In celebration of the fifth anniversary of Valorant, Riot Games has launched a cinematic called “Why We Fight” and debuted Nigerian singer-songwriter Qing Madi’s new single, “EGO.” The cinematic explores Valorant‘s lore with inspiration from the First Light event, which triggered the development of Alpha Earth and set up the universe of the game.
Born Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma in Benin City, Nigeria, Qing Madi has quickly risen through the ranks of music with her innovative fusion of Afrobeats, pop, soul, and R&B. Her debut single “See Finish” in 2022 drew much attention, which was soon followed by the hit song “Ole” with Bnxn in 2023. Those songs opened the gates for her self-titled EP Qing Madi in November 2023, which revealed her strength and depth as an artist.
In January 2025, she dropped her debut studio album, I Am the Blueprint, a collection of 13 songs that reflected her growth as an individual and artist. Qing Madi defines her music as “Afrosupernatural,” with the goal to establish an intimate and euphoric space for listeners. Aside from her musical skills, she has had training in classical ballet, which she attributes to increasing her stage presence and self-discipline.
Meet Mary Ade: A New Valorant Character
“Why We Fight” also introduces Mary Ade, Phoenix’s sister. Mary is not a playable agent but provides context to the game’s storyline, especially regarding Phoenix’s history. David Nottingham, Valorant Creative Director, has said that Mary’s character and the song “EGO” reflect the bittersweet nature of the game’s 2025 celebration, commemorating the veteran players and dealing with the emotional struggle of agents like Phoenix.
Riot Games’ Musical Collaborations
Riot Games has experience making music a part of its gaming culture. Past collaborations have involved artists such as Zedd, Mark Tuan, and MILLI, with the outputs being special skins, champion themes, and event-based songs. These collaborations seek to elevate the gaming culture by combining interesting stories and various musical acts.