Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk (born 31 October 1986), known professionally as Iyanya, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Calabar, he gained recognition after winning the first season of Project Fame West Africa.[2][3] Iyanya released his debut studio album, My Story, in October 2009. It was supported by the singles "No Time" and "Love Truly". He co-founded the record label Made Men Music Group with Ubi Franklin in 2011.
Iyanya's second studio album, Desire, which was released in February 2013, yielded the singles "Kukere", "Ur Waist", "Flavour", "Sexy Mama", and "Jombolo". Iyanya has won several awards, including Artist of the Year at The Headies 2013. In October 2016, he announced on Instagram that he signed a record deal with Mavin Records.[4] Prior to signing with Mavin, he inked a management deal with Temple Management Company.[5] Iyanya first announced his intentions to leave Made Men Music Group in July 2016.[6]
Early life and education
Iyanya was born on 31 October 1986, in Calabar, Cross River State.[7] His mother was a head mistress[8] and his father was a forester. Iyanya has described his mother as the household disciplinarian, while his father was the gentler of the two. His parents both died in 2008, and his older brother died around the same time.[7] Iyanya's grandfather was a clergyman where Iyanya sang in his church's choir and was the choir master for the children's choir at age five.[9]
Mbuk completed his primary, secondary, and university education in Calabar. He is a business management graduate from the University of Calabar.[10]
After graduating from the University of Calabar, he worked in a hotel and sang karaoke at a local bar he managed. Iyanya started as a rapper and went by the stage name Lofty. He also sang at Fiesta Fries Bar, Mirage Nite Club, and West-Life.[2] He was motivated to pursue music professionally after observing 2face Idibia and Olu Maintain.
In 2008, KCee convinced Iyanya to partake in the first season of Project Fame West Africa.[2] Iyanya emerged the winner of the competition after battling numerous people who had the same aspirations as him. After winning Project Fame West Africa, he began recording his debut album, My Story, which was released by the imprint CN Media.[11] The album showed Iyanya's versatility as an R&B artist, particularly on the tracks "Iyanya" and "Love Truly".[2]My Story was a commercial failure due to problems with distribution and promotion.[12]
On 16 October 2013, 360Nobs reported that Iyanya became an ambassador for Solo Phones Nigeria, a mobile phone company located at Computer Village, Ikeja. The one-year deal was reportedly worth $220,000 (35 million naira). In addition, Iyanya received a 2014 Toyota Prado from the deal.[19][20] In 2013, the Daily Independent newspaper reported that Iyanya also signed a one-year deal with Zinox Computers worth $300,000. The deal featured Iyanya on Zinox billboards and in TV commercials.[21][22]
In 2016, Iyanya announced his exit from Made Men Music Group, which he co-founded with Ubi Franklin, citing the desire to start his own label. Reports suggested internal disputes, though Franklin publicly supported his decision and denied any conflict. After leaving, Iyanya signed with Don Jazzy's Mavin Records, calling it a fresh start.[23] His first release under the label was "Up 2 Sumting" with Don Jazzy and Dr Sid, which came out on 31 October 2016 as the lead single and only bonus track from his first EPSignature (2017).[24]Pulse Nigeria's Princess Irede Abumere praised the song for being a strong comeback for Iyanya, describing it as "big boy music" and a shift in artistic direction for him.[25] "Up 2 Sumting" was nominated for Best Collabo at the 2017 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.[26]
On 25 November 2012, Iyanya performed at comedian AY Makun show held at the INDIGO2 arena.[28] To promote his second album in the UK, Iyanya headlined the Iyanya vs. Desire concert series, which were held in London and Manchester. The London gig was held at the INDIGO2 arena on 9 June 2013, and featured performances from Tonto Dikeh and Emma Nyra.[29] The Manchester concert commenced on 14 June 2013, and featured performances from Emma Nyra and DRB Lasgidi.[30] Iyanya and Nyra went on a mini tour across the US and Canada in early 2013. Iyanya performed at the Shrine in Chicago on 11 April 2013, and attended the launch of the African Muzik Magazine the next day.[31][32] Iyanya serenaded Grammy Award nominee Melanie Fiona at the LTB Jean store in Soho, New York, and performed at the world-renowned New York Fashion Week.[33][34]
Artistry
Iyanya started performing ballads, particularly on his debut album My Story. In an interview with Toolz on Ndani TV, he said he considers himself to be a versatile artist and wants to be known for his R&B and Afrobeats abilities. He also said he switched from R&B to Afrobeats because he wanted to make money and wanted fans to see his versatility.[35] Iyanya cited British singer Craig David and American singer R. Kelly as his key musical influences.[36]
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