Oluwakayode Junior Balogun, famously known as Barry Jhay, is a Nigerian Afrobeats Musician, most known for his cultural music style. He was born on February 13, 1993, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria but was raised in Lagos.[1][2] Barry was born into a lineage of well-known Yoruba musicians as his grandfather I.K. Dairo is a well-known Juju traditional artist and father Sikiru Ololade Ayinde Barrister is credited for the invention of Fuji music. [3][4] His upbringing in a musically rich environment influenced his unique Afro-Fuji Pop style, blending traditional Fuji elements with contemporary Afrobeat sounds.
Barry Jhay | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Oluwakayode Junior Balogun |
| Born | 13 February 1993 Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria |
| Genres | |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Years active | 2018-present |
| Labels | Cash Nation Entertainment |
Early Life
editGiven his musical lineage, Barry Jhay took interest in music from a very young age. He started recording music at the young age of 5 years.[5] He has attributed watching his father's performances to his inspiration to make music.[6]
Debut
editIn 2018 he released his hit single “Aiye” giving him the popularity he needed to pursue his career in music. The song captured representation of the cyclical nature of life. Following his famous record, he released his first studio album "Barry Back" in 2020. This album featured hit songs such as “Ashe She” and “Ma So Pe”. This album also featured award winning Nigerian musician Davido.[7] Soon after his album release Barry Jhay signed a record deal with Cash Nation Entertainment. As he rose to fame, he was able to record songs with other famous musicians such as Bad Boy Timz, Rhaman Jago, Lyta, and Jawton.[5] With his debut, Barry Jhay won a City People Music Award for Best New Act and the Rookie of the Year award at The Headies in 2019.[8]
Music and career
editBarry is a musician as well as a sound engineer. His music has explored profound themes such as the Yoruba concept of Ori and has conveyed other messages such as urging listeners to be more compassionate and to be courageous in the face of oppression and to examine evidence before passing judgment. His hit song "Aiye" was said to be the "bringing back of the Yoruba quality sound and culture".[1] His belief is that music is for one's soul, and he has portrayed his intention to make music that has deeper meaning and is particularly his, as opposed to the result of his musical lineage. He believes music should provide solace and reflection, addressing deeper life challenges beyond just entertainment. Barry views music as nourishment for the soul, aiming to create timeless and meaningful pieces.[9]
Awards and nominations
edit| Year | Award ceremony | Prize | Recipient | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | City People Music Awards | Best New Act of the Year | Himself | Won | [8] |
| Most Promising Act of the Year | Nominated | ||||
| 2019 | The Headies | Rookie of the Year | Won |
Discography
editSingles
edit- Ashe She
- Only you
- Olodo
- Sokale
- Ori
- Japa
- Muje
- Solemuje
- Aiye[10]
- Kabiyesi
Albums
edit- Barry Back (2020)
- Son of God- EP (2022)
- Party Boy Barry- EP(2023)
- Barry Back 2-EP (2023)[10]
References
edit- ^ a b Onye, Harry (May 10, 2022). "Breaking Singer Barry Jhay's bio: age, father, net worth, music".
- ^ Eve, Edwards. "Who is Barry Jhay? Nigerian singer's career explored".
- ^ Nasir Ahmed, Achile (21 July 2021). "Pioneering His Own Legacy Meet Barry Jhay, the Nigerian artist conveying moving messages capable of standing the test of time". Audiomack.
- ^ Olonilua, Ademola (2021-03-08). "It's painful I never met my grandpa, IK Dairo ― Barry Jhay". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2024-11-17.
- ^ a b Thabit, Khadijah (2022-05-10). "Singer Barry Jhay's biography: age, father, net worth, music". Legit.ng - Nigeria news. Retrieved 2024-11-17.
- ^ "Barry Jhay Reaffirms His Stance as A 'Son Of God' - Radr Africa". radrafrica.com. 2022-03-07. Retrieved 2024-11-17.
- ^ admin (2021-01-21). "Barry Jhay Biography, Real Name, Age, Musics and Net Worth". Contents101. Retrieved 2024-11-17.
- ^ a b Eve, Edwards. "Who is Barry Jhay? Nigerian singer's career explored".
- ^ Nasir Ahmed, Achile (21 July 2021). "Pioneering His Own Legacy Meet Barry Jhay, the Nigerian artist conveying moving messages capable of standing the test of time". Audiomack.
- ^ a b "Barry Jhay Profile and Discography | African Music Library". africanmusiclibrary.org. Retrieved 2024-11-17.