Chidinma

Chidinma
Birth name Chidinma Ekile
Also known as Ms. Kedike
Born (1991-05-02) 2 May 1991[1][2]
Ketu, Lagos State
Origin Ikorodu, Lagos State
Genres Afropop
Occupation(s) Singer-songwriter, recording artist, performer
Years active 2011 – present
Labels Capital Hill Records[3]
Associated acts Illbliss, Clarence Peters, Tha Suspect, Monica Ogah, Tesh Carter, Phyno, Wizkid, Flavour N'abania, Legendury Beatz, Banky W

Chidinma Ekile (born 2 May 1991), popularly known by her stage name Chidinma, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter, recording artist and stage performer. In 2010, she rose to stardom after winning the third season of MTN Project Fame West Africa.[4] 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.[5] In 2011, she released her first solo single "Jankoliko" featuring Sound Sultan.[6] Chidinma, her self-titled debut studio album, was released through the music platform Spinlet. It was supported by the singles "Jankoliko", "Carry You Go", "Kedike" and "Run Dia Mouth". The album features guest appearances from Sound Sultan, Tha Suspect, Olamide and Muna.[7] In 2012, Chidinma won the Best Female West African Act category at the 2012 Kora Awards; she performed "Kedike" at the ceremony.[8]

Early life, educational pursuits, and public image

Chidinma Ekile, the sixth of seven children, was born in Ketu, Lagos State.[4][9] Both of her parents are from Imo State. She worked as a business promoter in Lagos prior to auditioning for the third season of MTN's Project Fame West Africa. Chidinma started singing at the age of 6, and grew up with a disciplinarian father.[10] When she was 10 years old, she joined her church's choir.[11] She attended primary and secondary school in Ketu prior to relocating to Ikorodu with her family. Chidinma is currently studying Sociology at the University of Lagos. She initially wanted to study Mass Communication.[12] Chidinma initially declined her admission into the University of Lagos due to her advancement in the aforesaid competition. In an interview with YNaija, Chidinma said that she has always taken school seriously and her decision to enroll at Unilag was inevitable. She also said that music hasn't always been on her agenda, and that she decided to give it a try after winning the MTN Project Fame competition.[13] After dying her hair red and getting a mohawk, people started perceiving her as a good girl gone bad. In an interview posted on the Daily Independent website, Chidinma said she is still the same. She also said she's evolving and growing as a musician.[14]

Music career

Project Fame

Prior to auditioning for the third edition of Project Fame West Africa, she dreamt of being part of the reality TV show that was instituted in 2008. With the help and support from her close knit friend, Chidinma left her home in Ikorodu and went to the Ultima Studios, the venue for the show's 2010 Lagos auditions. She was among the 8,000 or so contestants who went to showcase their talents that year. Subsequently, Chidinma advanced to the Fame Academy round alongside 17 other contestants. For 10 weeks, Chidinma and the other contestants were coached by musical professionals: voice coaches, inspirational speakers, established musicians, and music business service providers. Moreover, contestants were taught choreography and several rehearsal drills.[15] On 26 September 2010, Chidinma became the apparent winner of the competition. She won several prizes, including N2.5 million, a 2011 Toyota RAV4, and an album production deal.[16] In May 2013, Chidinma signed an endorsement deal with MTN Nigeria.[17]

2011–2012:Chidinma

Chidinma started working on her debut studio album, Chidinma, after releasing a collaborative project with the other finalists of MTN Project Fame West Africa Season 3.[18] The album was scheduled for release in the fourth quarter of 2011. Chidinma spoke briefly on her album and said that she put a whole lot of energy into the album.[6] Chidinma worked with different producers for her first studio project, including Cobhams Asuquo, Tee Y Mix, WazBeat and Oscar Heman Ackah.[19] On 22 February 2011, she released the singles "Jankoliko", featuring Sound Sultan, and "Carry You Go". Both songs were written and produced by Oscar Heman Ackah.[18] In an interview posted on the Weekly Trust website, Chidinma said she's happy about the positive response she received after releasing the song, and is working hard to improve her craft.[6] The music video for "Jankoliko", directed by Clarence Peters, was released on 4 June 2011; it ran for 3 minutes and 33 seconds.[20] On 11 October 2011, Chidinma released "Kedike" as the album's third single. The song translates to "Heartbeat" and was produced by Cobhams Asuquo. The music video for "Kedike" was released on 24 January 2012; it was directed by Clarence Peters. Dammy Krane, a recording artist signed to Tuface's Hypertek Digital, played Chidinma's love interest in the music video.[21] In an interview with Entertainment Rave, Chidinma said that "Kedike" is a song that depicts love. She and her producers invented the word "Kedike".[22] On 11 October 2011, she also released the album's fourth single "Run Dia Mouth".[23]

2013–present:Upcoming album

I'm working on my album right now. I'm working with different producers and artistes trying out new things. A lot of people wonder aloud: “are you sure this is Chidinma”? So I’m just trying out a lot of things and testing waters. I’m moving out of my comfort zone actually.

“
”

-Chidinma speaking to Entertainment Rave about her upcoming project.[22]

Chidinma began recording her upcoming album in the fourth quarter of 2012. On 14 September 2012, she released the album's lead single "Emi Ni Baller" featuring her fellow labelmates Tha Suspect and Illbliss. The song was produced by Legendury Beatz.[24] It peaked at number 7 on Vanguard's "Top 10 songs that made 2013" list.[25] On 22 February 2013, Chidinma and her record label released the remix of "Emi Ni Baller" featuring Wizkid. The song was also produced by Legendury Beatz.[26] On 12 June 2013, CAPital Dreams Pictures released the music video for "Emi Ni Baller". It was shot and directed in the U.K by Clarence Peters.[27] On 10 June 2013, Chidinma released "Bless My Hustle" (featuring Phyno), "Kite" and "Jolly", three singles off the upcoming album. "Bless My Hustle" was produced by Tha Suspect, and "Kite" was produced by Del B. "Jolly" was produced by Wizboy.[28]

On 14 September 2013, Chidinma released "Oh Baby", and on 29 January 2014, she released "Oh Baby (You & I)" featuring Flavour N'abania. Both songs were produced by Young D.[29] On 2 May 2014, the same day as her birthday, Chidinma released the music video for "Oh Baby (You & I)" which was directed by Clarence Peters. The video stars Ngozi Nwosu and OC Ukeje.[30]

Notable performances

Chidinma performed with Dr SID at the MTN Power of 10 Concerts, a ten-city tour that celebrated MTN Nigeria's ten-year anniversary; the tour kicked off in Makurdi on 9 September 2011.[31] Chidinma was one of the supporting acts on the 2013 Hennessy Artistry Club Tour headlined by D'banj.[32][33] On 3 November 2013, she performed at the Guinness World of More Concert alongside P-Square, D'banj, Wizkid, Ice Prince, Burna Boy, Olamide, Phyno, Waje, Davido and Tiwa Savage, among others.[34] On 9 November 2013, Chidinma performed with Blackstreet at the Butterscotch Evening Experience, a concert held at the Eko Hotels and Suites.[35] On 14 February 2014, she performed at the MTN Valentine Rave Party alongside Tiwa Savage, Mario and Sound Sultan.[36] Chidinma has performed in several countries across Africa, including The Republic of Benin, Sierra Leone, Côte d'Ivoire, Kenya, Cameroun, Equatorial Guinea, Niger and Ghana.

Accomplishments and musical influences

Chidinma won the "Best Female West African Act" category at 2012 Kora Awards. Her award plaque was presented to her by Didier Drogba. She toppled Omawumi and five others for the honour. After winning the award, Chidinma said: "It was a huge honour to me. I’m grateful to God, my fans and people, who have been part of my success story. Winning KORA is a big achievement for me and I know it is the beginning of better things to come."[12][37] Chidinma has cited Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Alicia Keys, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Fela Kuti, Omawumi, Onyeka Onwenu, Lagbaja and Darey Art Alade as her biggest musical influences.[10][15][38]

Personal life

Sex tape accusation

In November 2013, a viral sex tape of Chidinma's look-alike surfaced on the internet. Many people were convinced that Chidinma was the one in the sex tape. Speaking to Sunday Beats, Chidinma debunked the accusation. She said she felt bad when she initially heard the story.[39] In an extensive interview with Nonye Ben-Nwankwo, Chidinma elaborated on the sex tape scandal. She said that while her fan base grew from the incident, she felt quite devastated. She also thanked her core fans for their support through the scandal.[40]

Awards and nominations

Year Event Prize Recipient Result Ref
2014 City People Entertainment Awards Musician of the Year (Female) Herself Nominated [41]
Best Collabo of the Year "Oh! Baby (You & I)"
(featuring Flavour N'abania) 		Nominated
2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards Best Pop/R&B Artist of the Year Herself Nominated [42]
Female Artist of the Year Nominated
Best Music Video of the Year (Artist & Director) "Oh! Baby (You & I)"
(featuring Flavour N'abania) 		Nominated
Best Collaboration Nominated
African Muzik Magazine Awards Best Female West Africa Herself Nominated [43]
MTV Africa Music Awards 2014 Best Female Nominated [44]
2013 The Headies Best Collabo "Emi Ni Baller"
(featuring Tha Suspect and IllBliss) 		Nominated [45]
Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA) Video of the Year Nominated [46]
Best Pop Extra Video Won
Best Afro Hip Hop Video "I Am Sorry"
(IllBliss featuring Chidinma) 		Nominated
Channel O Music Video Awards Most Gifted African West "Emi Ni Baller"
(featuring Tha Suspect and IllBliss)		 Nominated [47]
Nigeria Entertainment Awards Best Collabo Nominated [48]
City People Entertainment Awards Musician of the Year (Female) Herself Nominated [49]
2012 The Headies Best Vocal Performance (Female) "Kedike" Nominated [50]
Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA) Best Afro Pop Nominated [51]
Best Indigenous Concept Nominated
Nigeria Entertainment Awards Best New Act of the Year Herself Nominated [52]
Best Pop/R&B Artist of the Year Nominated
Kora Awards Best Female West African Act "Kedike" Won [53]

Discography

Studio albums

Title Cover Album details Notes
Chidinma

Singles

As lead artist
Year Title Album
2011 "I Am A Winner" (with MTN Project Fame All Stars) N/A
"Jankoliko" (featuring Sound Sultan) Chidinma
"Carry You Go"
"Kedike"
"Run Dia Mouth"
2012 "Emi Ni Baller" (featuring Tha Suspect and iLLBliss) TBA
2013 "Emi Ni Baller (Remix)" (featuring WizKid)
"Bless My Hustle" (featuring Phyno)
"Kite"
"Jolly"
"Oh Baby"
"Sweet Like Shuga" (with Flavour, KCee, Sound Sultan, and Professor) N/A
"CAPITAL Krismas" (with Tha Suspect, iLLBliss, Tesh Carter, and Clarence Peters) Non-album single
2014 "Oh Baby (You & I)" (featuring Flavour) TBA
"Kuli Kache"
"Martha"[54]
As featured artist
Year Title Album
2012 "In The Air" (Tesh Carter featuring Chidinma) TBA
2013 "One Kain Love" (Mystro featuring Chidinma)
"Oga DJ" (Mr 2kay featuring Chidinma)
"Only Human" (Silvastone featuring Chidinma)
"Suddenly" (Monica Ogah featuring Chidinma) Sometime in August
"Powerful" (iLLBliss featuring Chidinma) TBA
"I Am Sorry" (iLLBliss featuring Chidinma) Oga Boss
"Ije Love" (Dubie featuring Chidinma) DUBIE
"Doxology" (Mike Aremu featuring Chidinma) Coat of Many Colours
2014 "ODUNAYO" (Creddy-F featuring Chidinma and Phyno) TBA
"Sweet Potato" (Praiz featuring Chidinma) Rich and Famous
"Our Voices" (DaSuki featuring Chidinma) TBA
2015 ''All I Want Is You'' (Banky W featuring Chidinma)[55] TBA
Music videos
Year Title Director(s)
2011 "I Am A Winner" (with MTN Project Fame All Stars) Bayo Alawiye[56]
"Jankoliko" (featuring Sound Sultan) Clarence Peters[57]
2012 "Kedike"
"In The Air" (Tesh Carter featuring Chidinma)
2013 "Only Human" (Silvastone featuring Chidinma)
"Emi Ni Baller" (featuring Tha Suspect and iLLBliss)
"One Kain Love" (Mystro featuring Chidinma)
"I Am Sorry" (iLLBliss featuring Chidinma)
"Sweet Like Shuga" (with Flavour, KCee, Sound Sultan, and Professor)
"Oh Baby (You & I)" (featuring Flavour)

See also

References

  1. ↑ Akinloye, Dimeji (26 July 2012). "Close Up on Stars – Chidinma". Hip Hop World Magazine. Retrieved 2 May 2014.
  2. ↑ "Chidinma Wins Best West African (Female) Category at the 2012 KORA Awards". Bella Naija. Retrieved 2 May 2014.
  3. ↑ "Would Chidinma Dump Capital Hill Records?". Global Excellence. 29 January 2014. Retrieved 21 February 2014.
  4. 1 2 "Music: Chidinma, the girl next door". Afric Visions. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  5. ↑ Njoku, Benjamin (7 September 2013). "Chidinma becomes first female act to make MTV's Naija top 10". Vanguard. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  6. 1 2 3 "Project Fame's Chidinma set for debut album". Weekly Trust. 4 June 2011. Retrieved 21 February 2014.
  7. ↑ "Chidinma – Chidinma". Spinlet. 2012. Retrieved 21 February 2014.
  8. ↑ "Davido and Chidinma win big at KORA Awards 2012". Channels Television. 2 January 2013. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  9. ↑ "TRENDING WITH CHIDINMA". YouTube. 15 May 2014. Retrieved 4 June 2014.
  10. 1 2 Sowoolu, Lolade and Akintayo, OpeOluwani (13 November 2010). "I went through hell as a child, says Chidinma Ekile". Vanguard. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  11. ↑ Biobaku, Samod. "Stunning facts about Chidinma Ekile". Daily Newswatch. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  12. 1 2 "Chidinma: Project Fame Prepared Me For Fame". This Day Live. 19 January 2013. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  13. ↑ Okiche, Wilfred (10 August 2013). "TheYNaijaInterview: The kind of man that makes my heart beat ‘kedike’ – Singer, Chidinma opens up". YNaija. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  14. ↑ "I've not gone bad –Chidinma". Daily Independent. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  15. 1 2 "Chidinma Ekile". Project Fame West Africa. 8 June 2011. Retrieved 21 February 2014.
  16. ↑ "Chidinma Emerges Winner of Project Fame". This Day Live. 1 October 2010. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  17. ↑ "Praiz, Chidinma chosen as new MTN brand ambassadors". Citizens Platform. 25 May 2013. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  18. 1 2 "Her Solo Debut! MTN Project Fame West Africa III Winner Chidinma releases "Jankoliko" feat. Sound Sultan & "Carry You Go"". Bellanaija. 22 February 2011. Retrieved 21 February 2014.
  19. ↑ "Chidinma Releases New Singles". This Day Live. 23 February 2011. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  20. ↑ Alonge, Osagie (23 June 2011). "Chidinma And Sound Sultan Warm Up In 'Jankoliko' Video". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  21. ↑ "Chidinma returns with 'Kedike' video". YNaija. 27 January 2012. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  22. 1 2 "CHIDINMA: ‘I Don’t Know What it Means to Fall in Love’". This Day Live. 28 June 2013. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  23. ↑ "BN Music PREMIERE: Chidinma – Kedike (Heartbeat) /Run Dia Mouth". Bellanaija. 11 October 2011. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  24. ↑ Alonge, Osagie (15 September 2012). "NETPod: ‘Emi ni baller’ – Chidinma ft. Tha Suspect, Illbliss". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  25. ↑ Mgbolu, Charles (27 December 2013). "Top ten hit songs that made 2013". Vanguard. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  26. ↑ "BN Music Premiere: Chidinma Feat. Wizkid – Emi Ni Baller Remix". Bellanaija. 22 February 2013. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  27. ↑ Mgbolu, Charles (13 June 2013). "New video: Chidinma returns with Emi ni baller ft Tha Suspect & IllBliss". Vanguard. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  28. ↑ "CHIDINMA – Bless my Hustle + Kite Master + Jolly Master". Hip Hop World Magazine. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  29. ↑ "Music: Chidinma – Oh Baby Remix (You and I ft. Flavour". News247. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  30. ↑ Opeoluwani, Akintayo (7 May 2014). "See Exciting New Video From Chidinma "Oh Baby"". Daily Times. Retrieved 14 May 2014.
  31. ↑ "Chidinma, Dr SID, others thrill fans @MTN Power of 10 Concerts". Vanguard. 10 October 2011. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  32. ↑ "Fans of Olamide, Chidinma 'clash' over Hennessy Artistry". Punch. 2 August 2013. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  33. ↑ "Nigeria: D'banj Missing At Hennessy Artistry Club Tour". AllAfrica.com. 28 September 2013. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  34. ↑ "Nigeria: P-Square, Davido, Others Ignite Guinness World of More Concert". AllAfrica.com. 1 November 2013. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  35. ↑ "Chidinma performs with icons at Butterscotch Evening". Punch. 8 November 2013. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  36. ↑ "MTN redefines love at Valentine Rave Party". WorldStage. 19 February 2014. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  37. ↑ Adetu, Bayo (4 January 2013). "KORA Award Excites Chidinma". P.M. News. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  38. ↑ "Teen Y! Music Video Review: Chidinma’s "Oh Baby" featuring Flavour, is a heartwarming remix". Teen Y! Naija. 7 May 2014. Retrieved 14 May 2014.
  39. ↑ Ben-Nwankwo, Nonye and Olonilua, Ademola (16 November 2013). "Chidinma denies SEX TAPE". Punch. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  40. ↑ Ben-Nwankwo, Nonye (7 December 2013). "Those sex tapes made me more popular –Chidinma". Punch. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  41. ↑ "Rita Dominic, Davido, Tiwa Savage, Majid Michel – 2014 City People Entertainment Awards Nominees". Bellanaija.com. 6 June 2014. Retrieved 10 June 2014.
  42. ↑ "Genevieve Nnaji, Don Jazzy, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Tiwa Savage, Bovi, Davido – Nigeria Entertainment Awards Nominees List". Bellanaija. 29 May 2014. Retrieved 30 May 2014.
  43. ↑ "See Nominees for the African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) 2014". Bellanaija. 9 June 2014. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
  44. ↑ "Mafikizolo, Uhuru, Davido lead nominations for MTV Africa Music Awards". Sowetan LIVE. Retrieved 17 April 2014.
  45. ↑ "Olamide wins big @ Headies 2013 + full list of winners". Vanguard. 27 December 2013. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  46. ↑ "Flavour is biggest winner at Nigerian Music Video Awards 2013". Nigerian Entertainment Today. 16 November 2013. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  47. ↑ "Nominees announced for Channel O Africa Music Awards". DSTV. 10 September 2013. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  48. ↑ Abimboye, Micheal (31 May 2013). "Nigerian Entertainment Award announces 2013 nominees". Premium Times. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  49. ↑ Aiki, Damilare (19 June 2013). "Ice Prince, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Sarkodie, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Yvonne Okoro, Tonto Dikeh & BellaNaija Nominated for the 2013 City People Entertainment Awards – See the Full List". Bellanaija. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  50. ↑ Mgbolu, Charles (28 August 2012). "Psquare, Bez lead Headies 2012 nominees list". Vanguard. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  51. ↑ "Nigerian Music Video Awards (NMVA 2012 ) Full Winners List". Prisoner of Class. 21 December 2012. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  52. ↑ "2012 NIGERIAN ENTERTAINMENT AWARDS NOMINEES ANNOUNCED AT THE NOMINATION GALA EVENT IN LAGOS". 360nobs. 3 June 2012. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  53. ↑ Mgbolu, Charles (31 December 2012). "Chidinma, Davido win @ 2012 KORA Awards as Omawumi, D'banj, Clarence Peters lose out". Vanguard. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  54. ↑ "New Song Chidinma - Martha 'Martha' touches on her blind birth". Pulse Nigeria. Ayomide O. Tayo. Retrieved 11 November 2014.
  55. ↑ "New Music: Banky W, Chidinma - 'All I want is you'". pulse.ng. Retrieved 2015-12-04.
  56. ↑ "New Video: MTN Project Fame III All Stars – I Am A Winner". Bellanaija. 24 January 2011. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  57. ↑ L, Jibola (23 June 2011). "New Video: Chidinma Feat. Sound Sultan – Jankoliko". Bellanaija. Retrieved 27 May 2014.

External links

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