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Nigerian musician From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ekenedirichukwu 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 hit single titled "Osinachi" in 2015 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 Show Bobo Music Limited,[4] he made the list of "10 Artists To Watch in 2016" by notJustOk.[5]
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]
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]
Following the success of his singles "Osinachi" and Jukwuese", Humblesmith released his debut album Osinachi, which featured guest vocals from Davido, Patoranking, Phyno, Harrysong, Olamide, and Tiwa Savage.[11] In December 2020, after a brief hiatus, he released a new single, Kosi, loosely translated as "God's will", a song of gratitude to God for his achievements.[12]
Humblesmith cites Bright Chimezie as his music influence.[13] He usually sings the afropop genre of music with a little fusion of highlife.
In June 2016, Humblesmith signed an endorsement deal with noodles manufacturing company Tummy-Tummy Food Industry.[14][15]
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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) | ||
2017 | "Attracta" | |
"Focus" | ||
"Abakaliki to Lasgidi (featuring Olamide) | ||
"Sugar"[16] | ||
2019 | "Uju Mina" | |
"Report My Case" | ||
2020 | "Kosi" |
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 | [17] | |
Best New Act | Himself | Nominated | [17] | ||
2016 African Muzik Magazine Awards | Best Newcomer | Nominated | [18] | ||
2016 City People Entertainment Awards | Collaboration of the Year | "Osinachi (Remix)" | Won | [19] | |
The Headies 2016 | Song of the Year | Nominated | [20] | ||
Best Pop Single | Nominated | [20] | |||
Best Collaboration | Nominated | [20] | |||
Next Rated | Himself | Nominated | [21] | ||
Nigerian Teen Choice Award 2016 | Choice Afro Beat & Pop Artist | Nominated | [22] | ||
Choice New Song of the Year | "Osinachi (Remix)" | Nominated | [22] |
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