Besides being famous for their music and arts, some very popular Nigerian artistes hold various university degrees that is contrast to what we have known them for. Imagine popular Nigerian artistes like Tiwa Savage as a banker, hilarious Falz as a seasoned Barrister or maybe think of Eldee as a prolific architect?
If they decide to quit music today, they could do very well as professionals backed by their university degrees. See the list below and get inspired.
Kiss Daniel showed an interest in music from an early age, and was encouraged by his father. He started his music career professionally 2013 after his tertiary education, when he came across G-Worldwide Entertainment CEO, Emperor Geezy. After being signed to G-Worldwide entertainment, he released his first official single "Shoye" which was produced by Beatburx on May 1, 2014, along with a music video was directed by MEX. Daniel released his second single "Woju", produced by Dj Coublon on September 1, 2014. The video for Woju was directed by Adasa Cookey, shot in Lagos, Nigeria. The song spent eleven weeks on the MTV Base Official Naija Top Ten, including six weeks at the number one spot.
Daniel then recorded and released a remix of "Woju" featuring Tiwa Savage and Davido. "Woju" and its remix peaked at Number 1 and Number 2 respectively on the MTV Base Official Naija Top 10, the first time that an original song and its remix would peak at the first and second positions on the chart. A cover of the song performed by 2face Idibia appeared online.
In May 2015, Daniel released a third follow up single "Laye" on his birthday, along with a video two weeks later which was shot in different locations in eastern part of Africa and was directed by AJE FILMS. In September 2015, Daniel won two awards within the space of three weeks.
Reekado Banks is the last child of a music-loving family. His father is a pastor and his mother is a caterer. Moreover, his elder brother is a producer and his elder sister is a gospel singer. He grew up in a disciplinarian setting due to both of his parents being pastors. He completed his secondary school at the age of 14, and started recording his first set of songs in 2008. His elder brother produced all of his earlier songs and tutored him on the rudiments of singing, writing and producing. He derived the stage name Reekado Banks by combining the meaning of the two names; the former part of his stage name translates to "strong ruler", while the latter part loosely translates to "wealth". In 2014, Reekado Banks graduated from the University of Lagos with a degree in History and Strategic Study. He has cited Don Jazzy, 2face Idibia, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Olamide and M.I as his key musical inspirations.
If they decide to quit music today, they could do very well as professionals backed by their university degrees. See the list below and get inspired.
1. Eldee
Lanre Dabiri (born May 23, 1977), better known by his stage name Eldee, is a Nigerian rapper, record producer and an Architect. Lanre is a diminutive for the Yoruba name "Olanrewaju" (which translates to "Wealth is moving forward"). Eldee studied Architecture at the University of Lagos, Nigeria. He is an original member of the band Trybesmen, which was started in 1998 with rappers KB and Freestyle. He hails from Lagos Island in Lagos State of Nigeria.
2. Naeto C
Naetochukwu Chikwe (born 17 December 1982), stage name Naeto C, is a Nigerian rapper, Afrobeat artist and record producer. He was born in Houston, Texas and is of Nigerian origin. After finishing his secondary education in Lagos, he moved to the United States for higher education. Naeto C graduated in 2004 from the George Washington University with a BSc. in Biology, intending to go study further and become a medical doctor. After some deep self-searching he changed his mind and decided to pursue his dream and develop his talent as a musician.
In 2010 Naeto pursued a MSc in Energy Studies at the University of Dundee in Scotland. It was reported in the Summer of 2013 by his mother that he was attending the University of Oxford in England studying "a course in Energy Economics" however there was no further elaboration on this course.
3. Falz The Bad Guyz
Folarin Falana (born October 27, 1990 in Lagos State), better known by his stage name Falz is a Nigerian rapper, actor, and songwriter. He began his career while in secondary school after forming a group called "The School Boys" with his friend before his professional career as a music artiste began in 2009. Falz shot into limelight after his song titled "Marry Me" (featuring vocals from Poe and Yemi Alade) won him a nomination in the "Best Collaboration of The Year" category at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards. He was also nominated in the "Best Rap Act of The Year" and "Best New Act to Watch" categories at the same event. He currently owns an independent record label called Bahd Guys Records.
Falz was born in Lagos State, South-Western Nigeria to renowned lawyers Femi and Funmi Falana. He completed his basic and secondary school education at St. Leo’s Catholic Primary School, Ikeja and Olashore International School, Osun State respectively. He was called to the bar in 2012 after graduating from the Nigeria Law School, Abuja. He is an alumnus of the University of Reading after graduating with an LLB honors degree in Law.
4. Dr SID
Sidney Onoriode Esiri (born 1 May 1980 in Ikeja, Lagos state, Nigeria), known commonly as, Dr SID is a Nigerian singer-songwriter and dentist, who is a descent of Delta state raised in Lagos. His mother a successful fashion designer and his father the legendary actor Justus Esiri who is a Member of the Order of the Niger (MON), and famous for his role as the Village Headmaster a Nigerian sitcom popular in the 1980s. The second child of 4 children from an early age he had his heart set on becoming an entertainer. However his life took a different course graduating from the Nigerian Air force Secondary school Ikeja, SID went on to the University of Ibadan (UI) to study Dental Surgery. During his school years his flair for entertainment could not be hidden as he took part in school plays, dance competitions and concerts winning numerous awards along the way.
Dr SID became a qualified Dentist. He moved to the UK working with the likes of JJC & the 419 squad, Felix Duke, KAS, R70 and D'Banj. Returning to Nigeria he spent the next year working at Lagos University Teaching Hospital and then went on to serve his country at Yola in Adamawa state. He also worked at various dental clinics combining dentistry and music.
5. Tiwa Savage
Tiwatope Savage-Balogun (born 5 February 1980), better known by her stage name Tiwa Savage, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, performer and actress. She is currently signed to Sony/ATV Music Publishing as a songwriter. Savage signed a recording contract with Mavin Records in 2012. Savage also signed a management and publishing deal with Roc Nation in June 2016, which she later confirmed via Instagram.
Tiwa Savage was born in Ikeja, the capital of Lagos State. Her family relocated to London when she was 11 years old. While attending high school, she was a trombone player for her school's orchestra band. Savage had a healthy upbringing; she grew up in a multicultural setting due to her migration from Nigeria to the United Kingdom, and from the United Kingdom to the United States. After graduating with a degree in Business administration from the University of Kent, Savage started working at The Royal Bank of Scotland. She did backup vocals for George Michael at the age of 16, and lent vocals to other musicians such as Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan, Blu Cantrell, Emma Bunton, Kelly Clarkson, Andrea Bocelli, and Ms. Dynamite, amongst others. Furthermore, she has performed on stage with Sting, 50 Cent, The Black Eyed Peas, Eminem, Robbie Williams and Destiny's Child, to name a few.
Tiwa Savage was born in Ikeja, the capital of Lagos State. Her family relocated to London when she was 11 years old. While attending high school, she was a trombone player for her school's orchestra band. Savage had a healthy upbringing; she grew up in a multicultural setting due to her migration from Nigeria to the United Kingdom, and from the United Kingdom to the United States. After graduating with a degree in Business administration from the University of Kent, Savage started working at The Royal Bank of Scotland. She did backup vocals for George Michael at the age of 16, and lent vocals to other musicians such as Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan, Blu Cantrell, Emma Bunton, Kelly Clarkson, Andrea Bocelli, and Ms. Dynamite, amongst others. Furthermore, she has performed on stage with Sting, 50 Cent, The Black Eyed Peas, Eminem, Robbie Williams and Destiny's Child, to name a few.
6. Seyi Shay
Deborah Oluwaseyi Joshua (born 21 December 1985), professionally known by her stage name Seyi Shay, is a Nigerian-based English singer-songwriter, recording artist, performer, and record producer. She wrote and produced three songs for the soundtrack to Konami's video game Crime Life: Gang Wars (2005). She also wrote "You Will See", a song that was included on Melanie C's third studio album Beautiful Intentions (2005). Shay wrote "White Lies", a song from Chip's Transition album. In November 2013, she signed an endorsement deal with telecommunications service provider Etisalat. In November 2015, Shay released her debut studio album titled Seyi or Shay. It was supported by the promotional singles "Irawo", "Ragga Ragga", and "Chairman".
Shay was born and raised in London, England to Nigerian parents. Her mother was from Northern Nigeria and her father is a native of Ife. She has two elder brothers and an older sister. She and her siblings were raised by their single mother. Shay grew up in a religious setting and felt like a single child during her adolescence. She started visiting Nigeria when she was two years old, and eventually attended the Command High School in Maryland, Lagos. She went back to London to complete her undergraduate studies. Her interest in music was influenced by members of her household. Her late mother was a chorister and her sister used to compose songs for TV. Moreover, her brother was a radio and club disc jockey. Shay started performing at the age of 6, and was part of her secondary school choir. She performed for the London Community Gospel Choir during their world tour, which included 13 cities in Japan. Shay was applauded for her performances in Japan. She studied music at a local UK college, and went on to study Business Management at the University of East London. In an interview with Lanre Odukoya of Thisday, Shay said that her mother wasn't a staunch supporter of her musical ambitions. Moreover, her mother wanted her to become a doctor or lawyer. Prior to departing the Earth, her mother told her to focus on her music career and put God first.
Shay was born and raised in London, England to Nigerian parents. Her mother was from Northern Nigeria and her father is a native of Ife. She has two elder brothers and an older sister. She and her siblings were raised by their single mother. Shay grew up in a religious setting and felt like a single child during her adolescence. She started visiting Nigeria when she was two years old, and eventually attended the Command High School in Maryland, Lagos. She went back to London to complete her undergraduate studies. Her interest in music was influenced by members of her household. Her late mother was a chorister and her sister used to compose songs for TV. Moreover, her brother was a radio and club disc jockey. Shay started performing at the age of 6, and was part of her secondary school choir. She performed for the London Community Gospel Choir during their world tour, which included 13 cities in Japan. Shay was applauded for her performances in Japan. She studied music at a local UK college, and went on to study Business Management at the University of East London. In an interview with Lanre Odukoya of Thisday, Shay said that her mother wasn't a staunch supporter of her musical ambitions. Moreover, her mother wanted her to become a doctor or lawyer. Prior to departing the Earth, her mother told her to focus on her music career and put God first.
7. Omawumi
Omawumi Megbele (born 13 April 1982), 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 sophomore album, The Lasso of Truth, was reported to be a commercial success in Nigeria.
Omawumi was born to Chief Dr. Frank and Mrs. Aya Megbele on 13 April 1982. She attended Nana Primary School during her pupilage, and later attended the College of Education Demonstration Secondary School. She graduated from Ambrose Alli University with a Law degree. After graduating in 2005, she moved to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where she worked with her family's law firm called "O.S Megbele & Associates". She also studied French at Alliance Francaise.
8. Iyanya
Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk (born 31 October 1986), known by his mononym Iyanya, is a Nigerian recording artist and performer. He rose to fame after winning the first season of Project Fame West Africa and is best known for his hit single "Kukere". He co-founded the record label Made Men Music Group with Ubi Franklin in 2011. He released his debut studio album, My Story, in 2011. It was supported by the singles "No Time" and "Love Truly". Desire, his second studio album, contained the singles "Kukere", "Ur Waist", "Flavour", "Sexy Mama", and "Jombolo". He won the Artist of the Year award at The Headies 2013. In October 2016, Iyanya announced via Instagram that he signed a record deal with Mavin Records. He first announced his intentions to leave Made Man Music Group in July 2016.
Iyanya was born on Palm Street in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. His mother was a head mistress and his father was a forester. Iyanya has described his mother as the household disciplinarian, while his father was the gentler of the two. His parents died in 2008, his mother, 42 years old, and his father, 50 years old. Iyanya's elder brother died around the same time of his parents' death. Iyanya's grandfather was a clergyman. Iyanya used to sing in his church's choir and was the choir master for the children's choir at age 5. Iyanya completed his primary, secondary, and university education in Calabar. He is a Business Management graduate from the University of Calabar.
Iyanya was born on Palm Street in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. His mother was a head mistress and his father was a forester. Iyanya has described his mother as the household disciplinarian, while his father was the gentler of the two. His parents died in 2008, his mother, 42 years old, and his father, 50 years old. Iyanya's elder brother died around the same time of his parents' death. Iyanya's grandfather was a clergyman. Iyanya used to sing in his church's choir and was the choir master for the children's choir at age 5. Iyanya completed his primary, secondary, and university education in Calabar. He is a Business Management graduate from the University of Calabar.
9. Kiss Daniel
Anidugbe Oluwatobiloba Daniel, known as Kiss Daniel, is a Nigerian recording artist, performer and entertainer best known for his chart-topping single "Woju". He is currently signed to G-Worldwide Entertainment.
Kiss Daniel was born in Ogun state, Nigeria. He hails from Abeokuta North local government area. He graduated from Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, in 2013, with a degree in Water Resources Management and Agrometeorology (Water Engineering). While in university, he decided to pursue music as a career alongside his studies.
Kiss Daniel showed an interest in music from an early age, and was encouraged by his father. He started his music career professionally 2013 after his tertiary education, when he came across G-Worldwide Entertainment CEO, Emperor Geezy. After being signed to G-Worldwide entertainment, he released his first official single "Shoye" which was produced by Beatburx on May 1, 2014, along with a music video was directed by MEX. Daniel released his second single "Woju", produced by Dj Coublon on September 1, 2014. The video for Woju was directed by Adasa Cookey, shot in Lagos, Nigeria. The song spent eleven weeks on the MTV Base Official Naija Top Ten, including six weeks at the number one spot.
Daniel then recorded and released a remix of "Woju" featuring Tiwa Savage and Davido. "Woju" and its remix peaked at Number 1 and Number 2 respectively on the MTV Base Official Naija Top 10, the first time that an original song and its remix would peak at the first and second positions on the chart. A cover of the song performed by 2face Idibia appeared online.
In May 2015, Daniel released a third follow up single "Laye" on his birthday, along with a video two weeks later which was shot in different locations in eastern part of Africa and was directed by AJE FILMS. In September 2015, Daniel won two awards within the space of three weeks.
10. Reekado Banks
Ayoleyi Hanniel Solomon (born 6 December 1993), better known by his stage name Reekado Banks, is a Nigerian recording artist, singer and songwriter. He is currently signed to Mavin Records. He went by the stage name ''Spicy'' prior to his record deal with the aforementioned label. Reekado Banks was declared the Rookie of the Year at The Headies 2014, and won the controversial Next Rated award at The Headies 2015. His debut studio album, Spotlight, was released on 1 September 2016. It debuted at number 10 on the Billboard World Album Music Chart.Reekado Banks is the last child of a music-loving family. His father is a pastor and his mother is a caterer. Moreover, his elder brother is a producer and his elder sister is a gospel singer. He grew up in a disciplinarian setting due to both of his parents being pastors. He completed his secondary school at the age of 14, and started recording his first set of songs in 2008. His elder brother produced all of his earlier songs and tutored him on the rudiments of singing, writing and producing. He derived the stage name Reekado Banks by combining the meaning of the two names; the former part of his stage name translates to "strong ruler", while the latter part loosely translates to "wealth". In 2014, Reekado Banks graduated from the University of Lagos with a degree in History and Strategic Study. He has cited Don Jazzy, 2face Idibia, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Olamide and M.I as his key musical inspirations.
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