Humblesmith

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]

Humblesmith
Background information
Birth nameEkenedirichukwu Ijemba
Born (1991-05-14) May 14, 1991
Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
OriginImo State, Nigeria
GenresR&B, afropop, highlife
Occupation(s)singer-songwriter, vocalist
Instrument(s)Vocals
Years active2011–present
LabelsShow Bobo Music

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]

Career

2014–2017: 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]

2018–present: Release of Osinachi, hiatus, and other singles

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]

Artistry

Humblesmith cites Bright Chimezie as his music influence.[13] He usually sings the afropop genre of music with a little fusion of highlife.

Endorsement deal

In June 2016, Humblesmith signed a 10million dollar Naira endorsement deal with noodles manufacturing company Tummy-Tummy Food Industry.[14]

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"[15]
2019 "Uju Mina"
"Report My Case"
2020"Kosi"

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 [16]
Best New Act Himself Nominated [16]
2016 African Muzik Magazine Awards Best Newcomer Nominated [17]
2016 City People Entertainment Awards Collaboration of the Year "Osinachi (Remix)" Won [18]
The Headies 2016 Song of the Year Nominated [19]
Best Pop Single Nominated [19]
Best Collaboration Nominated [19]
Next Rated Himself Nominated [20]
Nigerian Teen Choice Award 2016 Choice Afro Beat & Pop Artist Nominated [21]
Choice New Song of the Year "Osinachi (Remix)" Nominated [21]

See also

References
  1. 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.
  2. "Humblesmith speaks on background". Naij. April 4, 2016. Archived from the original on August 20, 2016. Retrieved July 24, 2016.
  3. "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.
  4. Chijioke5050 (December 16, 2020). "Humblesmith Attracta ft. Tiwa Savage". Naijabeatz. Retrieved January 7, 2021.
  5. Chijioke5050 (February 22, 2016). "10 Artists To Watch in 2016". Naijabeatz. Archived from the original on July 17, 2023. Retrieved July 24, 2016.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. "EN: Osinachi Crooner, Humblesmith Opens Up About Life & New Found Fame". Channels TV. February 25, 2016. Retrieved July 24, 2016 – via YouTube.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. Agbo, Njideka (June 23, 2018). "Humblesmith Debuts "Osinachi" Album". The Guardian. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
  12. "Humblesmith Makes A Comeback With New Single "Kosi"". Guardian News. December 11, 2020. Retrieved January 6, 2021.
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. "Humble Smith Sugar song download". View Nigeria. October 27, 2017. Archived from the original on November 7, 2017. Retrieved October 30, 2017.
  16. "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.
  17. Demola OG (July 20, 2016). "EXCLUSIVE: AFRIMMA 2016 NOMINEES LIST UNVEILED". notJustOk. Archived from the original on July 23, 2016. Retrieved July 24, 2016.
  18. 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.
  19. "Headies 2016 Awards : The winners are…". The Punch. December 23, 2016. Archived from the original on May 18, 2017. Retrieved May 18, 2017.
  20. "Ycee, Koker, Humblesmith... Who Is The Next Rated Artiste in 2016?". tooXclusive. October 10, 2016. Archived from the original on May 10, 2017. Retrieved May 18, 2017.
  21. "Nigerian Teen Choice Award 2016 Nominees - Evatese Blog". Archived from the original on July 25, 2018. Retrieved May 12, 2019.
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