Formerly known as Wande, the trailblazing artist now reintroduces herself to the world as Anike a bold, faith-driven voice redefining what it means to be a Christian woman in hip hop. In her captivating interview with Women of TmrO, Anike shares the heart behind her mission, her spiritual and professional evolution, and how she's building a legacy of purpose and power.
Who Is Anike?
Anike isn’t just a rapper. She’s a minister of encouragement, using music, mentorship, and ministry to uplift others. Whether it’s through launching a nonprofit, sharing her daily devotionals online, or showing up with high energy on stage, she sees her life as one big act of service.
“I want to be a light. I want to love people everywhere I go.” — Anike
Her Journey to Christian Rap
Anike’s faith journey began with curiosity. After deciding to get serious about God, she looked up Christian remixes online and stumbled upon artists like Lecrae. Though she didn’t discover her rap talent until later thanks to a biology class her path was already set in motion.
Born in Nigeria and raised in Texas, Anike grew up in a religiously mixed household: her mother was a Christian, her father Muslim. It wasn’t until her young adult years that she truly understood the transformative power of a relationship with God.
“God’s love gave me the peace and joy I couldn’t find anywhere else.”
Daily Practice, Faith, and Resilience
Anike starts each day in her “She Reads Truth” Bible, journals her thoughts, and prays throughout the day seeking God’s guidance moment by moment.
Early experiences of betrayal and loneliness taught her to lean on God first. Journaling and eventually connecting with supportive people, like her best friend Claudia and her all-female team, helped shape her into the resilient woman she is today.
“Prayer is more than asking—it's about constant communication with God.”
The Work Ethic Behind the Brand
Discipline is Anike’s love language to herself and to her craft.
Drawing inspiration from Beyoncé’s performance preparation and discipline, Anike is serious about executing excellence in every area of her life. She believes self-discipline is the highest form of self-love, and it shows in her rehearsals, performances, and brand direction.
“Work ethic reflects how much you respect yourself and other people’s time.”
Smart Career Moves and Silent Hustles
Anike’s story is proof that strategy and faith can co-exist. While pursuing a nursing aide license in high school to meet her Nigerian family’s expectations, she quietly documented dreams of being a rapper in her journal.
Eventually, she interned at Reach Records—then joined the label’s staff. Even when asked to scout other female artists while secretly nurturing her own rap dreams, she trusted that God would advocate on her behalf. Spoiler: He did.
Performance + Modesty + Power
On stage, Anike is electric. Off-stage, she’s calm and introverted. She acknowledges this duality as her “performance persona,” much like her idol Beyoncé.
While often criticized for not being "modest enough," Anike defines modesty as dressing for God and herself, not for judgmental standards. Her outfits change with the context—stage, Pilates, or public—but always stay true to her values.
“If it misaligns with Christianity, I don’t endorse it—simple.”
Built By Women, For Women
Anike’s entire core team is female—from management to choreography. What started with casual connections evolved into a tight-knit circle built on shared vision and spiritual alignment. She doesn’t see them as employees but as partners in purpose.
Stepping Into Acting
Last year, Anike stepped out of her comfort zone to act in Stanton, an independent film. The experience challenged her discipline and creative range, fueling her desire to explore more acting roles in the future.
What’s Next for Anike?
Anike is preparing to drop new music early next year, followed by a U.S. tour. The upcoming project is described as “sis SOS type stuff”— real, raw, emotional, and full of life lessons, with redemption at the core.
“It’s going to sound different for Christian music—like life, but with hope.”
Anike is more than a name change. It’s a full-circle evolution. A woman walking in purpose, leading with faith, and changing the game for Christian rap—on her own terms.
📺 Catch the full interview on YouTube:
