Jump to content

Chidinma

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by GravRidr (talk | contribs) at 14:49, 12 March 2014 (corrected typo: peformances→performances). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Chidinma
Birth nameChidinma Ekile
Also known asMs. Kedike
BornKetu, Lagos State
OriginIkorodu, Lagos State
GenresAfropop
Occupation(s)Singer-songwriter, recording artist, performer
Instrument(s)Vocals
Years active(2011 – present)
LabelsCapital Hill Records[1]

Chidinma Ekile, popularly known by her stage name Chidinma, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter, recording artist, stage performer, and brand ambassador for MTN Nigeria.[2] In 2010, she rose to stardom after winning the third season of MTN's Project Fame West Africa, a reality-singing competition series.[3] After releasing 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.[4] In 2011, she released "Jankoliko", her first single, featuring Sound Sultan.[5] Her self-titled debut studio album, Chidinma, 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, among others.[6] In 2012, Chidinma won the "Best Female West African Act" award at the 2012 Kora Awards. She won the aforementioned award for her song "Kedike" and performed the song at the ceremony.[7]

Early life, educational pursuits, and public image

Chidinma Ekile, the last of six children, was born in Ketu, Lagos State.[3] 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 Project Fame West Africa. Chidinma started singing at age 6 and grew up with a disciplinarian father.[8] At the age of 10, she joined her church's choir.[9] She attended primary and secondary school in Ketu prior to relocating to Ikorodu with her family. When asked about her childhood, Chidinma said: "Growing up wasn’t so easy. I grew up in Ketu, Lagos. I have six siblings and I’m the last. We all sing. I didn’t have everything I wanted as a child but it was comfortable enough. Both parents are from Imo state. I had both primary and secondary education in Ketu. I was almost writing my Post UME when I went for project fame. My intention was to continue my education when I came back from Project Fame."[8] Chidinma is currently studying Sociology at the University of Lagos. She initially wanted to study Mass Communication. In an interview with Lanre Odukoya, Chidinma said: "I got admission into the University of Lagos to study Mass Communication but had to return to school to study Sociology. Mass Communication is in me, so I can return to school to study it anytime, but I’m cool with what I’m doing for now."[10] Chidinma 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 and a conscious one. She also said that music hasn't always been on her agenda and that she decided to give music a try after winning the MTN Project Fame competition.[11] After dying her hair red and getting a mohawk, people started perceiving Chidinma as a good girl gone bad. In an interview posted on Daily Independent, Chidinma countered this preception, saying: "that is totally false, I am the same Chidinma I used to be. My style has not and will never change. I’m only evolving and growing as a musician, challenging myself and trying out new things."[12]

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.[13] On September 26, 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.[14]

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 September 9, 2011.[15] Chidinma was one of the supporting acts at the 2013 Hennessy Artistry Club Tour; the tour was headlined by D'banj.[16][17] On November 3, 2013, Chidinma 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.[18] On November 9, 2013, Chidinma performed with Blackstreet at the Butterscotch Evening Experience, a concert held at the Eko Hotels and Suites.[19] On February 14, 2014, Chidinma performed at the MTN Valentine Rave Party, alongside Tiwa Savage, Mario, and Sound Sultan.[20] Chidinma has performed in several countries across Africa, including The Republic of Benin, Sierra Leone, Côte d'Ivoire, Kenya, Cameroun, Equitorial Guinea, Niger, and Ghana.

2011-2012:Chidinma

I am in the studio with really talented artistes, songwriters and producers. I am putting a whole lot of energy into my first album because the expectations are high. I not scared but challenged to produce an album that will reflect who I am artistically as well as make an impact in the Nigerian music industry.

— Chidinma on recording her debut self-titled studio album, Chidinma[21]

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.[22] The album was scheduled for release in the fourth quarter of 2011. Chidinma, speaking briefly on her album, said: "I am putting a whole lot of energy into my first album because the expectations are high. I not scared but challenged to produce an album that will reflect who I am artistically as well as make an impact in the Nigerian music industry."[5] Chidinma worked with different producers for her first solo project, including Cobhams Asuquo, Tee Y Mix, WazBeat, and Oscar Heman Ackah.[23] On February 22, 2011, she released the singles "Jankoliko", featuring Sound Sultan, and "Carry You Go". Both songs were written and produced by Oscar Heman Ackah.[22] Commenting on the reception she got from releasing "Jankoliko", she said: "I am happy about the positive response towards my new single. Project Fame really taught me on how to be a total artiste and it was what I have learnt that I am putting back in my song. Jankoliko is just the tip of the iceberg. I am improving my craft everyday".[5] The music video for "Jankoliko", directed by Clarence Peters, was released on June 4, 2011, at a total length of 3 minutes and 33 seconds.[24] On October 11, 2011, Chidinma released "Kedike", the album's third single. The song translates to "Heartbeat" and was produced by Cobhams Asuquo. In an interview with Entertainment Rave, Chidinma said: "Kedike depicts love actually. It’s a love song we intended to make commercial. It was hard when we started working on it but we eventually achieved the hit. We actually invented the word Kedike".[25] On October 11, 2011, she also released the album's fourth single, "Run Dia Mouth".[26] The music video for "Kedike" was released on January 24, 2012. It was directed by Clarence Peters and released at a total length of 3 minutes and 5 seconds. Dammy Krane, a recording artist signed to Tuface's Hypertek Records, played Chidinma's love interest in the music video.[27]

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.[25]

Chidinma began recording her upcoming album in the fourth quarter of 2012. On September 14, 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.[28] It peaked at number 7 on Vanguard's "Top 10 songs that made 2013" list.[29] On February 22, 2013, Chidinma and her record label released the remix of "Emi Ni Baller", featuring Wizkid. The song was also produced by Legendury Beatz.[30] On June 12, 2013, CAPital Dreams Pictures released the music video for "Emi Ni Baller". It was shot and directed in the U.K by Clarence Peters.[31] On June 10, 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 while "Kite" was produced by Del B. "Jolly" was produced by Wizboy.[32] On September 14, 2013, Chidinma released "Oh Baby" and on January 29, 2014, she released "Oh Baby Remix", featuring Flavour N'abania. Both songs were produced by Young D.[33]

Accomplishments and musical influences

Chidinma won the "Best Female West African Act" category at 2012 Kora Awards, held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Her award plaque was presented to her by Didier Drogba. She toppled Omawumi and five others for the honor. 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."[34] In the aforementioned interview with Lanre Odukoya, Chidinma talked about her Kora award win. She specifically said: "It feels really great judging by the fact that it’s still very early in my career. This kind of achievement is actually overwhelming. I must confess, I never thought all this will come this soon. Suddenly, I started getting enquiries from other African countries about my works. Prior to that time, I never knew I had so many fans out there who love my music this passionately. Winning The Best Female West African Act shows Africa loves me already and we are working so hard to conquer more grounds across the continent."[10] 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.[8][13]

Personal life

Sex tape scandal

In November 2013, a viral sex tape surfaced on the internet. Many people alleged that Chidinma was the one in the sex tape. Speaking to Sunday Beats, Chidinma addressed and debunked the rumors, saying: "I have never been involved in any kind of scandal. That is why I feel so sad about this. The mischief makers went ahead to hack my twitter account and opened a fresh account. They are now saying that the hacked account is fake while the one they opened is the 'real' account. I am trying not to feel bad about this but it is not easy. Thank God for my fans who believe so much in me. They have stood by me and they have also come out to say that the girl in that tape is certainly not me."[35] In an extensive interview with Nonye Ben-Nwankwo, Chidinma elaborated on the sex tape scandal, saying: "I woke up one morning and I was greeted on the internet with ‘Chidinma and sex tape’. I was worried primarily because of my mother. I didn’t let her see the video but I had to show her the photos. I didn’t want to go out that day. I couldn’t go out. But my mum felt otherwise. She told me to ignore the mischief makers. I almost took some actions but I thought against it. I met Sound Sultan on a set. He told me, ‘Babe, you are now a star. I welcome you officially into the industry.’ I trended for three days. Even people who didn’t know me got to know me. My fan base grew. And then, I was happy because more than 90 per cent of the public didn’t believe I was the one in that video. There were people who didn’t need to see the video to believe I couldn’t have done such thing. I am just grateful to everyone who didn’t believe the story. My Twitter account was hacked and the people created another account. They kept releasing nasty pictures and they were even responding to the tweets as if I was the one doing it. I was just watching and laughing. It put me in the spotlight. I used it for good."[36]

Awards and nominations

Year Event Prize Nominated work Result Ref
2013 The Headies Best Collabo "Emi Ni Baller"
(featuring Tha Suspect and IllBliss) 		Nominated [37]
Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA) Video of the Year Nominated [38]
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 [39]
Nigeria Entertainment Awards Best Collabo Nominated [40]
City People Entertainment Awards Musician of the Year (Female) Nominated [41]
2012 The Headies Best Vocal Performance (Female) "Kedike" Nominated [42]
Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA) Best Afro Pop Nominated [43]
Best Indigenous Concept Nominated
Nigeria Entertainment Awards Best New Act of the Year Nominated [44]
Best Pop/R&B Artist of the Year Nominated
Kora Awards Best Female West African Act "Kedike" Won [45]

Discography

Studio albums

Title Cover Album details Notes
Chidinma File:Chidinma - Chidinma album cover.jpg
  • Released: 2012
  • Label:Capital Hill Records
  • Format: CD, digital download
  • Producers: Cobhams Asuquo,
    Oscar Heman Ackah
No.TitleLength
1."I'm In Luv"4:12
2."Jankoliko" (featuring Sound Sultan)3:36
3."Kedike"3:55
4."Run Dia Mouth"3:55
5."Be Myself" (featuring Suspect)3:49
6."Carry You Go"3:52
7."Direction"5:20
8."Kedike (Remix)" (featuring Olamide)3:58
9."Run Dia Mouth (Remix)" (featuring Muna and Blaise)4:14
10."Winner" (featuring Project Fame 3 All Stars)4:54
11."Make My World Go Round"3:01

References

  1. ^ "Would Chidinma Dump Capital Hill Records?". Global Excellence. 29 January 2014. Retrieved 21 February 2014.
  2. ^ "Praiz, Chidinma chosen as new MTN brand ambassadors". Citizens Platform. 25 May 2013. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  3. ^ a b "Music: Chidinma, the girl next door". Afric Visions. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  4. ^ Njoku, Benjamin (7 September 2013). "Chidinma becomes first female act to make MTV's Naija top 10". Vanguard. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  5. ^ a b c "Project Fame's Chidinma set for debut album". Weekly Trust. 4 June 2011. Retrieved 21 February 2014.
  6. ^ "Chidinma - Chidinma". Spinlet. 2012. Retrieved 21 February 2014.
  7. ^ "Davido and Chidinma win big at KORA Awards 2012". Channels Television. 2 January 2013. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  8. ^ a b c Sowoolu, Lolade and Akintayo, OpeOluwani (13 November 2010). "I went through hell as a child, says Chidinma Ekile". Vanguard. Retrieved 25 February 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  9. ^ Biobaku, Samod. "Stunning facts about Chidinma Ekile". Daily Newswatch. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  10. ^ a b "Chidinma: Project Fame Prepared Me For Fame". This Day Live. 19 January 2013. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  11. ^ 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.
  12. ^ "I've not gone bad –Chidinma". Daily Independent. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  13. ^ a b "Chidinma Ekile". Project Fame West Africa. 8 June 2011. Retrieved 21 February 2014.
  14. ^ "Chidinma Emerges Winner of Project Fame". This Day Live. 1 October 2010. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  15. ^ "Chidinma, Dr SID, others thrill fans @MTN Power of 10 Concerts". Vanguard. 10 October 2011. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  16. ^ "Fans of Olamide, Chidinma 'clash' over Hennessy Artistry". Punch. 2 August 2013. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  17. ^ "Nigeria: D'banj Missing At Hennessy Artistry Club Tour". AllAfrica.com. 28 September 2013. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  18. ^ "Nigeria: P-Square, Davido, Others Ignite Guinness World of More Concert". AllAfrica.com. 1 November 2013. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  19. ^ "Chidinma performs with icons at Butterscotch Evening". Punch. 8 November 2013. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  20. ^ "MTN redefines love at Valentine Rave Party". WorldStage. 19 February 2014. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  21. ^ "Chidinma ready for the market". Vanguard. 4 June 2011. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  22. ^ a b "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.
  23. ^ "Chidinma Releases New Singles". This Day Live. 23 February 2011. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  24. ^ Alonge, Osagie (23 June 2011). "Chidinma And Sound Sultan Warm Up In 'Jankoliko' Video". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  25. ^ a b "CHIDINMA: 'I Don't Know What it Means to Fall in Love'". This Day Live. 28 June 2013. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  26. ^ "BN Music PREMIERE: Chidinma – Kedike (Heartbeat) /Run Dia Mouth". Bellanaija. 11 October 2011. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  27. ^ "Chidinma returns with 'Kedike' video". YNaija. 27 January 2012. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  28. ^ Alonge, Osagie (15 September 2012). "NETPod: 'Emi ni baller' – Chidinma ft. Tha Suspect, Illbliss". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  29. ^ Mgbolu, Charles (27 December 2013). "Top ten hit songs that made 2013". Vanguard. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  30. ^ "BN Music Premiere: Chidinma Feat. Wizkid – Emi Ni Baller Remix". Bellanaija. 22 February 2013. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  31. ^ Mgbolu, Charles (13 June 2013). "New video: Chidinma returns with Emi ni baller ft Tha Suspect & IllBliss". Vanguard. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  32. ^ "CHIDINMA – Bless my Hustle + Kite Master + Jolly Master". Hip Hop World Magazine. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  33. ^ "Music: Chidinma – Oh Baby Remix (You and I ft. Flavour". News247. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  34. ^ Adetu, Bayo (4 January 2013). "KORA Award Excites Chidinma". P.M. News. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  35. ^ Ben-Nwankwo, Nonye and Olonilua, Ademola (16 November 2013). "Chidinma denies SEX TAPE". Punch. Retrieved 25 February 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  36. ^ Ben-Nwankwo, Nonye (7 December 2013). "Those sex tapes made me more popular –Chidinma". Punch. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  37. ^ "Olamide wins big @ Headies 2013 + full list of winners". Vanguard. 27 December 2013. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  38. ^ "Flavour is biggest winner at Nigerian Music Video Awards 2013". Nigerian Entertainment Today. 16 November 2013. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  39. ^ "Nominees announced for Channel O Africa Music Awards". DSTV. 10 September 2013. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  40. ^ Abimboye, Micheal (31 May 2013). "Nigerian Entertainment Award announces 2013 nominees". Premium Times. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  41. ^ 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.
  42. ^ Mgbolu, Charles (28 August 2012). "Psquare, Bez lead Headies 2012 nominees list". Vanguard. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  43. ^ "Nigerian Music Video Awards (NMVA 2012 ) Full Winners List". Prisoner of Class. 21 December 2012. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  44. ^ "2012 NIGERIAN ENTERTAINMENT AWARDS NOMINEES ANNOUNCED AT THE NOMINATION GALA EVENT IN LAGOS". 360nobs. 3 June 2012. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  45. ^ Mgbolu, Charles (31 December 2012). "Chidinma, Davido win @ 2012 KORA Awards as Omawumi, D'banj, Clarence Peters lose out". Vanguard. Retrieved 25 February 2014.

Template:Persondata

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chidinma&oldid=599292992"