EDITORIAL

6 Popular Nigerian Music Artistes That Started Off Their Music Career In A Choir

Published

3 years ago

June 16, 2021

Some people describe singing as a talent while others see it as a skill that can be acquired. Well, whatever side you’re on, you would agree that music is an art, and it goes beyond analytics, it tends to be spiritual such that it has the ability to create an atmosphere for its hearer.

The Nigerian music industry has grown to the point that it has now gained recognition across the world with different genres and different styles of expression, you can always find your place in it.

Over the years, we’ve had Nigerians from different religious and cultural backgrounds create good music, however today we are looking into the lives of those Nigerian Pop artistes who started from a choir.

The choir is a place where musical talent is bred, it gives individuals an avenue to groom and express their talent. The discipline associated in the choir is also one of the contributing factors to the dedication of it’s members. We believe these factors contributed to the quality of music by the following 6 Nigerian music artistes.

1. Simi

Afro Pop singer Simisola Kosoko has a very unique sound that easily stands out. One of the amazing things about her music is how she tells a story in all her songs. Simi started singing when she was younger with the choir in her local church. She also started off her career as a gospel singer in 2008 releasing her first album “Ojagu” which was produced by Samklef.

2. Johnny Drille

John Ighodaro better known as Johnny Drille was born and raised in a Christian home, his father is a Clergyman. The 31-year-old singer has achieved much recognition for his vocals and his ability to compose great love songs. It is interesting to know that his great talent was groomed in his father’s church choir.

3. Darey

Darey also known as Dare Art Alade, is the son of the late “Art Alade” who was among the pioneers of Jazz genre of music in Nigeria. The 39 year old singer, songwriter amongst many things rose to prominence following the release of his song “Not the Girl”. This song attracted many local and international awards. Darey like the other artists on this list also started his singing with different choirs before he broke into the Pop genre.

4. Wande Coal

Wande Coal is one of the Nigerian male music artistes with quite a unique vocal range, when he sings one could tell his vocals must’ve been refined in fire. Wande Coal started off singing as a teenager with his church teenage choir and since he sufficed singing RnB, his sound has remained pure.

5. Timi Dakolo

Timi Dakolo is one artiste that seems to regard his art very highly, it can be noticed in the delivery of his art. Whenever he releases a song, you could tell that it came straight from his heart. Timi also started singing when he was 12 with his church choir.

6. Seyi Shay

Seyi Shay was raised in London and has quite a strong portfolio when it comes to her international affiliations. Seyi Shay remains one Nigerian musician that performs very nicely when she goes live. Having backed up some big names and being the lead vocalist for defunct girl band “From Above”, one can say that Seyi Shay’s music is refined. Seyi Shay makes our list because she started singing at her secondary school choir, and performed with the “London Community Gospel Choir” at the start of her career.