Dare Art Alade (born February 9, 1982)– popularly known as Darey – is a Nigerian multi-platinum Afro R&B singer, songwriter, record producer, philanthropist, humanitarian and entrepreneur. He is also the son of the legendary African Jazz Musician and entertainer

Art Alade Modupe Afolabi Jemi-Alade (December 14, 1937 - June 29, 1993) popularly known as Art Alade was a Nigerian television personality and producer who was the host of ''The Bar Beach Show'' a weekly variety show on NBC-TV that aired during the 1970s. ...

and the creative director of Livespot360.

Early life

Dare (pronounced Da-Ray) Art Alade was born in

Lagos Lagos (Nigerian English: ; ) is the largest city in Nigeria and the List of cities in Africa by population, second most populous city in Africa, with a population of 15.4 million as of 2015 within the city proper. Lagos was the national ca ...

to legendary Nigerian Jazz pioneer

and Olapeju Alade.Dare is the last of five children of Olapeju to Art Alade,a famous Nigerian highlife/jazz artist in the sixties and seventies
Dare
as a child, used to rummage through his father's extensive

jazz Jazz is a music genre that originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans, Louisiana in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with its roots in blues and ragtime. Since the 1920s Jazz Age, it has been recognized as a major ...

collection and tag along with him to his concerts. Dare honed his skills at an early age, singing with several choirs, including the National Troupe of Nigeria Choir and then the Cathedral Choir. From the age 15, he began performing extensively in clubs around

Ibadan Ibadan (, ; ) is the capital and most populous city of Oyo State, in Nigeria. It is the third-largest city by population in Nigeria after Lagos and Kano, with a total population of 3,649,000 as of 2021, and over 6 million people within its me ...

and other cities in

Nigeria Nigeria ( ), , ig, Naìjíríyà, yo, Nàìjíríà, pcm, Naijá , ff, Naajeeriya, kcg, Naijeriya officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country in West Africa. It is situated between the Sahel to the north and the Gulf o ...

. It was during one of those late night sessions he met an executive at Cool FM, a major Radio station, who appreciated his voice, and his ability to interact with his audience. The determined teenager began shuttling between Cool FM and the

University of Lagos The University of Lagos, popularly known as UNILAG, is a public research university located in Lagos, Nigeria and was founded in 1962. UNILAG is one of the first generation universities in Nigeria and is ranked among the top universities in th ...

where he was studying for a degree in Music, and sang with the a cappella group The Chordwebs. During his time at Cool FM, he had the opportunity to acquire the basic knowledge of radio production and marketing.

Career

Darey has also worked as a successful radio and TV personality, appearing as a coach, judge and host on several TV shows, including

Project Fame West Africa ''Project Fame'', also known as ''Project Fame West Africa'' or ''MTN Project Fame West Africa'' (for sponsorship purposes), is a music talent TV reality show filmed in Lagos and aired in the West African subcontinent. It is a regional version of ...

Nigerian Idol ''Nigerian Idol'' is the local version of the Idol series franchise. It is the second Idol franchise for the country as it was already part of Idols West Africa which was also shot and produced in Stockholm, Sweden. The show started with its ...

, and

The Voice Nigeria ''The Voice Nigeria'' is the Nigerian franchise of the TV series ''The Voice''. It is a singing competition that features music enthusiasts and professional performers. Since its first edition in 2016 in Nigeria, the show has become the biggest ...

. He is also a seasoned Master of Ceremonies, voice over artist and philanthropist. Darey is the co-founder of Livespot360, a creative agency responsible for some of the most disruptive concerts in Nigeria. Under his creative direction, Livespot360 has organised several groundbreaking concerts and festivals in Nigeria, which have featured appearances from African and international superstars alike, including Grammy award winners

Kelly Rowland Kelendria Trene Rowland (born February 11, 1981) is an American singer, actress, and television personality. She rose to fame in the late 1990s as a member of Destiny's Child, one of the world's List of best-selling girl groups, best-selling girl ...

Ciara Ciara Princess Wilson ( ; Harris; born October 25, 1985) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, model and entrepreneur. She released her debut studio album, '' Goodies'' in 2004, which spawned four singles: " Goodies" (featuring Petey Pa ...

Cardi B Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar Cephus (, ; born October 11, 1992), known professionally as Cardi B, is an American rapper and songwriter. She first gained popularity as an influencer on Vine and Instagram. From 2015 to early 2017, she appeared as ...

and global super influencer and TV personality,

Kim Kardashian Kimberly Noel Kardashian (formerly West; born October 21, 1980) is an American socialite, media personality, and businesswoman. She first gained media attention as a friend and stylist of Paris Hilton, but received wider notice after the sex ...

2004–06: ''Project Fame''

Darey's big break finally came during the 2004 edition of

Project Fame ''Project Fame'' was a pan-African version of the international talent/reality show ''Star Academy''. Held in Johannesburg, South Africa from June to August 2004, the show had 16 African contestants – 9 of which were South African – groomed ...

Academy, a well renowned Reality TV show and continent-wide talent hunt and emerged third in the contest.

2006–07: ''From Me 2 U''

After an unfruitful record deal with Sony BMG Africa, his debut album 'From Me 2 U' hit the Nigerian market two years later on Storm Records. The album was laced with several hit singles, including 'Fuji' and 'Escalade' which enjoyed massive airplay in the Nigerian and international media. The top selling album also included the song, 'Original Naija' which was used as the theme song for the first ever edition of Big Brother Nigeria. Darey's album, 'From Me 2 U' won several awards including the Awards for Musical excellence in Nigeria (A.M.E.N) and the 2006

Channel O Music Video Awards Channel O Africa Music Video Awards, once known as Spirit of Africa Music Video Awards, are Pan-African music awards organised by South Africa -based Channel O television channel. The awards were first held in 2003 under the name Reel Music Video A ...

for best R&B Video in Africa.

2008: ''Project Fame West Africa''

In 2008, Darey spent several months as the host of a music based reality show 'Project Fame West Africa' from where he first hit continental fame in the South Africa edition in 2004.

2009: ''unDAREYted''

Two years after the release of his successful debut album, Darey released his highly anticipated follow up entitled 'unDAREYted', on the new start up label, Soul Muzik. The album sold over 150,000 copies across Nigeria in just two months. The album features appearances by Darey's contemporaries and friends: Cobhams Asuquo (

Aṣa Bukola Elemide (born 17 September 1982"There's 'Fire O ...

's producer),

2face Idibia Innocent Ujah Idibia MON (born 18 September 1975), known by his stage name 2Baba, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, record producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist. Noted for his vocal range, lyrical depth, and longevity, he is widely regard ...

Naeto C Naetochukwu Chikwe, stage name Naeto C, is a Nigerian rapper, Afrobeat artist and record producer. Early life He was born in Houston, Texas and is of Nigerian origin. The Governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha appointed Naeto C, as his Speci ...

9ice 9ice, born Alexander Abolore Adegbola Akande (born 17 January 1980), is a Nigerian musician, songwriter and dancer. He is known for his powerful use of the Yoruba language in his music as well as his proverbial lyrics and unique style of deliv ...

, Tee-Y Mix and the up-and-coming R&B crooner, Pheel, to mention a few. The critically acclaimed work features the smash hit ballad "Not The Girl," which has been nominated for several awards and won video of the year at the 2009 Nigerian Entertainment Awards held in Washington DC. unDAREYted caught the attention of the African American Music business legend Dick Griffey, who is credited with discovering and influencing the music careers of artists such as

Shalamar Shalamar () is an American R&B and soul music vocal group active since the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s. Shalamar's classic line-up on the SOLAR label consisted of Howard Hewett, Jody Watley, and Jeffrey Daniel, together with dancer ...

, The Whispers,

Babyface Babyface or Baby Face can refer to: Nicknames * Lester Joseph Gillis a.k.a. Baby Face Nelson, an infamous 1930s bank robber * Roosevelt "Baby Face" Willette (1933–1971), an American hard bop and soul-jazz musician * "Baby Face", Jimmy McLarnin ...

L.A. Reid Antonio Marquis "L.A." Reid (born June 7, 1956) is an American record executive, A&R representative, and record producer. He is the founder and served as co-chairman of Hitco Entertainment. He also previously served as the chairman and CEO of Ep ...

and

Dr. Dre Andre Romelle Young (born February 18, 1965), known professionally as Dr. Dre, is an American rapper and record producer. He is the founder and CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and Beats Electronics, and previously co-founded, co-owned, and ...

. Dick Griffey offered to executive-produce Darey's third album which was to break Darey further into the U.S and international markets but unfortunately he died before the project could be completed.

2010–2015: ''Double Dare''

In 2010, Darey performed at high-profile shows in many cities across the World including Nairobi, Johannesburg, Abuja, Lagos and other major African cities, including a special concert with R&B legend

R. Kelly Robert Sylvester Kelly (born January 8, 1967) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and sex offender convicted of racketeering and multiple sex offenses. During his recording career, Kelly sold over 75 million records worldwid ...

in South Africa and the This Day Peace Concert Tour in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, which had 50 Cent and Ciara as headliners. On request of the President of Nigeria, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, he was invited to perform at the presidential villa in an exclusive dinner to commemorate the Country's 50th independence Anniversary. At the event, which was broadcast live to over 200 million viewers across the world, he performed a medley of 50 songs with his 15-piece band, "Soul band" to a room filled with several African presidents and past world leaders. Darey was the main host of both the Gulder Ultimate Search and Glo Naija Sings reality shows in 2011 and in February 2013, put together alongside his Soul Muzik team one of the biggest shows Nigeria has ever seen, ''Darey Presents'': Love Like A Movie in February 2013 which had the red carpet hosted by

as well as the highly successful release of the music video, "Asiko" featuring Jozi and Ice Prince. In May 2013, Darey released a new single, Special Fever, produced by internationally acclaimed producer Harmony. In June 2013, hosted the launch of media mogul Mo Abudu's multi-broadcast network Ebony Life TV alongside Dolapo Oni and most recently signed on as an ambassador to Unilever's popular beverage drink – Lipton. Darey also became a judge on

, replacing

Jeffrey Daniel Jeffrey Glen Daniel (born August 24, 1955 ) is an American dancer, singer-songwriter and choreographer, most notable for being a founding member of the R&B vocal group Shalamar. In Nigeria, he is best known as a former ''Idol'' series judge ...

2013-2016: Darey Presents Love Like A Movie

Love Like A Movie is a groundbreaking, theatrical concert for Valentines Day held annually by Darey. It set the new standard for cutting-edge production in Nigeria. The first edition of the show was held in 2013. The show was tagged "The Flight of Love" and featured a special appearance from American reality TV star;

and raised the bar for experiential events in Nigeria. The second edition of Love Like A Movie was held in 2014. and featured a special performance by Kelly Rowland. The third edition of Love Like A Movie was held in 2016 and saw the energetic

take to the stage and also lit up the streets of Lagos with an impromptu dance off.

2015: "Naked"

October 2015, Darey released his fifth studio album titled Naked. The 13-track album made up of afrobeat, soul and R&B features collaborations with Asa, YBNL Nation rapper Olamide and multiple Grammy award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir. Ten of the thirteen songs on the album were produced by Oscar Heman-Ackah. There are also production contributions from Cobhams Asuquo and Vtek and Dare himself.

2018-2019: BAFEST

Darey served as the creative director and also performed at the second biggest festival in Nigeria BAFEST (Born in Africa Festival) in December 2018 and 2019 to rave reviews. The Livespot-produced festival was conceived to retell the African story by showcasing the very best of art, music, film and fashion. The festival had over 50,000 in attendance and broadcast to over 50 million people across Africa.

2019: Livespot X Festival

Darey performed at the Livespot X Festival (produced by Livespot 360) which was held in December 2019 across two African cities

and

Accra Accra (; tw, Nkran; dag, Ankara; gaa, Ga or ''Gaga'') is the capital and largest city of Ghana, located on the southern coast at the Gulf of Guinea, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean. As of 2021 census, the Accra Metropolitan District, , ...

with Grammy Award winner

as headline act. The first ever Livespot X Festival in Lagos was the biggest concert in Nigeria with over 60,000 people in attendance. Along with creative directing, hosting and performing at the festival Darey also immersed Cardi B in Nigerian pop culture, showing her around and also paying a philanthropic visit to an orphanage, acting as the entertainment bridge that connects the world to Africa. During her visit, Cardi B adopted a Nigerian name "Chioma" and called herself "Chioma B" on social media which thrilled many of her Nigerian fans.

Jah Guide Me

After being away for nearly five years as an active musician, on August 14, 2020, Darey returned with a gospel-esque single titled "Jah Guide Me". The song was released to a wide-acclaim and was accompanied by a very colourful Afro-futuristic video. Darey described Jah Guide Me as the beginning of a deeply African-rooted story.

Discography

Albums

*''From Me 2 U'' (2006) *''unDAREYted'' (2009) *''DoubleDare'' (2011) *''Naked'' (2015) *''Way Home'' (2020)

Singles

*''Escalade'' (2006) *''Fuji'' (2006) *''With This Woman'' (2008) *''Carry Dey Go'' (featuring 2Face Idibia) (2008) *''Not The Girl'' (2008) *''More'' (2009) *''No Stars'' (2009) *''Let You Know'' (2009) *''Style Na Style'' Remix ft.

, Password & Jesse Jagz (2009) *''Stroke Me'' (2009) *''The Way You Are'' (2010) *''Don't Let Me Know'' (2010) * ''Ba Ni Ki Di ''(2010) * ''Sisi Eko'' (2010) * ''The Way You Are (Remix) ft Chamillionaire ''(2011) * ''Special Fever'' (2013) * ''Asiko Laiye (Remix) ft Olamide '' (2015) * ''Pray For Me ft Soweto Gospel Choir'' (2015) * ''Jah Guide Me'' (2020)

Awards

Won *Best Male Video "Not The Girl" (2009

) *Best R&B Video "Not The Girl" (2009

) *Best R&B "Not The Girl" (2009 Nigerian Music Video Awards) *Best Use of Costume "More" (2009 Nigerian Music Video Awards) *Video of the Year "More" (2009 Nigerian Music Video Awards) *Best Music Video of the Year "Not The Girl" (2009 Nigeria Entertainment Awards) *Best R&B Video "Escalade" (2006

) *Best Picture / Musical Video "Escalade" (Awards for Musical excellence in Nigeria (A.M.E.N)) *Recording of the Year "The Way You Are" (The Headies 2011) *Best R&B Single of the Year "The Way You Are" (The Headies 2011) *Best Male Artiste: Inspirational "Pray For Me" (All Africa Music Award 2015) Nominated *Best R&B (2009 MTV Music Video Awards) *Best R&B Song "Escalade" (2007 Awards for Musical excellence in Nigeria (A.M.E.N)) *Best R&B Album "From Me 2 U" (Awards for Musical excellence in Nigeria (A.M.E.N)) *Best Single Recording "Not The Girl" (2009 Hip Hop World Awards) *Best Vocal Performance – Male "Not The Girl" (2009 Hip Hop World Awards) * Best Afro Pop Video "Ba Ni Ki Di" (2011 Nigerian Music Video Awards) * Best RnB Video "The Way You Are" (2011 Nigerian Music Video Awards) * Video of the year "The Way You Are" (2011 Nigerian Music Video Awards) * Best Use of Costumes "Ba Ni Ki Di" (2011 Nigerian Music Video Awards) *

Artist of the Year ''Artist of the Year'' is a television competition shown on the Sky Arts channel (formerly known as Artsworld and Sky Arts 1) which aims to find the best portrait and landscape painter every year. Overview Through several rounds of regional comp ...

(

The Headies 2011 The Headies 2011 was the 6th edition of the Hip Hop World Awards. The award's name was officially changed to "The Headies". The ceremony was hosted by Rita Dominic and eLDee. It was held on October 22, 2011, at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Victo ...

) * Best R&B Pop Album – Double Dare (2011 The Headies) * Best Vocal Performance (2011 The Headies) * MostStylish Artist – Male (FAB Awards 2012) * Best Use of Costumes "Sisi Eko" (2012 Nigerian Music Video Awards) * Best Highlife "Sisi Eko" (2012 Nigerian Music Video Awards) * Music Video of the Year "Sisi Eko" (2013 Nigerian Entertainment Awards) * Best Male Artiste: Inspirational "Pray For Me" (2015 Africa Music Awards) RELATIONSHIP

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Darey Nigerian rhythm and blues musicians Nigerian songwriters Living people Yoruba musicians Musicians from Lagos University of Lagos alumni 21st-century Nigerian singers Nigerian hip hop singers The Headies winners Nigerian music industry executives Participants in Nigerian reality television series English-language singers from Nigeria Yoruba-language singers 1982 births