12 Nigerian Musicians Who Started Their Music Career From The Choir

There has always been a connection between gospel and secular music and some of the most popular Nigerian artists started from the church choir before making a name for themselves in secular music.

 12 Nigerian musicians who made it in mainstream music after leaving the church.

1. Simi

Simisola started singing and dancing in her early teens as a member of both the teen church choir (at Daystar Christian Centre, Lagos NG) and few years back, she decided to go secular and has since been making waves in the music industry.

2. Waje

The gifted singer began singing gospel tunes at the Word of Faith Church, Benin. Once she reportedly sang gospel tunes to the delight of the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa of Church of God misson Int. As an undergraduate at University of Nigeria Nsukka, Waje focused on her musical works such as school concerts and fellowships. Her major break came in 2008, when she featured in the P-Square hit track titled “Do Me.”

3. J Martins

J Martins caught the music bug from his mother who was a choir mistress. He was in the church choir and even produced for some gospel singers. During his undergraduate days at Institute of Management Technology, Enugu, the music act was involved in production and had a production company named Glorious Praise. Since he launched into the secular industry, he has had major collaborations with artistes like PSquare, Timaya, Waje and Youssou N’dour.

4. Omawumi

Omawumi had been known to be a playful, energetic, intelligent and an extremely talented child while growing up. She was a lead vocalist in the children’s choir of Foursquare Gospel Church in Warri at the age of 8.

5. Chidinma

Kedike Crooner, Chidinma Ekile was a chorister at the Foursquare Gospel Church prior to winning Project Fame West Africa in 2010.

6. Wande Coal

The hip hop act began singing in the teenage choir in church alongside his friend, Chuddy K. Both singers were in a boy band called Salvation Boiz. Wande got his break in the Nigerian entertainment industry as a dancer. He continued improving on his vocal skills and got signed to Don Jazzy’s Mo’ Hits Records in 2006 which he self years later.

7. Wizkid

The Starboy began singing at the age of 11 in church with the stage name ‘Lil Prinz’ before rebranding to ‘Wizkid’ in 2006; and ever since, he has been able to make a name for himself in the industry. He got his major break into the music industry in 2010 with the hit singles ‘Holla At Your Boy,’ ‘Tease Me,’ and ‘Don’t Dull’ and has grown to international level.

8. Timaya

The Bayelsa singer began from the church, before becoming a backup singer for Eedris Abdulkareem for three years before exploring my music career. Timaya’s solo career began in 2006 with the release of “Dem Mama”, which was met with rave reviews and also appeared on his debut album, True Story released the following year. His second album Gift and Grace was released in 2008. He currently has 3 albums and has won several music awards.

9. PSquare

The mother of the music duo, Josephine Okoye, was a pastor in her own church Friends Of Jesus Catholic Prayer Ministry; when she started her ministry, Paul and Peter were her choristers. She also wanted Paul to be pastor and Peter a lawyer. In 2001, they participated in a talent hunt show at the University of Abuja with their debut track ‘Kolo’, they emerged winners and went on to pursue their music career.

10. Iyanya

The music star used to sing in his children’s choir in church and became the choirmaster at age 5. He got his major music break after winning the MTN Project Fame Competition in 2008 and went on to release hits like ‘Kukere’ and ‘Your waist’.

11. Banky W

Wellington was born in the United States to Nigerian parents, but the family moved back to Lagos when he was five years old where he began singing in his church choir at the age of 8.

12. Dare Art Alade

Dare Art Alade popular called Darey was born into a family of performers like his father. He joined the band wagon at 8, and even led the choir in school.
He was also a member of the choir of the Cathedral Church of Christ and took lessons at the Musical Society of Nigeria.

How Ali Nuhu Convinced Rahama Sadau To Publicly Apologize Over Kannywood Ban

Multiple award winning Kannywood/Nollywood actor Ali Nuhu has been the man behind recent apology by controversial Kannywood actress Rahama Sadau to Kano state Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and the Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II over the events that led to her expulsion from the Hausa movie industry last year.

It could be recalled that Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MOPPAN) took the decision to expel the actress following her indecent appearance in a musical video along side Jos based musician ClassiQ.

Ali Nuhu who spoke to Daily Trust on phone while on transit out of the country stated that the actress decided to apologise after she realised her mistakes adding that it is human to err.

“As elders in the Industry, it is our responsibility to guide the younger ones that was why I was so instrumental in her apology.

“In life it is good for one to make amends and apologies when he or she goes wrong. Rahama had taken a bold step in tendering her apology as she promised never to repeat same again. She had also officially written an apology letter to MOPPAN which I believe officials of MOPPAN are currently deliberating upon” said Ali Nuhu.

The actress apologised in a radio Hausa programme, “Ku Karkade Kunnuwan Ku” on a popular FM station in Kano; in which she vowed that “such will never happen again.”

Her words:

“I wish to explain myself over what happened in the past which angered many people and caused such a storm. So, I wish to apologise over what happened. My silence at that time was only due to the fact that I did not want to talk because everybody was so incensed, especially the leaders. As such, I am now apologising to all and sundry, including my colleagues; His Royal Highness the Emir of Kano, His Excellency the Governor of Kano state, and anyone affected; I am so sorry. God’s willing, such will never happen again. Similarly, I wish to appreciate the support of my fans and everyone else.”

On the question whether she has now resumed fully in Kannywood, she reportedly said, “God’s willing.”

What Larry Holmes Told Anthony Joshua To Do To Become A Heavyweight Legend Is Amusing

67-year-old heavyweight boxing legend, Larry Holmes, who won two world heavyweight titles during a memorable career which began in 1973 and ended in 2002, said for Anthony Joshua to be a heavyweight legend, he needs regular sex.

Holmes who became the only man in history to stop Muhammad Ali on an infamous night in Las Vegas in 1980, and also defeated the likes of Ken Norton and Earnie Shavers, said;

“If I had to give him one piece of advice it would be this – get laid a week before each fight,” said Holmes. “You need to relax. It restores your energy and everything. You know they say you’re not allowed to do that when you’re fighting.

“I listened to that for a while but then found out it was all a lie and you’re missing the good stuff man. He’s a heavyweight, he’s got to get that sh** out of him. But he doesn’t want to do it everyday or nothing because that might drain him!”

Watch This Sneak Peek Of A Typical Day In The Life Of Banky W

Nigerian singer, rapper and actor Banky W has released a video showing a sneak peek into his life in something more like a Diary.

In the video, which shows the events of the 1st of October, has Banky going for a Samsung promo appearance in a mall.

The singer then heads to Hard Rock Café for a sound check with the Alternate Sounds band before a live performance at the same venue that evening.

The evening ends with Banky singing a duet with his fiance, Adesua Etomi which went viral when short clips hit the internet.

Watch the video below:

Watch Mr Eazi Receive Brand New Car For Headies 2016 “Next Rated” Win

At the 2016 Headies award show Mr Eazi took home the Next Rated award, nominated alongside Humblesmith, Ycee, and Aramide.

The Ghana based Nigerian star is unarguable one of the biggest thing to happen in the music scene this year.

The Starboy Act who is currently bubbling in the Nigerian Music scene won the award beating Ycee, Humble Smith, Aramide and Tecno who was disqualified hours to the award.

The Headies Award for Next Rated is an award presented at The Headies, a ceremony that was established in 2006 and originally called the Hip Hop World Awards. It was first presented at the 3rd Annual The Headies Awards. In addition to receiving an award, recipients of the Next Rated honor are given a vehicle at a later date.

10 months after his win, Mr Eazi has received his car.

Here’s the video:

Why Jim Iyke And Rita Dominic Did Not Eventually Get Married

Nollywood stars, Jim Iyke and Rita Dominic were once a couple and in a new interview with Broadway TV, Jim Iyke opened up on why their relationship didn’t lead to marriage.

He said:

Rita and I met when I was just beginning to embrace fame ,the comforts that came with it.The laurels and the distraction,even the destruction. And Rita is not the kind of woman that hangs around a groth. We were very deep with eachother.We still are great friends. As a matter of fact, it may surprise you thar we haven’t spoken to each other in over two years. But when we meet,we are cordial ,respectful .
There is that deep rooted thing of a man or woman you shared something with .
I don’t think Rita at that time was looking at longevity, truthfully .Don’t forget, I was the kid with the crazy afro,ready to start a fight.
My life was around having a good time and as many conquests as possible .So, who wants that kind of guy? So this question is futuristic in a sense .Fastforward peharps 10 years from now ,that question may have had dept or hold water .

Attributing one of the reaons the relationship crashed to his wild behaviour and bad boy antics back then,he continued

But then,what was there to hold on to? I mean,seriously ? I was partying like a crazy person. She tried to show me another life and say listen ‘there is so much more to you ” I promise you that Rita will not hang around with a lay about. I was uncontrollable. I think we have outgrown each other now .I would not see Rita as someone I want to get involved with because so much layers of growth and evolvement have gone on in her life and so is mine . Same place the same place and situation now, it may have worked .

Hollywood Actor Robert Guillaume Dies At 89

Veteran actor Robert Guillaume, best known for his title role in the TV series “Benson,” died Tuesday at his home in Los Angeles at the age of 89 after he had battled prostate cancer in recent years.

His wife, Donna Guillaume said, ‘he kinda went the way everyone wishes they could, surrounded by love and in his sleep”.

She added that her husband really loved making music, entertaining and making people laugh. He treasured his role as Rafiki in Disney’s 1994 animated film “The Lion King,” she said.

Guillaume is survived by four children, all of whom had spent time visiting with their father in his final weeks.

Actor Tunde Owokoniran And Wife Welcome Baby Girl

Nollywood actor, Tunde Owokoniran and his beautiful wife welcomed a baby girl in the United States yesterday. The excited actor who shared the news on Instagram, backed it up with a verse from the Holy Qur’an.

The new dad who was obviously excited wrote on social media:

@Regrann from @tundeowokoniran – Alhamdulillah 🙏🏻………Then We (ALLÂH)…made the sperm-drop into a clinging clot, and We made the clot into a lump [of flesh], and We made [from] the lump, bones, and We covered the bones with flesh; then We developed her into another creation………Qur’an 23:14🙏🏻 – #regrann

Here is the photo the excited father shared on Instagram :

Jidenna Arrives Nigeria In Style

Singer Jidenna has arrived Nigeria to headline the Heineken Live Your Music shows. The Nigerian-American singer who arrived Nigeria on 24th October, was surrounded by heavy security at the airport.

International premium beer brand, Heineken, announced Nigerian-American artiste, Jidenna, as host for the 2017 ‘Live Your Music’ parties, to hold in Abuja and Lagos on October 27 and 28 respectively.

‘Heineken Live Your Music’, a global Heineken music platform built on the collective passion of consumers for experiencing music was a memorable experience last year, hosted by T-Pain and top Nigerian Hype man, Do2dtun.

The Heineken Live Your Music is scheduled to hold in Abuja on October 27, at Transcorp Hilton Hotel and in Lagos on October 28 at Eko Atlantic, Victoria Island. The Lagos party will also serve as the official after party of the Lagos Fashion and design week also sponsored by Heineken.

Here are photos below;

Yomi Casual And Wife Enjoy Exotic Honeymoon In Dubai

Just a few days after #TheCasuals17,  newlyweds Yomi Casual and Grace set off to Dubai for their honeymoon.

The designer who recently married girlfriend has been posting so many photos of his honeymoon on his Instagram handle.

His brother, AY Makun and family are also on a family vacation in Dubai and have been sharing photos too.

Here are the photos he shared:

Tonto Dikeh Threatens Lawsuit After ‘Edited Video’ Of Fight With Ex-Husband Goes Viral

Tonto Dikeh has threatened to take legal action against any journalist and/or blogger who proceeds to post a video of her being violent on her husband without requesting for the full version.

The Nollywood actress made this known in a press release signed by her lawyers from Festus Keyamo Chambers, Tonto said that her ex husbamd Olakunle Churchill is preparing to release a “short and edited video” which shows her engaging in domestic violence against him.

A 15-second video which is being circulated shows the actress hitting her ex-hubby, Churchill but the Actress’ Lawyer, Festus Keyamo has released a statement saying the video is edited and blogger who intends to share must demand for full video as the part Churchill initiated the attack was edited.

She said that whatever is seen in the video was a reaction and that Churchill was first violent to her the said day.

She posted a copy of the letter on her Instagram page.

See below:

Tekno And Falz Hang Out With Lagos State Governor, Ambode

Nigerian pop-star, Tekno, and his rapping counterpart, Falz, were spotted with Lagos state governor, Akinwummi Ambode at an event over the weekend.

The music super stars who happen to be one of the top in the Nigerian music industry were obviously having a nice time with the Governor and took to social media to share the photos.

In their captions when they dropped the photo on Instagram, Falz asked his fans to ‘Caption the photo’ while Tekno simply wrote ‘Me and baba’.

One can not help but wonder the kind of joke that will make the Governor of Lagos state to laugh this hard.

Here is another photo:

Cristiano Ronaldo Is Way Up As He Wins 2017 FIFA Best Player Of The Year

Portugal and Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed the Best FIFA Men’s Player award for the second year in a row after another stellar year with both club and country.

The ceremony which was held in London, England was hosted by actor Idris Elba.

Ronaldo led his Real Madrid team to glory on the domestic scene as well as breaking records with the team by winning the UEFA Champions League for the second year in a row.

He took the award amid competition from Barcelona maverick Lionel Messi and PSG forward Neymar. He said on winning the award:

Thank you for voting for me. I want to mention Leo (Messi) and Neymar to be here. I want to thank Real Madrid for their support all year. We are in England for the first time, and I win it for the second consecutive time. This is a great moment for me. Thank you to all my fans all over the world. I appreciate that. I’m so happy, thank you very much and have a good night!

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane also took home the award for Best FIFA Men’s Coach having also won the Best FIFA Men’s Player in the past.

Gianluigi Buffon won the Best FIFA Goalkeeper award, Dutch Women’s player Lieken Martens won the Best FIFA Women’s Player while French forward Olivier Giroud‘s scorpion kick for Arsenal won the Puskas Award for best goal.

Here’s another photo below:

IK Ogbonna Defines Cheating And People Can’t Stop Talking About It

Married actor, IK Ogbonna says a married man who sleeps with another woman without being emotionally attached isn’t cheating.

IK Ogbonna is of the opinion that casual sex isn’t what cheating is all about. According to him, he believes that getting attached to the person, devoting time to the person is what cheating is.

He said;

“Cheating is not even having sex with a woman, that is one mistake people make. Cheating is when you find yourself developing feelings for someone. Let me explain, if a man finds himself in a situation where he sleeps with a woman for 30minutes and after that it’s done and dusted that’s breaking marital vows not cheating and then you move on with life.”

He further stated that he doesn’t think he can forgive infidelity.

Here’s what people are saying:

Watch the video below:

DJ Khaled’s Throws Son The Most Elaborate First Birthday Party Ever

In celebration of Ashad Khaled’s first birthday, DJ Khaled & his fiancee, Nicole Tuck threw their adorable baby boy a lavish birthday party.

The hardest working baby in the game finally turned one and as expected, Asahd’s celebrity dad, DJ Khaled threw a star-studded birthday celebration for him.

Asahd’s one year jungle themed party went down at LIV at Fountainebleu Miami Beach, Miami’s number one club.

The icing on the cake of the over the top celebration was the host of the event, Sean Diddy Combs!

Ashad made his music debut two months after being born. Since then, he’s helped his father overcome his fear of flying and was named executive producer of his dad’s chart-topping album, “Grateful”.

Here are the photos: