Johnel | |
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![]() Johnel NG Performing in 2024 | |
Born | Nnamani Chimaobi John 11 April 2006 Lagos, Nigeria |
Nationality | Nigerian |
Other names | Johnel NG |
Occupations |
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Years active | 2020–present |
Musical career | |
Origin | Enugu, Nigeria |
Genres | |
Instrument(s) |
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Labels | |
Nnamani Chimaobi John [2] (born 11 April 2006), known professionally as Johnel, is a Nigerian singer, rapper, songwriter and record producer. [3] [4] He gained popularity following the release of his solo extended play, "Galactic Theme" in 2024. His music style has been described as being mainstream hip hop, R&B, afrobeats and pop music. [5] He is the CEO and founder of "Nnamani Music Group". [6] [7]
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. [8] He started receiving credits when he produced all 7 tracks on "Galactic Theme".
Johnel was born in Lagos, Nigeria. [9] He started pursuing his music career in 2020, while he attended high school in Lagos. [1] He is from Enugu state. [10]
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. [11] In 2023, Johnel released three extended plays "Conversations with Myself", "Happy Story, Sad Reality" and "Painting Pictures" via ONErpm. [12] He collaborated with American rapper Daine Steele on a hip hop single "Mercy" following a release of the music video. [13] Johnel won the Emerging Rising Star at The Next Star Awards. [2] He was also among the TNMA nominees. [14] In 2022, his afrobeat single "Kolo" reached number 5 on Anghami Afrobeat songs chart [15] which was also released through ONErpm. [16] People have described Johnel as a "jack of all trades".
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". [17] 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." [18] It was listed by Justin Sarachik in the Rapzilla's Christian daily rap fans pick. [19] This Day Newspaper called it "a masterclass in knowing oneself and operating with a sure-fire assurance." [17]
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. [20]
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." [21] 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. [22] This Day newspaper also called it a compilation that "portrays a futuristic, outer space outlook." [20]
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. [23] [4] [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. [24] [25]
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. [26]
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. [27]
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." [20] [21] The Lagos Review described the label as "A new era of opportunities for indie musicians and labels. [6]
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]
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. [21]
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". [3]
Title | Details |
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Conversations with Myself [14] |
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Painting Pictures [28] |
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Happy Story, Sad Reality |
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Galactic Theme [22] |
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Award | Categories | Recipient | Result | Ref. |
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TNMA | Best hip hop artist | Himself | Nominated | [14] |
The Next Star Awards | Emerging Rising Star | Himself | Won | [29] [2] [30] |
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