, The Mandators, Maxell Udoh, New Waves, Sunny Okosun, Mavelouse Benjy, Daddy Showkey, African China, as well as many Nigerian reggae icons. His style blends Dancehall and Reggae Fusion with a fresh, breezy energy that makes his sound both distinctive and timeless.
He is happily married to Hope Ucha Barde, and together they are blessed with two children, David and Deborah. Zikky is an indigine of Kaduna State but possess some eastern input in his work by virtue of his mother being from Umuahia Abia State, Nigeria. Career Highlights- 1994 – Winner, maiden edition of Musikola Talent Hunt at Bosan Hotel, Kaduna State.
- 1995 – Performed at the Benson & Hedges Concerts in Kagoro, Kaduna State.
- 2003 – Rated 5th place on the Cool FM Abuja Top Ten Music Chart.
- 2004 – Performed at Star Trek, Abuja, alongside KC Presh, Faze, and Ruggedman.
- 2004 – Featured at the Hot 98.3 FM Abuja Launch, Agura Hotel, alongside Ben Priest and Panama.
- 2004 – Performed at the PMAN/NTA Show in Abuja, sharing the stage with Baba 2010, Makosa Queen, King Faj, and others.
- 21,22,23 & 2024 – Made a celebrated comeback at the Rydeem of Light Gospel Reggae Festival.
- 2023 – Performed at A Night of Tribute to Bob Marley at Bolingo Xperia Hotel, Abuja, alongside King Wadada and Pupa Yannis.
- 21,22,23 & 2024 – Performed at the Prestigious Abuja Reggae Festival.
- 92.9 Kapital FM Abuja with Jack Brown (Mr. Buzzer) and DJ Artillery
- Love 104.5 FM Abuja with Timi Banton and the late Alpasino Bwai
- 93.5 Aso Radio Abuja with Edward Simple Simon (Buju)
- Rockside 89.9 FM Kafanchan with DJ Bally Ranks