JOEBOY : A YOUNG LEGEND IN AFRO-POP

Joseph Akinwale Akinfenwa, known professionally as “Joeboy”, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He gained prominence in the Nigerian music industry with his unique blend of Afropop, R&B, and dancehall influences.

Joeboy’s passion for music began at an early age, and he started singing and performing in his church choir. He gained recognition in 2017 by Mr. Eazi of the record label “Empawa Africa”, after releasing a cover of Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You”, which went viral and caught the attention of music enthusiasts. This success inspired him to pursue a career in music.

In 2019, Joeboy released his breakout single titled “Baby”, which became a massive hit both in Nigeria and across the African continent. The song garnered millions of streams and established him as one of the most promising young artists in the Nigerian music scene. Following the success of “Baby”, he released several other hit singles, including; “Beginning”, “Don’t Call Me Back” featuring Mayorkun, “All For You”, “Blessings”, “Empty My Pocket”, “Lonely”, “Cubana”, “Contour”, “Body & Soul”, “Game Over” and many others, further solidifying his presence in the industry.

In 2019, Joeboy released his debut EP titled “Love & Light”, which received critical acclaim and showcased his versatility as an artist. The EP featured the aforementioned hit songs as well as new tracks that resonated with audiences. He continued to release successful singles such as “Call” and “Lonely”. He has released another EP entitled “Apple Music Home Session: Joeboy” which was released in 2023, and he recently released another EP entitled “Love, Soul & Spirit”. He has as well released albums like; “Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic”, “Body & Soul” amongst others.

Joeboy’s music is characterized by his smooth vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and infectious melodies. His songs often revolve around themes of love, relationships, and personal experiences, which resonate with a wide audience. He has collaborated with various artists in the Nigerian music industry and has been recognized with several awards and nominations for his contributions to music.

He was born on May 21, 1997, in Lagos, Nigeria. He hails from Yoruba, a major ethnic group in Nigeria. Joeboy finished his secondary school in Lagos and also graduated from the University of Lagos where he earned a degree in Human Resources.

Joeboy has earned several awards like; Best Artist in African Pop at the 2019 All Africa Music Awards, Best Pop at the 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards Festival and many others. He was nominated for multiple City People Entertainment Awards and The Headies.

With his talent, charisma, and growing fan base, Joeboy has become one of the leading voices of the new wave of Nigerian music. He continues to release captivating music and is poised to make a significant impact on the global music scene.

Delia Nyadi