Johnel

Last updated
Johnel
Johnel NG Performing 'Wavy' live in 2024.jpg
Johnel NG Performing in 2024
Born
Nnamani Chimaobi John

(2006-04-11) 11 April 2006 (age 18)
Lagos, Nigeria
Nationality Nigerian
Other namesJohnel NG
Occupations
  • Singer
  • rapper
  • songwriter
  • record producer
Years active2020–present
Musical career
Origin Enugu, Nigeria
Genres
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • Beats
Labels

Nnamani Chimaobi John (born 11 April 2006), known professionally as Johnel, is a Nigerian singer, rapper, songwriter and record producer. [2] His music style has been described as being mainstream hip hop, R&B, afrobeats and pop music. [3] He is the CEO and founder of "Nnamani Music Group". [4] [5]

Contents

Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, John began his career as an independent artist in 2020 under the name Johnel NG. He began his early production career at his early teenage, creating beats primarily for upcoming local artists in the Lagos area. [6]

Early life

Johnel was born in Lagos, Nigeria. [7] He started pursuing his music career in 2020, while he attended high school in Lagos. [1] He is from Enugu state. [8]

Career

2020–2023: Career beginnings

In 2020, John started his career as an independent artist under the name Johnel NG. He began his early production career in his early teens, making beats mostly for emerging local artists. [9] In 2023, Johnel released three extended plays "Conversations with Myself", "Happy Story, Sad Reality" and "Painting Pictures" via ONErpm. [10] He collaborated with American rapper Daine Steele on a hip hop single "Mercy" following a release of the music video. [11] Johnel won the Emerging Rising Star at The Next Star Awards. He was also among the TNMA nominees. [12] In 2022, his afrobeat single "Kolo" reached number 5 on Anghami Afrobeat songs chart [13] which was also released through ONErpm. [14] People have described Johnel as a "jack of all trades".

2023–2024: Happy Story, Sad Reality and Galactic Theme

On November 10, 2023, Johnel released a gospel/inspirational solo extended play titled Happy Story, Sad Reality via ONErpm and Nnamani Music Group. It was produced by himself and features five songs which includes no collaboration. According to Johnel, the extended play was inspired by "a bridge between stories and reality, it’s an open up of what I have experienced and it is really inspiring and motivating to the listeners". [15] The compilation received favourable reviews from music critics. Ihesiulo Grace of Daily Times stated that "This latest musical offering showcases Johnel’s profound journey of self-discovery and personal growth throughout the project," also noting that "Johnel eloquently expresses the desire for more grace, acknowledging the repetition of rejection." Adding that "his unapologetic approach to self-discovery resonates with listeners, emphasizing the significance of leaving the past behind and embracing a future filled with positivity." [16] It was listed by Justin Sarachik in the Rapzilla's Christian daily rap fans pick. [17] This Day Newspaper called it "a masterclass in knowing oneself and operating with a sure-fire assurance." [15]

On April 26, 2024, Johnel released another solo extended play titled Galactic Theme still under ONErpm and Nnamani Music Group. Galactic Theme features seven songs with no collaborations and is inspired, in part, by pop music culture. Johnel used a vocal sample from Nigerian singer Elmah. The album cover of the extended play shows Johnel levitating in a galaxy-like environment to the sunny sky while others watch nearby. [18]

Upon release on April 26, 2024, Galactic Theme received positive reviews from music critics. From South Carolina, Sheen Magazine praised the EP calling it "a clear nod to genre conventions" while also noting that Johnel "feels those most-human of emotions: heartache, isolation, pressure to conform, but refuses to be shackled by them." [19] A review by Top 40 news from the New Music Weekly magazine lauded it as the theme is "channeling the concept of the long play title to perfection." Johnel also told New Music Weekly that Galactic Theme was inspired by Kid Cudi's Entergalactic album and television special. [20] This Day newspaper also called it a compilation that "portrays a futuristic, outer space outlook." [18] It was listed among Encomium's 100 Best African Compilations 2024. [21]

Early that year, on January 26, 2024, Johnel released an inspirational R&B single titled "Wake Up, It's Daylight" which was featured on This Day newspaper prints and Rapzilla's Christian daily rap fans pick. [22] [1] In February 2024, Johnel and his sibling Nnamani Grace Odi launched a music publishing label "Nnamani Music Group" to support independent artists and rights holders. [23]

Other ventures

Nnamani Music Group

Nnamani Music Group is a Nigerian independent record label founded by Johnel and his sibling, Nnamani Grace Odi in 2023. It is distributed by ONE Revolution People's Music. [24]

Based in Lagos, it was initially designed as a platform to support independent artists and rights holders globally. All rights of the works are retained by the artists themselves. In addition to the catalogued releases, Nnamani Music Group has assisted artists with digital music promotions and other released projects. The label was launched in 2024. [25] [26]

In April, 2024, the label released an extended play titled "Galactic Theme" by Johnel. This Day Newspaper called it a compilation that "portrays a futuristic, outer space outlook." [18] [19] The Lagos Review described the label as "A new era of opportunities for indie musicians and labels. [5]

Artistry

Influences

Johnel NG performing live in Lagos, 2024 Johnel NG Performing in 2024.jpg
Johnel NG performing live in Lagos, 2024

Johnel has stated that he “was captivated with the swag and how great I would feel while watching (them)”. Growing up and listening to artists like Drake, Wizkid and Lil Wayne influenced his decision to pursue his music career full time. [1]

Musical style

According to the South Carolina-based magazine, Sheen, Johnel tackles a variety of genres. His music style has been described as being mainstream hip hop, R&B, afrobeats and pop music with their distinctive features in each song he has released, including his "Galactic Theme" long play. Instruments such as Synth, Saxophone, Pianos, Samples and Dubstep are mostly used in his music. [19]

The Herald also stated that Johnel is "Melding urban influences with mostly soul and pop elements, his sonorous voice easily earmarked him as a force to reckon with within the annals of African music". [2]

Discography

EPs

List of EPs, with selected details
TitleDetails
Conversations with Myself [12]
  • Released: 5 January 2023
  • Label: ONErpm
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
Painting Pictures [27]
  • Released: 8 August 2023
  • Label: ONErpm
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
Happy Story, Sad Reality
  • Released: 10 November 2023
  • Label: ONErpm
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
Galactic Theme [20]
  • Released: 26 April 2024
  • Label: Nnamani Music Group
  • Format: Digital download, streaming

Awards and nominations

AwardCategoriesRecipientResultRef.
TNMA Best hip hop artistHimselfNominated [12]
The Next Star Awards Emerging Rising StarHimselfWon [28] [29]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Ekechukwu, Ferdinand (20 January 2024). "Johnel NG Teases Upcoming R&B-Influenced Song". This Day . Archived from the original on 20 January 2024. Retrieved 20 January 2024.
  2. 1 2 Nwaokolo, Nneamaka (9 July 2023). "Meet Johnel, Trap Music's Blooming Unicorn". The Herald . Archived from the original on 9 July 2023. Retrieved 9 July 2023.
  3. ↑ "Vanguards of the new wave: Five African teen artists to know". London Daily News . 17 July 2024. Archived from the original on 17 July 2024. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
  4. ↑ Esther, Oluoma (31 August 2024). "Independent Record Labels Driving Innovation in the Nigerian Music Landscape: A Look at Six Key Players". Atlanta Inquirer . Archived from the original on 3 September 2024. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
  5. 1 2 "Nnamani Music Group set to revolutionise African indie music scene". The Lagos Review . 14 March 2024. Archived from the original on 14 March 2024. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
  6. ↑ Adeniyi, Olawale (8 February 2022). "Meet Fast Rising Nigerian Artist 'Johnel NG'". Naija News . Archived from the original on 8 May 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  7. ↑ "Johnel NG Nigerian rapper Biography". Nigerian Tribune . 24 April 2022. Archived from the original on 29 April 2022. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
  8. ↑ Winner, Justice (6 October 2023). "Johnel NG Biography, Age, Nigerian Rapper, New Single, Net Worth". NewsOnline . Archived from the original on 6 October 2023. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
  9. ↑ "The World of Johnel NG". This Day . 28 May 2022. Archived from the original on 28 May 2022. Retrieved 26 July 2024.
  10. ↑ Ogunsemore, John (10 August 2023). "Johnel NG Releases Painting Pictures Extended Play". The Herald . Archived from the original on 10 August 2023. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
  11. ↑ Adedayo, Ademola (27 December 2023). "Johnel NG Welcomes Daine Steele Into His Lenient World On Latest Single, "Mercy"". Culture Custodian. Archived from the original on 27 December 2023. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  12. 1 2 3 Reporter, Reporter (May 19, 2023). "Johnel NG Opens a New Chapter with Conversations with Myself EP". City People Magazine . Archived from the original on 19 May 2023. Retrieved May 18, 2023.
  13. ↑ Hassan, Muaz (1 November 2022). "Johnel NG releases Kolo to lighten up fans mood". The Eagle. Archived from the original on 1 November 2022. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
  14. ↑ Pulse, Miix (11 November 2022). "Johnel NG drops new single Kolo". Pulse Nigeria. Archived from the original on 13 November 2022. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
  15. 1 2 "Johnel NG Releases Captivating EP "Happy Story, Sad Reality"". This Day . 5 November 2023. Archived from the original on 9 November 2023. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  16. ↑ Ihesiulo, Grace (10 November 2023). "Johnel NG shares wildly anticipated EP 'Happy Story, sad reality'". Daily Times . Archived from the original on 10 November 2023. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  17. ↑ Sarachik, Justin (29 November 2023). "Christian Rap Submission Picks of the Day". Rapzilla . Archived from the original on 2 December 2023. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
  18. 1 2 3 Ekechukwu, Ferdinand (27 April 2024). "Johnel Soars into Space with New 'Galactic Theme' Album". This Day . Archived from the original on 27 April 2024. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
  19. 1 2 3 "Johnel Is Touring The Universe With New 'Galactic Theme' EP". Sheen Magazine . 10 May 2024. Archived from the original on 12 May 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  20. 1 2 "Johnel NG Announce New Long Play 'Galactic Theme,' Inspired By A Futuristic Life Outlook". New Music Weekly . 5 April 2024. Archived from the original on 6 April 2024. Retrieved 7 April 2024.
  21. ↑ "The 100 Best African Compilations of 2024 (So Far)". Encomium Magazine . 28 August 2024. Archived from the original on 28 August 2024. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  22. ↑ Sarachik, Justin (30 January 2024). "Christian Rap Submission Picks of the Day". Rapzilla . Archived from the original on 26 July 2024. Retrieved 26 July 2024.
  23. ↑ "Nnamani Music Group: A Look at Label's Innovative". This Day . 13 April 2024. Archived from the original on 13 April 2024. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
  24. ↑ Encomium, William (5 May 2024). "Music Industry Veteran Johnel Launches Nnamani Music Group". Encomium Magazine . Archived from the original on 5 May 2024. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
  25. ↑ Ukonu, Ivory (1 June 2024). "Music Executive Johnel Launches Record Label, Publishing Company". The Will Newspaper . Archived from the original on 1 June 2024. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  26. ↑ Salau, Seyi (28 July 2024). "Nnamani Music Group launches platform to support independent rights holders". Business Day . Archived from the original on 28 July 2024. Retrieved 28 July 2024.
  27. ↑ Ekechukwu, Ferdinand (2 September 2023). "Singer, Songwriter Johnel Releases 'Painting Pictures'". This Day . Archived from the original on 2 September 2023. Retrieved 2 September 2023.
  28. ↑ "Past Winners". The Next Star . Archived from the original on 17 December 2023. Retrieved 17 December 2023.
  29. ↑ "The Next Star Award 11th Edition: Winners Emerge". Mena Report . 8 August 2023. Archived from the original on 23 August 2023. Retrieved 4 January 2023.
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