Singer, Chukwudi Agali, popularly known as Chuddy K and his wife, Rachael, share their love story with Jayne Augoye. Read excerpts below:
How did you meet your wife?
Chuddy K: I met her four years ago at Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s victory party in Benin. I was performing at the party when I saw her in the crowd. Her conduct and complexion attracted me to her.
Rachael: I didn’t notice him staring at me at the event. Although I knew him by his stage name, Chuddy K, I couldn’t tell he was the one performing until my friend drew my attention to it. Somehow, he got my phone number from my friend’s husband who was his close pal.
Were you searching for love at the time?
Chuddy K: No, I wasn’t. Like every young man and musician, I was out to have fun but that changed after I met my wife. I had a rethink because she was different from other women I had met in the past. Most of the ladies I had come across in the past were star-struck but she was not. She was and still is not driven by money and fame.
Tell us about your first date together.
Chuddy K: I wanted to shoot a video for one of my songs when I realised instead of hiring a model, she could play my love interest in the video. I invited her to join me on the set of the production. She didn’t turn up until late in the evening because she went to make her hair and we had to postpone the shoot till the next day. We never got to release the video for reasons I cannot even work out.
What was the initial attraction?
Rachael: My husband is very warm, loving and kind-hearted. He hasn’t changed one bit ever since we met four years ago. In fact, he is a better person than when I first met him.
Chuddy K: She is very unique, industrious and loving. I definitely won’t trade her for any woman in the world.
When did you decide to marry her?
Chuddy K: We spoke on and off for about three months and during that time, I realised she possessed unique qualities. I decided to marry her when she stood by me at the time I experienced some challenges in my music career. She gave me emotional support and encouraged me not to give up. That was what I needed to forge ahead.
How did he propose?
Rachael: Ours was a very private engagement. He went down on bended knees and asked me to marry him. I could tell that his intention was genuine and I didn’t hesitate to say yes. I am glad I accepted to marry him.
Chuddy K: I don’t think there’s any man who wouldn’t go down on his knees to ask his woman to marry him. Mine wasn’t different. I found love and I was not prepared to let it go.
While you courted, did you think he would disappoint you?
Rachael: Such thoughts never crossed my mind because we both loved each other genuinely, so I had no reason to doubt. Even though other girls tried to come between us, they never succeeded and I remained unshaken.
Did members of your families oppose your relationship?
Rachael: Our parents did not object to our relationship. All my folks wanted to know was if I truly loved Chuddy K. This was after they realised he was an artiste. I answered in the affirmative and they gave their blessings.
How often do the both of you quarrel?
Chuddy K: We rarely disagree and whenever we do, I am quick to apologise because I can’t stomach seeing her unhappy.
Rachael: We have never stayed angry with each other for more than two hours and this is because my husband is a very peaceful man. In fact, he is usually the first to apologise. So, most times I would plead with him to allow me remain vexed just for the fun of it.
Do you operate a joint account?
Chuddy K: Yes, we do and it was my idea. Even though we both have our individual accounts, I felt it was necessary to open a joint account in order to secure our future.
Do you sometimes regret being married to a celebrity?
Rachael: No, I don’t because I trust my husband. In fact, I know the man I married won’t go astray.
Chuddy K: With respect to female fans, I handle them with care. In all honestly, our female fans show so much love and more often than not, they account for the success of most musicians. Thankfully, I have never come across an obsessed female fan. It’s the same way I can never be bothered about my wife’s male admirers because I trust her.
Do you have access to each other’s phones and social media accounts?
Chuddy K: I am not one of those men who needs a code to access the contents of their phone. She can access my phone whenever she desires.
Rachael: I can’t remember the last time I went through his phone and that’s because I don’t think it is necessary to do so. I am not bothered about what he does when I am not there because we both have a certain level of trust that would be difficult to shatter no matter how hard ‘they’ try.
In what ways do you contribute to the advancement of your spouse’s career?
Rachael: As a fashion entrepreneur, I style my husband and occasionally, I act as a costumier whenever he’s shooting a video.
Chuddy K: My wife will never allow me leave the house if she doesn’t approve of my outfit. She handles that aspect of my life and I am thankful for that. I also support her business in more ways than one. I think we both complement each other in this area.
How would you describe your marriage?
Rachael: I would describe my marriage in three words; sweet, peaceful and fun. I have always asked God for a man like my husband and having that wish granted can be likened to a dream come true. My husband is a sweet and kind man.
Did you ever think you would marry a celebrity?
Rachael: No, I never imagined that I would end up with a celebrity. I guess God had better plans for me.
Chuddy K: Two musicians happily married under one roof? I have yet to see it happen. Even the power couple, Jay Z and Beyonce, are alleged to be experiencing some challenges in their marriage. My wife is a closet musician because she sings whenever she takes her bath or cooks and I think that’s the farthest she can go in that regard. Whenever I sing, she playfully backs me up.
Have you considered recording a song with her?
Chuddy K: It hasn’t crossed my mind. However, I am ready to support her in any way I can, so she can realise her dreams.
How do you unwind as a couple?
Chuddy K: We go swimming, clubbing and shopping; the latter is her favourite.
What pet names do you call each other?
Rachael: We call each other ‘baby.’
