Chinedu Okoli (born 23 November 1983), better known by his stage name Flavour N'abania or simply Flavour, is a Nigerian singer. He began his musical career as a drummer for a local church. Flavour is popularly known across Africa and the world for his hit song "

Nwa Baby "Nwa Baby" (Ashawo Remix) is a song by Nigerian singer Flavour N'abania. It was released as the lead single from his second studio album, ''Uplifted'' (2010). The song originally appeared on his debut studio album ''N'abania'' (2005). It describes ...

(Ashawo Remix)". He is currently signed to 2nite Entertainment. In 2005, he released his self-titled debut album '' N'abania''. In 2010, Flavour released his second studio album, '' Uplifted''. It was supported by the singles "

(Ashawo Remix)", "Adamma", and " Oyi Remix". The album's success made Flavour one of Africa's most sought out artists. He was booked to perform at numerous concerts and social events following ''Uplifted''s release.

Early life

Flavour, who is well known for his ability to sing fluently in the Igbo language, was born in Enugu State, southeastern region of Nigeria. His family is originally from Umunze in Orumba South LGA, Anambra State, southeast Nigeria. Flavour began his music career at the age of 13 when he started playing the drums for his church choir in

Enugu Enugu ( ; ) is the capital city of Enugu State in Nigeria. It is located in southeastern part of Nigeria. The city had a population of 820,000 according to the 2022 Nigerian census. The name ''Enugu'' is derived from the two Igbo words ''Énú ...

, in Enugu State. The resident pastor at his church introduced him to a friend, Chris I. Ordor, the CEO of SoundCity Communications. In 1996, Flavour was invited to join the company on an educational scholarship to study music. After three years of playing the drums, Flavour started playing the drums professionally. In 1999, he moved on from playing the drums and started playing the keyboard. He also used to provide back-up vocals for other musicians at SoundCity.

Career

Career beginnings

At age 19, Flavour emerged into Nigeria's musical scene as a drummer and pianist for a local band in

. After learning to play drums professionally, Flavour received an offer to perform at City Centre, Enugu. The massive crowd there inspired him to gain new grounds and reach great heights. Flavour's educational background in music enabled him to learn music production from

Dekumzy Derek Osonwa, professionally known as Dekumzy, is a Nigerian record producer, musician, composer, pianist, and songwriter. His first major production was the album of the Duo "Resonance" titled "Chinweike" in 2006. Since then he has gone forth t ...

, Isi Charles and Nnachie.

2005: ''N'abania''

In 2005, Flavour released his debut album '' N'abania'' through Obaino Music. The album's success was relative and limited to Eastern Nigeria, particularly Enugu State. Flavour collaborated with Mr Raw on the album's lead single titled "N'abania". The song was recorded at Kingsley Ogoro's music studio in Lagos, Nigeria.

2010: ''Uplifted''

Following the relative success of his debut album, Flavour released '' Uplifted'' in 2010. The album broke national barriers. Lolhiphop Records, an established record label in South Africa, released the album after popular demand. The album's top singles include "

(Ashawo Remix)", "Adamma", and Oyi Remix" featuring Tiwa Savage.

2012: ''Blessed''

Blessed Blessed may refer to: * The state of having received a blessing * Blessed, a title assigned by the Roman Catholic Church to someone who has been beatified Film and television * ''Blessed'' (2004 film), a 2004 motion picture about a supernatura ...

'' was released on 18 October 2012 through 2nite Entertainment and iROCKING LTD. The album is the successor to ''Uplifted''. It is arguably Flavour's biggest album to date due to the number of producers who worked on it. It was launched on the same day of Flavour's 2nite Club grand opening. In an interview with iROKTV, Flavour said: "I think I'm growing. This is my third album... Now it's time to give them the music, like define myself. I have to be more mature with my music, lyrics and instrumentation wise. I worked with tons of producers and the whole production process made sense."

2014: ''Thankful''

''Thankful'' was released in December 2014. The album consists of 22 tracks and runs for one hour seventeen minutes. Receiving generally positive reviews from music critics, it sold thousands of copies. The album features hit tracks such as the love ballad "Ololufe" featuring

Chidinma Chidinma Ekile (born 2 May 1991), known professionally as Chidinma, is a Nigerian hip-hop turned gospel singer and songwriter. In 2010, she rose to stardom after winning the third season of ''Project Fame West Africa''. Following the release of ...

and the fast-tempo Afro-pop song "Wake Up" feat. Wande Coal.

2017: ''Ijele – The Traveler''

''Ijele – The Traveller'' was released in 2017. The album contains 17 tracks, including one featuring Flavour's adopted son Semah G Weifur, a blind Liberian child who was spotted singing alone in a classroom,.

2018

In 2018 Flavour issued two singles, "Crazy love", joining forces with Mama Africa Yemi Alade as Flavour Nabania, and "Yemi Alade". Later that year, he released the traditional song "Awele", featuring the Igbo traditional duo

Umu Obiligbo Umu may refer to: * A variety of earth ovens in Polynesia, including: ** Māori umu tī, used to cook ''Cordyline australis'' and other varieties of Cordyline with similar large tap roots. ** Māori hāngi, also called umu in Samoa, especially in o ...

2020

On December 4 2020, Flavour released his seventh studio album, titled '' Flavour of Africa'', which has 16 tracks.

Controversy

On 29 August 2012, '' Nigerian Entertainment Today'' reported that Flavour was involved in a legal battle with Ghanaian duo Wutah, over the alleged theft of "Kwarikwa". According to the article, "Kwarikwa" is an exact replica of "Kotosa", a song made by the aforementioned duo. The singing duo accused Flavour of stealing their song's rhythm,

chorus Chorus may refer to: Music * Chorus (song) or refrain, line or lines that are repeated in music or in verse * Chorus effect, the perception of similar sounds from multiple sources as a single, richer sound * Chorus form, song in which all verse ...

, and tempo.

Discography

* '' N'abania'' (2005) * '' Uplifted'' (2010) * ''

'' (2012) * '' Thankful'' (2014) * ''

Ijele the Traveler ''Ijele the Traveler'' is the fifth studio album by Nigerian musician Flavour N'abania. The album was released on June 30, 2017, and artists like Sarkodie, Zoro, Terry Apala, Phyno, Semah G. Weifur and Chidinma are featured on some of the tracks. ...

'' (2017) * ''Awele'' (2018) * '' Flavour of Africa'' (2020) * '' African Royalty'' (2023)

Singles

Videography

Awards and nominations

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Flavour Igbo-language singers Living people 1983 births Musicians from Enugu State Nigerian male singer-songwriters Nigerian singer-songwriters The Headies winners Nigerian drummers Nigerian guitarists Nigerian hip hop singers Igbo highlife musicians 21st-century guitarists 21st-century drummers 21st-century Nigerian male singers