Humblesmith
| Humblesmith | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Ekenedilichukwu Ijemba |
| Born |
May 14, 1991 Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria |
| Origin | Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria |
| Genres | R&B, afropop, highlife |
| Occupation(s) | singer-songwriter, vocalist |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 2011–present |
| Labels | N-tyze |
| Associated acts | |
Ekenedilichukwu Ijemba (born May 14, 1991), better known by his stage name Humblesmith, is a Nigerian afropop recording artist who achieved recognition upon the release of his single titled "Osinachi", which later won a nomination spot at the 2016 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.[1][2] He first ventured into the entertainment business as an actor, starring in a number of films including Hypertension (2010) with Sam Loco Efe.[3] Currently signed to N-tyze Entertainment,[3][4] he made the list of "10 Artists To Watch In 2016" by notJustOk.[5]
Early life
Originally from Uruala, a town in Ideato North local government area of Imo State, southeastern Nigeria, Ekene Ijemba was born on May 14, 1991 into a Catholic family in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.[6] While in secondary school, he started dancing and was part of a group called American Boys before he left Ebonyi State for Asaba City, the capital of Delta State, South-Southern Nigeria in order to pursue a career in music.[7]
2014–present: Beginnings and rise to fame
Upon arriving in Asaba City, Humblesmith had to take up menial jobs in order to earn a living. He later ventured into entertainment as an actor and appeared in various films including Hypertension with Sam Loco Efe.[3] He returned to Ebonyi State at some point and then back to Delta State again to focus on a career in music. [3] Determined to succeed, he started scouting for shows and performed for free until he was signed by DG Records who were impressed with one of his several performances.[8] In 2012, he left Asaba City for Lagos State where he recorded his debut single "Chairmoo" in 2014. In 2015, he released "Osinachi, a chart-topping single that featured Phyno; and Davido in the remix version.[3] The song earned him a nomination spot in the "Best New Act" category at the 2016 edition of the Nigeria Entertainment Awards and was also nominated in the "Hottest Single" category at the same event.[9] In April 2016, he featured Flavour N'abania in a song titled "Jukwese" which enjoyed rotational airplay around the country. He later announced an Instagram competition tagged the "#JukweseContest" in reference to the song, with a $2,000 prize money for the winner.[10]
Artistry
Humblesmith cites Bright Chimezie as his music influence.[11] He usually sings the afropop genre of music with a little fusion of highlife.
Endorsement deal
In June 2016, Humblesmith signed a multi-million Naira endorsement deal with noodles manufacturing company Tummy-Tummy Food Industry.[12]
Discography
| Year | Song | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | "Chairmoo" | Non-album singles |
| "Bogati" | ||
| "Shoki" | ||
| 2015 | "Love Me" | |
| "Osinachi" (featuring Phyno) | ||
| 2016 | "Osinachi (Remix)" (featuring Davido) | |
| "Jukwese" (featuring Flavour N'abania) | ||
| "Na U" (featuring Harrysong) |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award ceremony | Prize | Recipient/Nominated work | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | The Headies 2015 | Rookie of The Year | Himself | Nominated | |
| 2016 Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Hottest Single | "Osinachi" | Nominated | [13] | |
| Best New Act | Himself | Nominated | [13] | ||
| 2016 African Muzik Magazine Awards | Best Newcomer | Nominated | [14] | ||
| 2016 City People Entertainment Awards | Collaboration of the Year | "Osinachi (Remix)" | Won | [15] |
References
- ↑ Ayodele Johnson (23 July 2016). "Humblesmith: 'I want to give $2000 to my fans', singer says". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 24 July 2016.
- ↑ "Humblesmith speaks on background". Naij. 4 April 2016. Retrieved 24 July 2016.
- 1 2 3 4 5 "I don't regret featuring Davido in Osinachi –Humblesmith". The Punch. 6 February 2016. Retrieved 24 July 2016.
- ↑ Dayo Showemimo (30 May 2015). "Humblesmith returns with 'Love Me'". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Retrieved 24 July 2016.
- ↑ Don Boye (22 February 2016). "10 Artists To Watch In 2016". notJustOk. Retrieved 24 July 2016.
- ↑ Ago, Arinze; Emmanuel, Dan; Kehinde, Seye (15 February 2016). "Humblesmith Reveals His Grass-To-Grace Story – How He Sold Moin-Moin In Abakaliki". City People Magazine. Retrieved 24 July 2016.
- ↑ Ademola, Adeleke; Agbana, Rotimi (18 June 2016). "I stole and sold my mom's gold to pay for my first studio session — Humblesmith". Vanguard News. Retrieved 24 July 2016.
- ↑ "EN: Osinachi Crooner, Humblesmith Opens Up About Life & New Found Fame". Channels TV. Youtube. 25 February 2016. Retrieved 24 July 2016.
- ↑ Adedayo Showemimo (17 June 2016). "FULL nominee list for 2016 Nigerian Entertainment Awards (NEA)". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Retrieved 24 July 2016.
- ↑ Rotimi Agbana (4 July 2016). "Humblesmith unveils competition for new single, jukwese". Vanguard News. Retrieved 24 July 2016.
- ↑ Ifeoma Ogbonna, Genevieve; Jide, Molokwu Theophilus; Christopher, Emuekpere (1 July 2016). "I wept, fasted before God gave me Osinachi –Humble Smith". The Sun Newspaper. Retrieved 24 July 2016.
- ↑ Agbana, Rotimi (29 June 2016). "Humblesmith bags multi-million naira endorsement deal". Vanguard News. Retrieved 24 July 2016.
- 1 2 "Nominations are Here! Find out who Made the 2016 Nigerian Entertainment Awards Nominees List". BellaNaija. 16 June 2016. Retrieved 24 July 2016.
- ↑ Demola OG (20 July 2016). "EXCLUSIVE: AFRIMMA 2016 NOMINEES LIST UNVEILED". notJustOk. Retrieved 24 July 2016.
- ↑ Adedayo Showemimo (26 July 2016). "Full List Of Winners at 2016 City People Entertainment Awards". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Retrieved 28 July 2016.