Oyenike Laoye, known professionally as Nikki Laoye, is a Nigerian recording artist, singer, humanitarian, songwriter, dancer and occasional actress, renowned for her musical expressions and stage performances.[1] As a recording artist, Laoye's music has earned her several awards including The Headies Award in 2013 for Best Female Vocal Performance[2] and the All African Music Awards (AFRIMA) in 2014 for Best Female Artiste in African Inspirational Music.[3][4] She is also well known for the 2006 hit song Never felt this Way before, the 2013 dance single "1-2-3", the soulful ballad "Only You", which she remixed in 2016 featuring Seyi Shay and the love song Onyeuwaoma featuring Banky W.[5]
Her musical style is an urban contemporary sound with the fusion of alternative rock, R&B, hip hop, pop, soul, funk, jazz and Gospel.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Laoye hails from the musical lineage of the talking drum legend – Late Oba Adetoyese Laoye (from Ede, Osun State-Nigeria),[8] The singer, fondly called, the small one with the big voice, rose to fame in 2006 with the hit single, "Never Felt This Way Before" from her debut studio album, Angel 4 Life (2008),[9] which also featured other notable singles, including the Hip-Hop collaboration with Rooftop Mcs and her brother, Rap2Sai – "Taka Sufe"; the love ballad "Someone to Love" with R&B crooner Jeremiah Gyang[10] amongst others.
Early life
Laoye was born in Lagos, Nigeria; the only daughter to Prince Olushola Isaac Laoye & Olori Christiana Yetunde Laoye. Laoye bears traces of a mixed heritage as her father, Olushola is of European (Dutch), Ghanaian and Nigerian ancestry. She is sister to three brothers:[11] Femi, Bola and Ade, who is also known as Xblaze, a budding young music producer/Hip Hop artist[12] in Lagos, Nigeria. She enrolled in choirs and dance classes at the age of five.
In 1998, Laoye joined the youth band of Ikoyi Baptist Church and was introduced formally to contemporary gospel by friend and music director, Reginald Bassey and served as a soloist/lead vocalist for a couple of years. (Laoye later joined House on the Rock Church and was a lead vocalist for the choirs in Ibadan and Lagos for over 10 years.[13])
In 2000, a chance meeting along the hallways of St. Anne's hall, a private female hostel, at the University of Ibadan brought about the creation of the female girl group, Soul Sistas, composed of Laoye, Debola Kester and Aboyowa Tene.[14] The girls met during an evening of music, fun and games in their dorm room and struck a chord literally. They started performing together, simply for the love of it and finally took up the name "Soul Sistas" after singing at a campus fellowship and the Pastor, Dele Osunmakinde (now Pastor of The Baptizing Church, Lagos) remarked cheerfully "these ladies sing to your soul". In 2003, The girls were joined briefly by another female singer, Funmi Ojo, but returned to a trio within the same year.
Together for five years, Soul Sistas were the only female a cappella group at the University and were renowned for their soulful harmonies including their rendition of the classic a cappella song "Your Love is Better than Life". In 2005,The girls went their separate ways after graduating from the University with Laoye pursuing a solo career and Debola and Aboyowa took up regular jobs. In 2007, the trio returned to record a remix for their hit,[13] "Baba L'oke" for Laoye's debut album, Angel 4 Life. In 2010, Debola contested in the Nigerian music reality show, Project Fame Season 3[15] and was one of the final 10 contestants alongside Ochuko, Yetunde Omo'badan, Chidinma Ekile (winner).
Education
Laoye started off her education at Grace Children School,[11] Gbagada, Lagos. Soon enough, she was singled out by her music teacher, who noticed her music abilities at such a tender age and personally offered her free piano lessons at the end of each school day. Laoye's musical talent was further enhanced during her high school years at Federal Government Girl's College, Sagamu[11] (from where she graduated in 1998) and at the University of Ibadan respectively as she performed with the school choirs and joined up with music and dance groups including Exousia, Soul Alliance and the girl group trio, Soul Sistas.[16]
Career
Laoye began her career as a solo artist in 2006, with the release of her first single, "Never Felt this way Before",[16] produced by Nigerian music producer Cobhams. The single enjoyed airplay on mainstream radio stations in Nigeria and gained wide acceptance across the country, thus making Laoye one of the few contemporary Christian artists in the Nigerian music industry with mainstream appeal. The release of her HipHop collaboration single, "Taka Sufe" featuring Rooftop Mcs and Rap2Sai further endeared her to Nigerian youths and provided a platform of expression for her brother, Xblaze who produced the track. (Xblaze Ade Laoye produced most of the songs on Laoye's debut album as well as her 2013 dance single, "1-2-3". He was a principal producer for the West African Edition of X-Factor, held in Lagos, Nigeria).
Nikki Laoye with Cece Winans at the Experience 2009 press conference in Lagos, Nigeria
In 2008, Laoye followed up with the release of her debut album Angel 4 Life— a collection of contemporary sounds and a lineup of top Nigerian artists including Rooftop Mcs, Blaise, Jeremiah Gyang and many more. The singer soon gained notoriety as her singles gradually rose to the number one spot on the Nigerian Chart Show for weeks; and she was a main feature on the MTV Base Rockumentary show- Advance Warning. In 2009, Laoye performed[17] alongside American international gospel artists Kirk Franklin, Cece Winans and Donnie McClurkin to an audience of 500,000 at The 2009 Experience Concert in Lagos, Nigeria. Laoye also played a theatrical role in the Nigerian-Broadway stage play musical, OLURONBI in October 2009[18] and was one of the five female artists[19] on the 2009 Tetmosol Girl Power Tour, which was a nationwide tour across various states of Nigeria.
The release of the single "Never Felt This Way Before" brought a fresh urban Christian contemporary sound to the Nigerian music industry. This seven-time award nominated song, (2009 Hip Hop World Awards- Best Vocal Performance (Female) and HipHop World Revelation (Best New Artist);[20]Kora Awards-Best Spiritual Artist and Best Arrangement; 2009 City People Entertainment Awards-Musician of the Year (Female); the 2009 Nigerian Entertainment Awards in the US -Gospel Artist of the Year[21] & 2009 SoundCity Music Video Awards-Best Female Video), received major accolades and gave Laoye the rating as the 3rd Best Performance at the 2009 HipHop World Awards in Nigeria (Darey Art Alade and Tuface coming 1st and 2nd respectively, out of the 10 performances at the awards).
Laoye was the only female contender alongside top male Nigerian Artists – MI, Banky W. and Naeto C for the HipHop World Revelation (Best New Artist) category of the 2009 HipHop World Awards.[20]
Laoye's music has gained critical acclaim beyond Africa, as she was one of the first three Nigerian artists ever to be interviewed and recognized on American entertainment channel, BET in 2009[24] and she was one of the preliminary judges for BET's Sunday Best Auditions which held in Lagos, Nigeria in December 2009. In 2011, Laoye's life and career were showcased in a special feature segment on BET, tagged "BET Spotlight – Nikki Laoye".[23]
In 2013, the singer made a comeback into the music scene after being on a hiatus following the loss of her father in 2011.[25][26]
Laoye was commissioned to record her own version of the Nigerian National Anthem for Nigerian TV Producer, Mo Abudu's Ebony Life Television in June 2013. The video is renowned as the first official music video for the Nigerian Anthem. Since its release in June 2013, Laoye has been invited to perform the anthem for the Presidency[27] in Aso Rock, Abuja and at other official functions. As at 2013, she released the singles "No Be Beans" with Yoruba Hip Hop artist Base One; the dance single "1-2-3"; and the Rotimi Keys produced[28] ballad "Only You", a song dedicated to the memory of her late father,[25] for which she won an award for the Best Vocal Performance (Female) at the 2013 Headies Awards in Lagos, Nigeria.[29]
Laoye also lends her vocal signature on radio jingles some of which include Etisalat's "0809aija 4 Life", which featured R&B singer Banky W, MTN's "Everywhere You Go" jingle and Fidelity Bank's "No Greater Feeling". The singer has performed film soundtracks for major Nollywood productions such as Bent Arrows,[30]Where the Heart Lies,[31]Mission 2 Nowhere[31] and the ensemble film Journey to Self[32]
Laoye is also an on-air personality on television and radio. In 2005 she hosted the TV Show New Breeze Show on Silverbird Entertainment Television and as of 2013, she hosts her own radio show, Girls Rock with Nikki Laoye[33] on Nigerian internet gospel radio station Praiseworld Radio. She was also unveiled as one of the hosts for a gospel reality TV competition, Stars 4 Christ.[34]
In August 2013, Laoye headlined the Nigerian Corner at the Nottinghill Carnival[35] in the United Kingdom, an event which attracts thousands of Nigerians living across the United Kingdom. In the same year, Laoye went on a church tour of England,[36] which took her to London, Manchester, Loughton and Warrington. In September 2013, Laoye performed alongside R&B legend Mary J. Blige[37] at the "Sisters with Soul" concert in Lagos, Nigeria.
Laoye headlined the 2014 Headies Awards as well as the 10th Anniversary of the Rhythm Unplugged Concert[38] in December 2014.
In January 2016, Laoye headlined the Butterscotch Evenings event, alongside American R&B Superstar Brian Mcknight at the Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos, Nigeria.[39] On 12 February 2016, two days to Valentine's Day, Laoye released a Love duet with Nigerian R&B singer Banky W titled Onyeuwaoma, the song enjoyed rave reviews and the official video was released on 14 April 2016.[40]
Personal life
On 11 December 2011, Laoye married Alexander Oturu in Lagos, Nigeria. The two separated after seven years of marriage due to possible irreconcilable differences. The couple do not have any children together.[41][42]
Philanthropy
In December 2010, Laoye founded the "Angel 4 Life Foundation",[43] a non-governmental organization through which she mentors and helps develop the creative skills of talented physically challenged youths[44] and also assists in the management of the Music Therapy Clinic of Modupe Cole Home for the Physically and Mentally Challenged, in Lagos, Nigeria.[8]
In October 2012, Laoye's Angel 4 Life foundation, in conjunction with the Nigeria Association of the Blind (Lagos Chapter, Nigeria) celebrated the 2012 International White Cane Day, the event consisted of a Sing for the blind unplugged fund raising gig on the hallways of The Palms Shopping Mall in Lekki with support from celebrities such as Sammie Okposo, Funke Kuti, Tiwa Savage, Dipp, Lamboginny and Kiki Omeili; a White Cane Awareness Walk and a Lunch Reception to celebrate the achievements and independence of all visually impaired citizens of Lagos State.[45]
On 25 December 2012 and 2013, the foundation hosted Christmas Day Out with Laoye providing a whole day trips and treats around the city of Lagos for physically challenged youths. The foundation also handles The Art in Me project, an empowerment initiative for creative physically challenged youths. With the help of a Guaranty Trust Bank Training school set, Angel 4 Life helped to build a fully functional music recording studio for physically challenged producer, Akeem at Modupe Cole Home, Yaba, Lagos.
In 2013, Laoye was given an honorary 234Giver Award[13] for her advocacy and contribution to the social and educational development of the physically challenged in Nigeria. The award was presented by 234Give, Nigeria's first online fundraising platform – a company dedicated to empowering individuals and companies to raise funds for causes that improve and uplift their communities.
Laoye's work has earned her numerous award nominations and accolades including the prestigious KORA Awards, HipHop World Awards[20] (now Headies),Soundcity Music Video Awards,[51] City People Entertainment Awards, NEA Awards (US),[21] Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA); Africa Gospel Music Awards (UK), Crystal Gospel Awards, Nigeria Gospel Music Awards (NGMA), and a special feature on MTVBase Advance Warning Reality TV Show.[52] She was announced as one of the brand ambassadors for popular wrist watch brand, Ice Watch, in Nigeria.
On 26 December 2013, Laoye was unveiled as the winner of the category of the Best Vocal Performance (Female) for her soulful ballad "Only You" in a strong field that included singers Waje, Niyola, Seyi Shay and Zaina, at The Headies 2013 Award ceremony in Lagos, Nigeria.[29]
In April 2014, Laoye was unveiled as 'The Voice for Refugees'[53] in southwest Nigeria, by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI). As part of her role as a celebrity voice, she has appeared at various events organized by the commission to enlighten the general public about the travails of refugees and internally displaced persons. She has also made donations to the cause and performed at a number of events in support of the cause.
On 21 May 2014, Laoye was nominated in the category for the Best Gospel Artiste at the African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) 2014. The Award ceremony held at the Eismann Centre in Dallas, Texas on 26 July 2014.[54] Later that month, Laoye was also nominated for Best Gospel Artiste of the Year by the Nigerian Entertainment Awards (NEA).[55]
On 20 July 2014, Laoye picked up the Crystal award for Best Worship Song for "Only You" at the 2014 Crystal Awards in Lagos, Nigeria.[56] She was also nominated for the Artiste of the Year and Best Female Vocalist categories at the awards.[57] On 24 August 2014 at the Fairfields Hall-Croydon, in London, England, Laoye won the award for 'Female Artiste of the Year' at the 2014 Africa Gospel Music Awards (AGMA).[58] She had also been nominated for the 'Artiste of the Year' (West Africa) at the same awards.[59]
On 19 August 2015, Laoye was given the Humanitarian of the Year Award by the World Hope Foundation in honor of her humanitarian activities and in commemoration of the 2015 World Humanitarian Day.[60]
Naetochukwu Chikwe, stage name Naeto C, is a Nigerian rapper, Afrobeat artist and record producer.
Dare Art Alade, popularly known as Darey, is a Nigerian multi-platinum Afro R&B singer, songwriter, record producer, philanthropist, humanitarian and entrepreneur. He is also the son of the African jazz musician and entertainer Art Alade and the creative director of Livespot360.
Olubankole Wellington, popularly known by his stage name Banky W and credited in film as Banky Wellington, is a Nigerian singer, rapper, actor, entrepreneur and politician.
Jesse Garba Abaga, known professionally as Jesse Jagz, is a Nigerian rapper, record producer, singer and songwriter. He signed a record deal with Chocolate City in 2010 and released his debut studio album Jag of All Tradez that same year. He voluntarily exited the Chocolate City deal in 2013 and announced the launch of his independent label, Jagz Nation. Jagz released his second studio album Jagz Nation, Vol. 1: Thy Nation Come in 2013; it included singles such as "Redemption", "Bad Girl", "Sex & Scotch" and "God on the Mic". His third studio album, Jagz Nation, Vol. 2: Royal Niger Company, was released in 2014. He returned to Chocolate City in 2015 but left the label again prior to releasing his fourth studio album Odysseus in 2017. In May 2020, he released a 5-track EP titled Garba.
Oluwatobi Wande Ojosipe, popularly known as Wande Coal, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter.
"Holla at Your Boy" is a song by Nigerian singer Wizkid. It was officially released on 2nd January 2010, as the lead single from his debut studio album Superstar (2011). The song was produced by DJ Klem (Knighthouse) and Vebee.
The Headies is a music awards show established in 2006 by the Hip Hop World Magazine of Nigeria to recognize outstanding achievements in the Nigerian music industry. The annual ceremony features performances by established and promising artists. It is broadcast live on HipTV to viewers across Nigeria. The first and second editions of The Headies were held at the Muson Center in Onikan, Lagos State. Between 2010 and 2012, the awards were held at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos. Several media personalities in Nigeria have hosted the annual ceremony, including Darey Art Alade, D'banj, Dakore Egbuson, Banky W., Rita Dominic, M.I, Tiwa Savage and Dr SID.
Omawumi Megbele, known by her stage name Omawumi, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter and actress of Itsekiri ethnicity. She is a brand ambassador for Globacom, Konga.com, and Malta Guinness. She's also part of the campaign called "Rise with the Energy of Africa". She gained attention as the 2007 runner-up on West African Idols, a reality TV show part of the Idols franchise. Her second album, The Lasso of Truth, was reported to be a commercial success in Nigeria.
The Headies 2013 was the 8th edition of The Headies. It was held on 26 December 2013, at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos. The show was hosted by Tiwa Savage and Dr SID. Olamide was the biggest awardee of the night, winning three awards from seven nominations. Phyno won the Best Rap Single category for his song "Man of the Year". D'Tunes, Praiz, and Blackmagic all won for the first time. Sean Tizzle won the Next Rated category and was later awarded a Hyundai Tucson. Davido took home two awards, including Best R&B/Pop Album for Omo Baba Olowo. Iyanya only received one award from five nominations. Veteran Fuji artist Wasiu Ayinde Marshall was inducted into the Headies Hall of Fame. 2 Face Idibia, Banky W., Waje, Nikki Laoye, Mode 9, Dr SID and Kcee all went home with a plaque. Harrysong's tribute song to Nelson Mandela, titled "Mandela", won the Most Downloaded Callertune award.
Chidinma Ekile, who is known professionally as Chidinma, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress. A native of Imo State, Chidinma was born in Ketu, Kosofe, Lagos State. In 2010, she gained prominence after winning the third season of Project Fame West Africa. Following the release of the music video for her "Emi Ni Baller" single, she became the first female musician to peak at number 1 on the MTV Base Official Naija Top 10 chart. In 2011, she released the Sound Sultan-assisted single "Jankoliko". Her eponymous debut album Chidinma, released through the music platform Spinlet, was supported by the singles "Jankoliko", "Carry You Go", "Kedike" and "Run Dia Mouth". Chidinma won Best Female West African Act at the 2012 Kora Awards and performed "Kedike" at the ceremony.
Kemi Adetiba is a Nigerian filmmaker, television director and music video director, whose works have appeared on Channel O, MTV Base, Sound City TV, BET and Netflix.
Legendury Beatz is a Nigerian record producing and songwriting duo, composed of siblings Uzezi Oniko and Okiemute Oniko. Their production style is deeply rooted in afrobeats as well as in several other genres, including hip hop, reggae fusion, moombahton and electro house.
Lara George, known professionally as a US-based Nigerian gospel singer, songwriter and producer. She started her music career at the University of Lagos and was a member of the disbanded musical group Kush. Her debut album Forever In My Heart was released in 2008 and included the hit single "Ijoba Orun," which earned her several awards and nominations. She has performed at notable events and appeared on BET International as one of the first Nigerian artists to be aired on that show. She is married with two children and lives in Alpharetta, Georgia in the United States. Additionally, she is the Vice President of SoForte Entertainment Distribution Ltd., the first home-grown structured entertainment distribution company in Nigeria.
"123" is a song recorded by Nigerian singer Nikki Laoye for her second studio album The 123 Project (2014). The song was released on July 6, 2012 by Wahala Media Entertainment as the lead single from the album on the platform of the new African music distribution application Spinlet. It was written by Nikki Laoye and produced by her brother Xblaze.
Harrison Tare Okiri, better known by his stage name Harrysong, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and instrumentalist who rose to fame after his tribute song to Nelson Mandela won the "Most Downloaded Callertune Award" at The Headies 2013. Harrysong was born in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria to Ijaw parents but moved to Lagos in 2007 after spending some of his early life in Port Harcourt. Prior to signing to QuestionMark Entertainment, Harrysong used to perform at night clubs until he met Kcee who introduced him to top music personalities. In 2014, Harrysong was nominated in the "Best Pop/R&B Artist of the Year" category at the 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards after the release of his chart-topping song "Beta Pikin".
"Only You" is a song recorded by Nigerian singer Nikki Laoye for her second studio album The 123 Project (2014). The song was released on April 12, 2013, by Wahala Media Entertainment. It was written by Nikki Laoye and Nelson Ekperi, and produced by Rotimi Keys. Only You is set across dramatic guitar strings and soulful piano melody, where Laoye gives an ode to the love of a father. The song, which Laoye dedicated to the memory of her father received generally positive reviews from critics and went on to win her the 2013 Headies Awards for Best Female Vocal Performance and the African Union backed All Africa Music Awards in 2014 for Best Female Artiste in African Inspirational Music. In May 2016, Laoye released a reggae infused remix to the song, featuring Nigerian pop singer Seyi Shay.
The Headies Award for Best R&B Single is an award presented at The Headies, a ceremony that was established in 2006 and originally called the Hip Hop World Awards. It was first presented to Banky W. in 2010.
Olusegun Olowokere, known by his stage name Iceberg Slim, is an American-Nigerian rapper, and singer, widely known for his controversial self-proclaimed status as being "Better than M.I", which became the most talked about topic in the Nigerian hip hop space between June and August 2009, few months after he won the Nigeria Entertainment Awards, in the Best International Artist category.
Bukola Folayan, professionally known as Bouqui or B.O.U.Q.U.I is a Nigerian-American rapper, singer, songwriter, on-air personality, fashion designer and author. Her debut, self-titled album, B.O.U.Q.U.I earned her the Award for Best Female Act at the 2007 Award for Music Excellence in Nigeria (AMEN), as well as nominations for Revelation of the Year and Best Rap Album at The Headies 2007. Her video for the single Take You Away, won the award for Best Mainstream Video at the 2010 Nigerian Music Video Awards (NMVA).
Praiseworld Radio is Nigeria first Gospel online radio best known for broadcasting 24/7 Urban, and Gospel hip hop music. The radio began broadcasting on June 1, 2012. In 2014, Praiseworld won the Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards for Best Online Radio Station. In 2019, Praiseworld won the Africa Gospel Music Awards for Online Gospel Station of Excellence.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
