Afrobeats artist and songwriter Siraheem Okoya has officially announced his retirement from the music industry, revealing that he is shifting focus to entrepreneurship with the start of construction on his first commercial warehouse.
In a statement released Saturday through his management and confirmed in a short video posted on his verified social media accounts, the 29-year-old singer said he is “closing this chapter with gratitude” after nearly a decade in the industry.
Okoya, known for mid-tempo hits and collaborations that gained traction across streaming platforms in West Africa and the diaspora, stated that the decision was driven by a desire for long-term financial stability and a new passion for logistics and real estate.
“Music gave me a voice and opened doors I never imagined,” Okoya said in the statement. “But I’ve reached a point where I want to build something tangible that can employ people and create value beyond the stage. Today marks the beginning of that next phase.”
Construction on the warehouse began earlier this week on a 2.5-hectare plot of land in an industrial zone on the outskirts of Lagos. The project, according to documents reviewed by this newspaper and comments from Okoya’s business team, is a multi-purpose storage and distribution facility expected to span approximately 8,000 square meters once completed.
Work is being handled by a local construction firm, with foundation and structural phases already underway. The facility is projected to be operational within 14 to 18 months, pending regulatory approvals and weather conditions.
Sources close to the artist indicate that Okoya has been quietly investing in land and exploring supply-chain opportunities over the past two years while still releasing music. The warehouse is described as the first of several planned assets under a new holding company he has registered. Plans include leasing space to manufacturers, e-commerce operators, and agricultural exporters.
Industry observers noted that Okoya’s catalog will remain available on streaming services, and he has not ruled out occasional guest appearances or production work. However, he emphasized there will be no new solo albums, tours, or major promotional campaigns.
“This is not a pause. This is a permanent transition,” he said. “I want to thank every fan who streamed, danced, and supported the music. Your energy made it possible for me to dream bigger.”
Local business analysts welcomed the move, pointing to growing demand for modern warehouse space amid expanding e-commerce and manufacturing activity in the region. Construction site managers reported that the project has already created dozens of temporary jobs for welders, laborers, and machine operators.
Okoya’s management declined to disclose the exact investment figure but confirmed that the venture is being financed through a combination of personal savings, music royalties, and private partners. No government incentives or public funding are involved at this stage.
Fans reacted with a mix of surprise and support online, with many wishing the artist success in his new path. Music industry colleagues who spoke on condition of anonymity described the decision as bold but understandable given the challenges of sustaining a mid-tier career in a highly competitive market.
As earthmovers continue work at the site, Okoya is expected to remain largely out of the public eye in the coming months, focusing on overseeing the project and developing the business side of the operation. Further updates on the warehouse timeline and any future expansions will be shared through official channels, his team said.
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