Judikay | |
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| Birth name | Judith Kanayo |
| Born | 26 October 1994 Sango Otta, Ogun State, Nigeria |
| Origin | Delta State |
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| Instrument |
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| Years active | 2013–present |
| Labels | Intimacy Records |
| Spouse | Anselem Ikechukwu Opara |
| Website | www |
Judith Kanayo-Opara, (born 26 October 1994) better known by her stage name Judikay is a Nigerian gospel singer, [1] songwriter and worship leader. [2] [3] She gained popularity for her 2019 single "More than Gold". [4] She released her first single, "Nobody Else", in 2013 and released her debut album, Man of Galilee, in November 2019. [5]
Judikay was born in Sango Otta, Ogun State on 26 October, 1994 and is her parents' first child. She hails from Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State. [6] She obtained her secondary education from Dalos College, Ota, Ogun State, and has a Bachelor's Degree in Theatre Arts from the Redeemer’s University, Osun State. [7]
Judikay began her music journey as a chorister in her church, Christian Pentecostal Mission. Later on, she became a backup vocalist for Florocka. [8] In 2013, she released her first single titled "Nobody Else", marking her official appearance in the music scene. She gained popularity in 2019 when she released her second single “More than Gold”. [9] [10]
On 25, February 2019, she was signed to EeZee Conceptz, a Nigerian gospel record label. [11] That same year in November, she released her first debut album "Man of Galilee", comprising 14 tracks.
In June 2022, Judikay debuted her second album "From this Heart" comprising 12 tracks including "Mudiana", "Jesus is Coming" and "Your Grace". [12] [13] The album received a Boomplay Plaque after hitting 50 million streams on the global music network. [14] [15] "Capable God" also ranked No. 1 on Boomplay's 2021 Top 50 Gospel Songs. [16]
She was featured by gospel artist, Enkay Ogburuche in a song titled “Delight” in January 2023. [17] She has collaborated with other gospel artists including Emmanuel Iren, Mercy Chinwo, Enkay Ogboruche and others. [18]
| Year Released | Title | Details | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 2019 | Man of Galilee |
| [19] |
| June 2022 | From This Heart |
| [20] [21] |
Judikay married Ikechukwu Anselem Opara on 7 November 2020, in Lagos, Nigeria. [25] In March 2022, they announced the birth of their son. [26] [27] [28]
In November 2020, Judikay was mentioned on YNaija as one of the top 10 Gospel Artistes for October, 2020. [29]
| Year | Award | Category | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | AGMMA | Breakthrough Artiste of Excellence | Won | [30] [31] |
| 2020 | Maranatha Awards | Best Breakthrough Female Minister | Won | |
| Impact Gospel Awards | African Artist of the Year | Won | [32] | |
| 2021 | Maranatha Awards | Gospel Song of The Year | Nominated | |
| 2022 | Vine Awards | African Act of the Year | Nominated | [33] |