Humblesmith
Ekenedilichukwu 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 single titled "Osinachi". In 2019 he got featured by Umuobiligbo on a track Tittled Nwalie 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 N-tyze Entertainment,[3][4] he made the list of "10 Artists To Watch in 2016" by notJustOk.[5]
Humblesmith | |
---|---|
Birth name | Ekenedilichukwu Ijemba |
Born | Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria | May 14, 1991
Origin | Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria |
Genres | R&B, afropop, highlife |
Occupation(s) | singer-songwriter, vocalist |
Instruments | Vocals |
Years active | 2011–present |
Labels | N-tyze |
Associated acts |
Early life
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]
2014–present: Beginnings and rise to fame
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]
Artistry
Humblesmith cites Bright Chimezie as his music influence.[11] He usually sings the afropop genre of music with a little fusion of highlife.
Endorsement deal
In June 2016, Humblesmith signed a multi-million Naira endorsement deal with noodles manufacturing company Tummy-Tummy Food Industry.[12]
Discography
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"[13] | ||
2019 | "Uju Mina" | |
"Report My Case" |
Awards and nominations
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 | [14] | |
Best New Act | Himself | Nominated | [14] | ||
2016 African Muzik Magazine Awards | Best Newcomer | Nominated | [15] | ||
2016 City People Entertainment Awards | Collaboration of the Year | "Osinachi (Remix)" | Won | [16] | |
The Headies 2016 | Song of the Year | Nominated | [17] | ||
Best Pop Single | Nominated | [17] | |||
Best Collaboration | Nominated | [17] | |||
Next Rated | Himself | Nominated | [18] | ||
Nigerian Teen Choice Award 2016 | Choice Afro Beat & Pop Artist | Nominated | [19] | ||
Choice New Song of the Year | "Osinachi (Remix)" | Nominated | [19] |
References
- Ayodele Johnson (July 23, 2016). "Humblesmith: 'I want to give $2000 to my fans', singer says". Pulse Nigeria. Archived from the original on July 24, 2016. Retrieved July 24, 2016.
- "Humblesmith speaks on background". Naij. April 4, 2016. Archived from the original on August 20, 2016. Retrieved July 24, 2016.
- "I don't regret featuring Davido in Osinachi –Humblesmith". The Punch. 6 February 2016. Archived from the original on 11 July 2016. Retrieved 24 July 2016.
- Dayo Showemimo (May 30, 2015). "Humblesmith returns with 'Love Me'". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Archived from the original on May 5, 2016. Retrieved July 24, 2016.
- Don Boye (February 22, 2016). "10 Artists To Watch in 2016". notJustOk. Archived from the original on June 29, 2016. Retrieved July 24, 2016.
- Ago, Arinze; Emmanuel, Dan; Kehinde, Seye (February 15, 2016). "Humblesmith Reveals His Grass-To-Grace Story – How He Sold Moin-Moin in Abakaliki". City People Magazine. Archived from the original on May 2, 2016. Retrieved July 24, 2016.
- Ademola, Adeleke; Agbana, Rotimi (June 18, 2016). "I stole and sold my mom's gold to pay for my first studio session – Humblesmith". Vanguard News. Archived from the original on July 23, 2016. Retrieved July 24, 2016.
- "EN: Osinachi Crooner, Humblesmith Opens Up About Life & New Found Fame". Channels TV. February 25, 2016. Retrieved July 24, 2016 – via YouTube.
- Adedayo Showemimo (June 17, 2016). "FULL nominee list for 2016 Nigerian Entertainment Awards (NEA)". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Archived from the original on January 2, 2017. Retrieved July 24, 2016.
- Rotimi Agbana (July 4, 2016). "Humblesmith unveils competition for new single, jukwese". Vanguard News. Archived from the original on July 10, 2016. Retrieved July 24, 2016.
- Ifeoma Ogbonna, Genevieve; Jide, Molokwu Theophilus; Christopher, Emuekpere (July 1, 2016). "I wept, fasted before God gave me Osinachi –Humble Smith". The Sun Newspaper. Archived from the original on July 3, 2016. Retrieved July 24, 2016.
- Agbana, Rotimi (June 29, 2016). "Humblesmith bags multi-million naira endorsement deal". Vanguard News. Archived from the original on August 2, 2016. Retrieved July 24, 2016.
- "Humble Smith Sugar song download". View Nigeria. October 27, 2017. Archived from the original on November 7, 2017. Retrieved October 30, 2017.
- "Nominations are Here! Find out who Made the 2016 Nigerian Entertainment Awards Nominees List". BellaNaija. June 16, 2016. Archived from the original on August 16, 2016. Retrieved July 24, 2016.
- Demola OG (July 20, 2016). "EXCLUSIVE: AFRIMMA 2016 NOMINEES LIST UNVEILED". notJustOk. Archived from the original on July 23, 2016. Retrieved July 24, 2016.
- Adedayo Showemimo (July 26, 2016). "Full List of Winners at 2016 City People Entertainment Awards". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Archived from the original on December 8, 2016. Retrieved July 28, 2016.
- "Headies 2016 Awards : The winners are…". The Punch. December 23, 2016. Archived from the original on May 18, 2017. Retrieved May 18, 2017.
- "Ycee, Koker, Humblesmith... Who Is The Next Rated Artiste in 2016?". tooXclusive. Archived from the original on May 10, 2017. Retrieved May 18, 2017.
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on July 25, 2018. Retrieved May 12, 2019.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)