Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk popularly known as Iyanya was born on 31st October 1986 in Palm Street Calabar, Cross River State to a family of four.
His Mother was the Head mistress in a primary school and his Father was a Forester.
Iyanya Mbuk is 38 years old.
Iyanya used to sing in his local church’s choir and was the choirmaster for the children’s choir at 5 years old. He performed in church and at weddings before he got an offer to perform regularly at Channel View Hotel in Calabar, his hometown.
After completing his primary and secondary school education, Iyanya proceeded to the University of Calabar in Cross River State, Nigeria and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management.
His parents died when he was 22 in 2008 and soon after that, his elder brother followed suit.
Iyanya is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, recording artist, stage performer and a model. He was motivated to pursue music professionally after watching the celebrity lifestyle of 2Face Idibia and Olu Maintain. He began developing his vocal abilities at local bars which include: Fiesta Fries Bar, Mirage Nite Club and West-Life all in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. He started his music career as a rapper, going by the stage name 'Lofty'.
In 2008, Nigerian musician Kcee convinced him to take part in the first season of the MTN Project Fame West Africa. Iyanya emerged the winner and that was the begining of his music career.
He released his debut studio album 'My Story' which featured singles like 'Iyanya' and Yours trully' after MTN project fame under CN Media Imprint but due to problems with distribution and promotion, this album was a commercial failure.
In 2011, he co-founded the record label 'Made Men Music Group' with Ubi Franklin.
In February 2013, Iyanya released his second studio album 'Desire' which featured hit singles like 'Kukere', 'Ur Waist', 'Flavour', 'Sexy Mama', and 'Jombolo' amongst others. Iyanya decided to do a song that would popularize the Etighi dance that originated in Calabar after visiting his home town and seeing the affection his people had for the dance. This inspired him to do 'Kukere' which achieved global success, particularly in Nigeria, Ghana and the United Kingdom and brought him to limelight. The song was succeeded by the album’s second single 'Ur waist' which featured additional vocals from Emma Nyra.
Still in 2013, Iyanya and his label mate Emma Nyra went on a mini tour across the United States of America and Canada, Performing at the Shrine in Chicago on 11th April 2013. He also performed at the African Muzik Magazine launch on 12th April 2013, which was held in Dallas, Texas in the United States of America. Iyanya serenaded Grammy Award nominee Melanie Fiona at the LTB Jean store in Soho, New York and performed at the world renowned New York Fashion show.
in 2015, he released his third album 'Aplaudise'
In July 2016, Iyanya announced his intentions to leave Made Men Music Group and In October 2016, Iyanya announced via Instagram that he had signed a record deal contract with Mavin Records, he left Mavins barely a year later and is now signed to Temple Music.
He has been nominated for several awards including- Best R&B/Pop Album, Album of the Year, Best Pop Single, Song of the Year and Best High Life Video at the Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA). In 2014, he was also nominated for World’s Best Song, World’s Best Video, World’s Best Male Artist, World’s Best Live Act and World’s Best Entertainer of The Year at the World Music Awards.
On 16th October 2013, Iyanya became an ambassador for Solo Phones Nigeria, a mobile phone company situated at Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria. The one-year deal was reportedly worth $220,000 (35 million naira) in addition to which Iyanya got a 2014 Toyota Prado.
In 2016, Iyanya was made a brand ambassador for Nigerian Telecommunication giant, MTN, and the deal was said to be worth a whooping N60 million Naira (about $372,000 USD).
Iyanya has been linked in controversial relationship with Ghanaian famous actress, Yvonne Nelson.
His net worth is not available.
Click to view profile
Click to view profile
Click to view profile
Click to view profile
Click to view profile
Click to view profile
Click to view profile
Click to view profile
Click to view profile
Click to view profile
Click to view profile
Click to view profile
4 based on 0 reviews
© 2024 Manpower Nigeria. All rights reserved.
