Chidinma Ekile (born 2 May 1991) is a Nigerian vocalist, lyricist, recording artist, and stage performer better known by her stage name Chidinma. She rose to prominence in 2010 after winning the third season of MTN Project Fame West Africa. Following the release of the music video for her single “Emi Ni Baller,” she became the first female musician to top the MTV Base Official Naija Top 10 list. In 2011, she released her first performance single, “Jankoliko,” which featured Sound Sultan. Chidinma, her self-titled debut studio collection, was released via the music stage Spinlet. The singles “Jankoliko,” “Convey You Go,” “Kedike,” and “Run Dia Mouth” contributed to its success.
The collection highlights visitor appearances from Sound Sultan, Tha Suspect, Olamide and Muna. In 2012, Chidinma won the Best Female West African Act class at the 2012 Kora Awards; she performed “Kedike” at the function.
EARLY LIFE, EDUCATIONAL PURSUITS, AND PUBLIC IMAGE
Chidinma Ekile, the sixth of seven children, was born in Ketu, Kosofe, Lagos State. Her parents are both from Imo State. She worked as a business advertiser in Lagos before auditioning for the third season of MTN’s Project Fame West Africa. Chidinma began singing at the age of six and was raised by a drill sergeant father. She joined her congregation’s ensemble when she was ten years old. She attended primary and secondary school in Ketu before moving to Ikorodu with her family. Chidinma is currently studying Sociology at the University of Lagos. She first needed to consider Mass Communication.
Chidinma initially declined admission to the University of Lagos due to her success in the previously mentioned rivalry. Chidinma told YNaija that she has always paid attention in class and that her decision to enlist at Unilag was unavoidable. She also stated that music had not previously been on her motivation, and that she chose to investigate it after winning the MTN Project Fame competition. People started seeing her as a decent young lady turned sour after she dyed her hair red and got a mohawk. Chidinma stated in an interview published on the Daily Independent website that she is not yet the equivalent. She also stated that she is growing and developing as a musician.
MUSIC CAREER
Before auditioning for the third season of Project Fame West Africa, she wished to be a part of the unscripted television show, which debuted in 2008. Chidinma left her home in Ikorodu with the help and support of her companion and went to the Ultima Studios, the location of the show’s Lagos tryouts in 2010. She was one of about 8,000 competitors who went to showcase their gifts that year. As a result, Chidinma advanced to the Fame Academy round, which was contested by 17 other hopefuls.
Chidinma and the other candidates were instructed by musical experts for ten weeks, including voice mentors, motivational speakers, set up musicians, and music business specialist co-ops. In addition, competitors were encouraged to move and practice a few drills. On September 26, 2010, Chidinma emerged as the clear winner of the competition. She won a N2.5 million prize, a 2011 Toyota RAV4, and a collection creation bargain. Chidinma signed an underwriting management agreement with MTN Nigeria in May 2013.
2011–2012:Chidinma
Chidinma began working on her debut studio album, Chidinma, after completing a collaborative venture with other MTN Project Fame West Africa Season 3 finalists. The collection was scheduled to be released in the fourth quarter of 2011. Chidinma spoke quickly about her collection, saying that she put a lot of energy into it. Chidinma collaborated with a number of artists for her first studio project, including Cobhams Asuquo, Tee Y Mix, WazBeat, and Oscar Heman Ackah. On February 22, 2011, she released the singles “Jankoliko,” “Sound Sultan,” and “Convey You Go.”
Oscar Heman Ackah composed and performed the two songs. In an interview published on the Weekly Trust website, Chidinma expressed gratitude for the positive response she received after performing the song and stated that she is working to improve her craft. Clarence Peters directed the music video for “Jankoliko,” which was released on June 4, 2011. It lasted 3 minutes and 33 seconds. Chidinma released “Kedike” as the collection’s third single on October 11, 2011.
Cobhams Asuquo composed the melody, which means “Heartbeat.” Clarence Peters directed the music video for “Kedike,” which was released on January 24, 2012. Dammy Krane, a Hypertek Digital account craftsman, played Chidinma’s adoration enthusiasm in the music video. Chidinma stated in an interview with Entertainment Rave that “Kedike” is a love song. “Kedike” was created by her and her collaborators. On October 11, 2011, she also released the collection’s fourth single, “Run Dia Mouth.”
2013–present:Upcoming collection
Chidinma began recording her forthcoming collection in the fourth quarter of 2012. On September 14, 2012, she released the collection’s lead single “Emi Ni Baller,” which featured her personal labelmates Tha Suspect and Illbliss. Legendury Beatz composed the melody. It was ranked seventh on Vanguard’s list of the “Top 10 Melodies of 2013.” On February 22, 2013, Chidinma and her record label released a remix of “Emi Ni Baller” featuring Wizkid. Legendury Beatz also contributed to the composition. CAPital Dreams Pictures released the music video for “Emi Ni Baller” on June 12, 2013.
Clarence Peters shot and coordinated it in the United Kingdom. Chidinma released “Favor My Hustle” (featuring Phyno), “Kite,” and “Carefree” as singles from his upcoming album on June 10, 2013. Tha Suspect delivered “Favor My Hustle,” and Del B produced “Kite.” Wizboy delivered the song “Buoyant.”
Chidinma released “Gracious Baby” on September 14, 2013, and “Goodness Baby (You and I)” on January 29, 2014, both of which featured Flavor N’abania. Young D composed the two songs. Chidinma released the music video for “Gracious Baby (You and I)” on May 2, 2014, the same day as her birthday. It was directed by Clarence Peters. Ngozi Nwosu and OC Ukeje appear in the video.
Notable performances
Chidinma collaborated with Dr SID at the MTN Power of 10 Concerts, a ten-city tour commemorating MTN Nigeria’s ten-year anniversary; the tour began on September 9, 2011, in Makurdi. Chidinma was one of the supporting acts on D’banj’s 2013 Hennessy Artistry Club Tour. On 3 November 2013, she performed alongside P-Square, D’banj, Wizkid, Ice Prince, Burna Boy, Olamide, Phyno, Waje, Davido, and Tiwa Savage at the Guinness World of More Concert.
Chidinma and Blackstreet performed together at the Butterscotch Evening Experience, a show held at the Eko Hotels and Suites on November 9, 2013. She performed at the MTN Valentine Rave Party on February 14, 2014, alongside Tiwa Savage, Mario, and Sound Sultan. Chidinma has appeared in a number of African countries, including the Republic of Benin, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Niger, and Ghana.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND MUSICAL INFLUENCES
Chidinma was named “Best Female West African Act” at the 2012 Kora Awards. Didier Drogba presented her with her honor plaque. She defeated Omawumi and five others in order to gain respect. Chidinma stated after receiving the award, “It was a huge respect to me.” I’m grateful to God, my fans, and the individuals who have contributed to my example of overcoming adversity.
Winning KORA is a significant accomplishment for me, and I recognize it as the beginning of better things to come.” Chidinma’s greatest musical influences include Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Alicia Keys, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Fela Kuti, Omawumi, Onyeka Onwenu, Lagbaja, and Darey Art Alade.
