Felix Lebarty | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Lover Boy |
| Born | Edo State, Nigeria |
| Occupations | Singer, musician, pastor |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, guitar |
| Labels | Tabansi, EMI Nigeria |
Felix Lebarty, also known as Lover Boy, is a Nigerian singer/songwriter and record producer, best known for the 1989 single "Ifeoma" from the One Life To Live album. He has since reinvented himself as a pastor, and currently runs his own Christian ministry. [1] [2] [3] [4]
Lebarty initially gained music experience with his older brother, highlife musician Aigbe Lebarty, [5] performing as guitarist with the band Aigbe Lebarty & the Sex Bombers, and on Kris Okotie's album before embarking on his own solo career. His first release was the album Girls For Sale, but achieved his breakthrough with 1982's Lover Boy, with the title track becoming his showbiz moniker. Lebarty's music was well-received in Eastern Nigeria, particularly within the Igbo community, and some of his songs were odes to Igbo women, including "Ego", "Chi-Chi", "Ada", "Uchenna", Ngozi, [6] and "Nneka".
In 1989, a decade into his career as a recording artiste, Lebarty released the album One Life to Live which featured what would become his signature song, "Ifeoma". It would later be heard during the nightclub scene in the 2021 film Swallow despite the 1985 setting, as One Life to Live was released four years later. Following the release of his final album as a secular artist, 1992's 419, Lebarty relocated to the United States where he established a taxi firm, returning to Nigeria five years later. [7] [8]
Born into an African traditionalist family, Lebarty converted to Islam at the height of his fame but became a Christian in the late 90s. With the support of fellow 80s singer-turned-preacher Chris Okotie, [8] Lebarty attended bible school in America and is now the pastor of his own ministry. [4] [9]
Lebarty, whose father died when he was 3, is the father of 19 children by seven different women. [10] [11] [2] He is now legally married to Rosemary, the mother of his first four children including fashion designer/singer Ivie [7] - the couple initially split following Lebarty's numerous affairs with other women, but reunited after he discovered Christianity. Lebarty has since expressed regret over his former lifestyle, and now preaches against polygamy and secular music. [12]