Iyanya Biography

Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk, popularly known by his stage name, Iyanya, is a Nigerian Afropop musician. He became well-known after taking home the top prize in Project Fame West Africa’s inaugural season, and his biggest hit is “Kukere.” In 2011, he and Ubi Franklin co-founded the record company Made Men Music Group. he won the Artist of the Year award at The Headies in 2013. He is currently signed to Mavin Records owned by Don Jazzy.

Full Name	Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk
Stage Name	Iyanya (Formerly Lofty}
Date of Birth	31 October 1986
State of Origin	Cross River State, Nigeria.
Place of Birth	Cross River State, Nigeria.
Highest Qualification	BSc. Business Management
Occupation	Singer
Genre	Afropop, R&B
Record Label	Mavin Record
Net Worth	$5 million
Social Media Handle	Instagram: iyanya Twitter: @iyanya

Early Life and Education

Iyanya was born on October 31st, 1986 on Palm Street, Calabar, Cross River State. His father was a forester, while his mother was a school headmistress. Iyanya has stated that his father was the kinder of the two, with his mother serving as the household’s disciplinarian. In 2008, his elder brother also passed away around the same time as his parents. Iyanya’s grandfather was a clergyman, and at the age of five, he participated in the children’s choir at his church and was privileged to lead other kids.

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In Calabar, Iyanya concluded his primary, secondary, and university education. He received his degree in business management from the University of Calabar.

Career

He worked in a hotel after earning his degree from the University of Calabar and sang karaoke in a neighbourhood bar that he oversaw. Iyanya started honing his vocal skills in neighbourhood clubs, including the West-Life club, Mirage Nite Club, and Fiesta Fries Bar. Iyanya listed American hip hop artist R. Kelly and British vocalist Craig David as two of his major musical influences. Iyanya was inspired to pursue a career in music after following the lifestyles of 2Face Idibia and Olu Maintain as celebrities. Iyanya, formerly known as “Lofty,” began her career as a rapper.

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Iyanya rose to fame in Nigeria after taking home the first edition of the MTN Project Fame Reality TV competition in 2008. He agreed to participate in Project Fame West Africa’s inaugural season after being convinced by KCee. Iyanya eventually prevailed in the challenge after overcoming several opponents who also battled for the top prize.

He released his first music album in 2009 titled “My Story,” and he has gone on to release several other tracks. He popularised the Calabar “Etighi dance” in his song “Kukere”. Another of his songs is “Ur Waist,” which also features Emma Nyra on vocals, and it achieved global acceptance and success.

Personal Life

There is not much known about Iyanya’s marital life. It was once rumoured that he was in a romantic relationship with Tonto Dikeh.

However, Iyanya grew up with a foster father, who died in the same year (2008) as his mother. He was later raised by his grandfather.

Discography

Albums

My Story – 2009
Desire – 2013
Applaudise – 2015

Songs

Iyanya has over the years released several songs, which tops from R&B to Afropop. The dome of his songs is below;

Love Truly – 2009
No Time (featuring Faze) – 2009
Iyanya (My Story) – 2010
Kukere – 2011
Ur Waist (featuring Emma Nyra) – 2012
Kukere Remix (featuring D’banj) – 2012
Flavour – 2012
Sexy Mama (featuring Wizkid) – 2013
Jombolo (featuring Flavour N’abania) – 2013
Head Swell – 2013
She Can Get It – 2013
Le Kwa Ukwu – 2013
Story Story (featuring Oritse Femi) – 2014
Mr Oreo – 2014
Ijeoma – 2014

Awards and Nominations

Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA) nominated him as the Best Contemporary Afro (Live Beats choice) – 2012
The Headies award for Best Pop Single – 2012
Song of the Year nominee at the Headies – 2012
Soul Train Music Awards nominee for Best International Performance – 2013
Channel O Music Video Awards nominee for the Most Gifted Male Video – 2013
Nigeria Entertainment Awards nominee for Best Pop/R&B Artist of the Year – 2013
Hottest Single of the Year at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards – 2013
Ghana Music Awards nominee for African Artiste of the Year – 2013
City People Entertainment Awards nominee for Musician of the Year (Male) – 2013
Most Popular Song of the Year at the City People Entertainment Awards – 2013
Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA) nominee for Best High Life Video – 2013
Nominated for Best Use of Choreography at the Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA)–2013
Best Use of Visual Effects nominee at the Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA) – 2013
The Headies award for Artist of the Year – 2013
Best R&B/Pop Album nominee at the Headies – 2013
Album of the Year nominee at the Headies – 2013
Best Pop Single nominee at the Headies – 2013
Song of the Year nominee at The Headies – 2013
The World Music Awards nominee for the World’s Best Song – 2014
Nominated Le Kwa Ukwu for the World’s Best Video at the World Music Awards – 2014
Iyanya was nominated for the World’s Best Male Artist at the World Music Awards – 2014.
The World’s Best Live Act nominee at the World Music Awards – 2014
Nominated as the World’s Best Entertainer of the Year at the World Music Awards—2014
City People Entertainment Awards nominated Iyanya for the Musician of the Year (Male) – 2014
African Muzik Magazine Awards nominee for Best Male West Africa – 2014
Best Dance in a Video at the African Muzik Magazine Awards 2014

Net Worth

Iyanya has infused lots of wealth through several ambassadorial deals, notably that of MTN. He is estimated to be worth $5 million.

Social Media Handle

Instagram: iyanya
Twitter: @iyanya

Iyanya is popularly known as the Nigerian music star with a well-chiseled body due to his physique and his good dance steps during stage performances and music videos. Not much has been heard from him in the music scene since his collaboration with Ayra Starr. We wish him well and hope to hear more from him.