Babalola Oluwagbemiga Gabriel (born August 1, 1980) known professionally as Bigiano, is a Nigerian songwriter, singer, record producer, recording artist, and stage performer, Known for his hit single “Shayo"
Early life and education
Babalola Oluwagbemiga Gabriel is the fourth in a family of six, from
Osun State
Osun State (; yo, Ìpínlẹ̀ Ọ̀ṣun), occasionally known as the State of Osun by the state government, is a state in southwestern Nigeria; bounded to the east by Ekiti and Ondo states, to the north by Kwara State, to the south by Ogun S ...
, he started his music career as a choirmaster and music coordinator in church.
He studied computer science at the
Obafemi Awolowo University
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) is a federal government-owned university that is located in the ancient city of Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. The university was founded in 1961 and classes commenced in October 1962 as the University of Ife ...
.
His passion for the entertainment world lured him into teaming up with other like minds to start a musical group known as Triple B.
In 1999, the group released an official single called "Egba Mi"
Career
In 2009, he was nominated for multiple awards including the MTV Africa Music Awards and Nigeria Entertainment Awards' under the Best New Act category alongside
M.I.
In same year, his song “Shayo” won Best Music Video, Best Cinematography and Viewers’ Choice of The Year Awards at the Sound City Music Video Awards.
He also went on to tour the South African territories.
In 2012, Bigiano featured fellow Nigerian artiste
Wizkid
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun (born 16 July 1990), known professionally as Wizkid, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. A prominent figure in the modern-day Afrobeats music scene, Wizkid is regarded as one of the biggest and most influential Afri ...
on his single “Chillings”. He has also featured other household names like
Innocent "Tuface" Idibia
In October 2022, he released an
Amapiano
Amapiano ( Zulu for "the pianos") is a style of house music that emerged in South Africa in the mid 2010s. It is a hybrid of deep house, jazz and lounge music characterized by synths and wide percussive basslines.
It is distinguished by high-pit ...
refix of his original hit single Shayo alongiside Jaybreeze.
Discography
Albums
* ''Shayo master'' – 2008
Singles
* "It's Over" feat. General Pype
* "Chillings" feat.
Wizkid
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun (born 16 July 1990), known professionally as Wizkid, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. A prominent figure in the modern-day Afrobeats music scene, Wizkid is regarded as one of the biggest and most influential Afri ...
* "As E Dey Hot"
* "One & Only"
* "Ibile"
* "Tonight"
* "Chiquito"
* "I Be Somebody"
* "BFF"
* "Norty"
* "Who's That Girl"
* "Go Crazy"
Awards and nominations
References
1988 births
Nigerian singer-songwriters
21st-century Nigerian singers
Living people
{{Nigeria-musician-stub