BENNIE KING

FIX up, look sharp! This could be Cheltenham's answer to Dizzee Rascal.

Hip-hop artist and rapper Ike Opene, from Overton Road, is hoping to put the town on the map with his unique brand of urban beats.

?debut album: Rapper Ike Opene, 28, is now based in Cheltenham
.The 28-year-old, who goes by the name Bennie King, has released three tracks online and has already amassed more than 2,000 fans on YouTube.

Now he is hoping to emulate his heroes Dizzee Rascal, Jay-Z and Kanye West by becoming an international superstar.

Ike, who was born in Nigeria, said: "A lot of people associate hip-hop and dance music with bigger cities like London and Bristol.

"But I am hoping I can change that perception. There's no reason why you can't have great hip-hop from smaller places too, including somewhere like Cheltenham.

"I've got the talent to do it and right now I just need to get my music out there.

"I want to get support from people here in my home town before branching out to the rest of the UK and hopefully internationally too."


After getting interested in music as a youngster, Ike has been writing and producing his own tracks since he moved to Britain two-and-a-half years ago.

He studied for an engineering degree in London before joining his family in Cheltenham where he has worked as a shop assistant and in a call centre. But now he is planning to follow his heart by pursuing a career in music.

With a style that blends club and dance influences with a rapid fire rap delivery, he is hoping he can go all the way to the top.

Three of his singles, entitled Hitman, Low and Donk, are available on iTunes, Amazon and other digital stores and he will be releasing his debut album in January.

To help kick-start sales he has offered to donate 10 per cent of online profits to charity.

"I would like my fans to vote on which charity I should give the funds to by commenting on my YouTube page or on Facebook or Twitter."

For more visit Visit Ike Opene's youtube channel

- GLOUCESTERSHIRE ECHO