Johnny Drille

Last updated

Johnny Drille
Johnny Drille.jpg
Background information
Birth nameJohn Ighodaro
Also known asJohnny Drille
Born (1990-07-05) July 5, 1990 (age 34)
Edo, Nigeria
Genres
Occupations
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
  • Piano
Years active2012–present
Labels Mavin Records
SpouseRima Tahini

John Ighodaro (born July 5, 1990), professionally known as Johnny Drille, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He first came into the spotlight when he released a cover of "Awww" by Di'Ja. He is currently signed to Mavin Records. [1] [2] [3]

Contents

Early life and education

Johnny Drille was born and raised in Edo State, Nigeria. His father is a school principal and clergyman. He has four siblings. [4]

He started singing in his father's church at an early age. He attended the University of Benin, Benin City, where he studied English and Literature. [5] [6]

Career

Johnny Drille began his musical career in church. He was one of the contestants on the sixth season of Project Fame West Africa in 2013. [7] [8] In 2015, he released a cover of Di'Ja's "Awww", which caught the attention of Mavin's CEO Don Jazzy.

His debut single "Wait for Me" was released in 2015. It was nominated for Best Alternative Song at The Headies 2016. He teamed up with Niniola, a fellow season 6 contestant, to record "Start All Over" in 2016. [9]

In February 2017, he signed a record deal with Mavin Records. [10] [11]

On September 3, 2021, he released his debut album, a fourteen track project, [12] titled 'Before We Fall Asleep' featuring Nigerian artists Ayra Starr, Ladipoe, Lagos community choir, Don Jazzy, Chylde, Kwitte, Cilsoul and the classic afro R&B group, Styl-Plus under the label Mavin Records.

Personal life

Johnny is married to music executive Rima Tahini. [13] In November 2023, they announced the birth of their daughter Amaris Esohe Ighodaro. [14]

Discography

Album

List of studio albums with selected details
TitleAlbum detailsRef.
Before We Fall Asleep [15] [16]

EP

List of extended plays, with selected details and chart positions
TitleDetailsPeak chart positions
NG
[17]
Home [18] 12
Hard Guy Confessions (with Don Jazzy) [19]

Singles

Awards and nominations

YearEventPrizeRecipientResultRef
2016 The Headies Best Alternative Song"Wait for Me"Nominated [21]
2018 Best Vocal Performance (Male) "Romeo & Juliet"Nominated [22] [23]
Best R&B SingleNominated
Best Alternative SongNominated
Next Rated HimselfNominated
2019Best Alternative Song"Finding Efe"Won [24]
Best Vocal Performance (Male) Nominated

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References

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