Geko

Geko is an Australian rapper. The name is also used by an Estonian four-piece band formed in January 2024, but the artist generally referred to here is the rapper. He is known professionally as Geko and is associated with Manchester, England, while his origin is Australia.

Background

Geko is of Algerian and Libyan heritage. He begins writing and recording rap at a young age and cites 50 Cent, Eminem, Jadakiss, Styles P and K Koke as influences. His music blends UK rap with afroswing and Afrobeats, and he is also linked with grime and melodic rap.

Early career

He starts building a following as a teenager and becomes the youngest member of K Koke’s U.S.G. collective after signing at the age of 13. During this period he releases early material and mixtape work while developing a reputation as a young rapper from the North of England. In 2012 he records a session for BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Fire in the Booth with Charlie Sloth, and he is widely reported as the youngest rapper to appear on the series.

OneTape Records and debut album

After leaving U.S.G., Geko sets up his own imprint, OneTape Records, and continues releasing music independently. His sound increasingly moves towards Afrobeats and afroswing rhythms alongside rap delivery. In March 2017, he releases his debut studio album, LionHeart, his first full-length album release and a record that reflects a more melodic and internationally influenced style.

Charting singles and later releases

His mainstream breakthrough in the late 2010s comes through a run of singles released with 3 Beat. In 2018, 6:30 featuring NSG enters the UK Singles Chart and becomes one of his best-known tracks. He follows with collaborations including Will Smith with Not3s and New Money with French Montana and Ay Em, both of which also chart in the UK. In December 2019, he releases the album 22, which brings together several charting singles, new tracks and additional features.

Style

Geko continues releasing singles and collaborations, maintaining a style that moves between rap, Afrobeats and afroswing while remaining closely tied to the Manchester scene.