What has made Iyanya so famous? The Nigerian songwriter, singer, and performer rose to popularity after winning the MTN Project Fame West Africa in 2008. He is well-known for his song Kukere. Some of the genres that he performs are Afropop and R&B.
After winning the MTN Project Fame, he released his debut album titled My Story in 2011. He also released the singles No Time and Love Truly to support his first album. His second album had singles such as Kukere, Ur Waist, Sexy Mama, Jombolo, and Flavour. After this album, he won the Artist of the Year Award at The Headies in 2013.
Biography
| Birth Name | Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 31, 1986 |
| Age | 34 years (as of 2020) |
| Place of Birth | Palm Street, Cross River State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Net Worth | $5 million |
Early Life
The celebrated musician was born on Palm Street, Cross River State, Nigeria. His father worked as a forester while his mother was a headmistress. His mother was the household disciplinarian while his father was cool and gentle. They had two sons, Iyanya and his elder brother.
Unfortunately, his parents passed away in 2008 - his mother died at the age of 42 years while his father was 50 years old at the time of his passing. The musician’s brother also passed away almost the same period that their parents died.
His grandfather was a clergyman in a local church that the musician attended while young. At the age of five, he would sing in the church choir and became the children’s choirmaster. He was very passionate about singing.
After attaining his First School Leaving Certificate and the West African School Certificate, he enrolled in the University of Calabar in Cross River State, from where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management before venturing into music in 2008.
Career Highlights
The celebrity started working in a hotel and managed to sing Karaoke at a local bar where he was the manager. He began developing and perfecting his vocals at local bars such as Mirage Nite Club, West-Life, and Fiesta Fries Bar. His musical influences at the time were R. Kelly, an American hip hop artist, and Craig David, a British singer.
He got motivated to be a professional musician after admiring Olu Maintain and 2 Face Idibia's lifestyles. When he started rapping, he used the name Lofty. KCee from KC Presh convinced Iyanya to participate in the 2008 Project Fame West Africa. Fortunately, he won, and his success journey began blossoming.
After this win, he recorded his debut album, My Story, which was released by CN Media Imprint. Later, after visiting Calabar and seeing how people loved the Etighi dance, he decided to write a song that would popularize the dance. He collaborated with DTunes, a producer, and recorded Kukere, a single that was well-received globally.
Discography
Albums
- My Story – 2009
- Desire – 2013
- Applaudise – 2015
- The Evolution – 2014
Notable Singles
- Love Truly – 2009
- No Time (featuring Faze) – 2009
- Kukere – 2011
- Ur Waist (featuring Emma Nyra) – 2012
- Sexy Mama (featuring Wizkid) – 2013
Later, he released another single, Ur Waist, which features vocals from Emma Nyra. The singer has performed at various shows, including the AY comedy show in London (2012) and at the African Muzik Magazine launch in Dallas, Texas, on April 12, 2013.
Awards and Recognition
His scintillating talent has taken him everywhere, earning him continental recognition and awards. Some of the awards and nominations that he has on his shelf of awards include:
- City People Entertainment Awards (Musician of the Year-Male) - Nominee
- African Muzik Magazine Awards (Best Male West Africa) - Nominee
- Five Headies Awards (won the Artist of the Year and was nominated as the Best R&B/Pop Album and Album of the Year 2013)
- Nigerian Entertainment Awards (won for the Hottest Single of the Year for Kukere)
Current Status and Future Projects
The Nigerian Kukere hitmaker has managed to earn a fortune from his career in the music industry. As of 2020, his net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. Apart from his singing career, he is also a brand ambassador for several companies in Nigeria.
Iyanya's latest song, Fever, was released on March 27, 2020. He continues to inspire many upcoming artists globally with his music and success story.
Conclusion
Iyanya is a prominent figure in the Nigerian music scene, known for his unique sound and captivating performances. His journey from humble beginnings to fame serves as an inspiration to many. With a bright future ahead, he remains a significant influence in the music industry.
Source: Legit.ng
