Many years ago, before they even thought
of having a glint of spotlight directed at them, these singers adorned
themselves in cassocks every Sunday and lined up inconspicuously with
their counterparts as they rendered hymns and praises to God. Fast
forward to today and they are the toast of the society with thousands of
fans and followers. Saturday Beats focuses its beam light on artistes
that horned their skills in church.
of having a glint of spotlight directed at them, these singers adorned
themselves in cassocks every Sunday and lined up inconspicuously with
their counterparts as they rendered hymns and praises to God. Fast
forward to today and they are the toast of the society with thousands of
fans and followers. Saturday Beats focuses its beam light on artistes
that horned their skills in church.
Darey Art Alade
Dare Art Alade is the son of Nigerian
Jazz pioneer, Art and Olapeju Alade. Fondly referred to as Darey, he
honed his skills at an early age, singing with several choirs, including
the National Troupe of Nigeria Choir and then the Cathedral Choir. From
age 15, he began performing extensively in clubs around Lagos, Ibadan
and other cities in Nigeria. His big break finally came during the 2004
edition of Project Fame West Africa, a well renowned reality TV show and
continent-wide talent hunt and emerged third in the contest.
Jazz pioneer, Art and Olapeju Alade. Fondly referred to as Darey, he
honed his skills at an early age, singing with several choirs, including
the National Troupe of Nigeria Choir and then the Cathedral Choir. From
age 15, he began performing extensively in clubs around Lagos, Ibadan
and other cities in Nigeria. His big break finally came during the 2004
edition of Project Fame West Africa, a well renowned reality TV show and
continent-wide talent hunt and emerged third in the contest.
Timaya
Self-acclaimed Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa
is never shy to tell anyone who cares to listen that before he became
the Ukwu crooner, he once used to sing songs to honour and please God.
The iconic singer began his career as a chorister in a church in Bayelsa
before he went in search of greener pasture and became a back-up for
Eedris Abdulkareem for three years. He later left to explore his music
career and the rest is history.
is never shy to tell anyone who cares to listen that before he became
the Ukwu crooner, he once used to sing songs to honour and please God.
The iconic singer began his career as a chorister in a church in Bayelsa
before he went in search of greener pasture and became a back-up for
Eedris Abdulkareem for three years. He later left to explore his music
career and the rest is history.
Banky W
Singer and actor Banky W was also a
choir boy. Born in the US to Nigerian parents, his singing career began
when he was eight years old from the church choir. After his secondary
school education, he bagged a scholarship degree in Engineering at the
Resselaer Polytechnic institute and while in college, he came into
limelight when he won the Albany Idol Competition. The co-founder of EME
is also a certified film maker.
choir boy. Born in the US to Nigerian parents, his singing career began
when he was eight years old from the church choir. After his secondary
school education, he bagged a scholarship degree in Engineering at the
Resselaer Polytechnic institute and while in college, he came into
limelight when he won the Albany Idol Competition. The co-founder of EME
is also a certified film maker.
Waje
Sonorous songstress, Aituaje Iruobe
fondly referred to as Waje, first wormed herself into the hearts of many
music lovers in Nigeria when she featured in P-Square’s smash hit
single, ‘Do Me.’ She was also featured on Banky W’s “Thief My Kele” and
M.I’s “One Naira”. In 2016, she was one of the four judges in the
inaugural season of The Voice Nigeria. However, before fame came her
way, she attended the Word of Faith Group of Schools and joined the
choir. As a young singer, she once sang gospel tunes to the delight of
the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa of Church of God Mission
International. Archbishop Idahosa was quite impressed by her singing and
decided to help her throughout her secondary school days.
fondly referred to as Waje, first wormed herself into the hearts of many
music lovers in Nigeria when she featured in P-Square’s smash hit
single, ‘Do Me.’ She was also featured on Banky W’s “Thief My Kele” and
M.I’s “One Naira”. In 2016, she was one of the four judges in the
inaugural season of The Voice Nigeria. However, before fame came her
way, she attended the Word of Faith Group of Schools and joined the
choir. As a young singer, she once sang gospel tunes to the delight of
the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa of Church of God Mission
International. Archbishop Idahosa was quite impressed by her singing and
decided to help her throughout her secondary school days.
Chidinma
In 2010, she rose to stardom after
winning the third season of Project Fame West Africa and in 2012, she
won Best Female West African Act at the Kora Awards where the singer
performed “Kedike” at the ceremony. However, before all the accolades,
the young lady singing at the age of six and joined her church choir at
10. She was a chorister at the Foursquare Gospel Church prior to winning
Project Fame West Africa in 2010. Interestingly, even after she emerged
winner of the competition, she continued in the church choir.
winning the third season of Project Fame West Africa and in 2012, she
won Best Female West African Act at the Kora Awards where the singer
performed “Kedike” at the ceremony. However, before all the accolades,
the young lady singing at the age of six and joined her church choir at
10. She was a chorister at the Foursquare Gospel Church prior to winning
Project Fame West Africa in 2010. Interestingly, even after she emerged
winner of the competition, she continued in the church choir.