Israel Ehinomen Okosun known by the stage name Ehis D’Greatest (born January 23, 2002) is a Nigerian Afrobeats singer and songwriter. He gained popularity with the song “This Year (Blessings)” released in January 2023.[1] The song topped the Billboard Charts and went on to appear as No. 1 on the Official Charts in the United Kingdom.[2] His music is featured on Apple Music,
Ehis D’Greatest | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Israel Ehinomen Okosun |
| Born | 23 January 2002 Abuja, Nigeria |
| Origin | Edo State |
| Genres | Afrobeats |
| Occupations |
|
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Years active | 2020–present |
Biography
editOkosun was born on January 23, 2002 in FCT Abuja, Nigeria, but hails originally from the Esan North East part of Edo State. He received his primary education at Ecole D’Excellence and pursued his secondary education at the Federal Government Academy in Suleja. In 2023, he obtained a Bachelor's degree in International Studies and Diplomacy from the University of Benin, Nigeria.[3]
Israel's musical journey began at a young age, when he discovered his passion for music. His family amplified his passion for music throughout his childhood, as all four siblings also sang. He did not come from the richest family so getting started with his career was a struggle for him. He first discovered his actual passion for music at this University, and that jumpstarted his career.
Attending the University of Benin catapulted him to start his professional music career, where he took great influence from other Afrobeat artists such as Wande Coal and Victor Thompson.[4]
Career
editOkosun debuted in the music industry in 2020 with the release of his single, “Love You”.[5] In January 2023, at the age of 21, Israel and Victor Thompson released the hit record "This Year (Blessings)." The single quickly gained traction, topping the Billboard U.S Afrobeats chart, debuting at number 35, and peaking at number 3.[6] Additionally, it reached the number 1 spot on the Official Charts in the United Kingdom. In October 2023, Israel and Victor Thompson collaborated with American rapper, Gunna to release a remix version of “This Year (Blessings)”.[7][8] Since then, Ehis has culminated a total of 230.7 million plays on Spotify, with almost 3 million monthly listeners and over 5,000 followers.[9]
Awards/nominations
edit| Year | Award | Category | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | The Headies | Best Inspirational Single | Nominated | [10][11] |
| 2022 | Marathana Awards | Best Overall Hit Song | Won | |
| Marathana Awards | Best Prophetic/Uplifting Song (Africa) | Won | ||
| Marathana Awards | Best Thanksgiving song (Africa) | Won | ||
| Marathana Awards | Best Collaboration Song | Won |
References
edit- ^ "Victor Thompson & Ehis 'D' Greatest's 'This Year' hits number one on the Billboard charts". NotjustOk. Retrieved 2024-05-06.
- ^ "Official Afrobeats Chart on 7/1/2024". Official Charts. Retrieved 2024-04-26.
- ^ "Ehis D Greatest: Rising Star From Nigeria's Musical Landscape | Independent Newspaper Nigeria". 2024-05-01. Retrieved 2024-05-06.
- ^ "I met the Biggest Afrobeats artist, Ehis 'D' Greatest". Youtube. October 22, 2023.
- ^ "Afro Pop: Ehis - Love You". Critic Circle. 2020-09-19. Retrieved 2024-05-06.
- ^ "Afrobeats Fresh Picks: Tems, June Freedom, Rema, Victor Thompson, Ehis D'Greatest, Mr. Eazi & more". Billboard. 2023-10-31. Retrieved 2024-05-06.
- ^ Nevares, Gabriel Bras (2023-10-13). "Gunna, Victor Thompson & Ehis "D" Greatest Drop "This Year (Blessings)" Remix". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 2024-04-26.
- ^ Asker, Jim (2023-10-25). "Victor Thompson, Ehis 'D' Greatest & Gunna Top Hot Gospel Songs With 'This Year (Blessings)'". Billboard. Retrieved 2024-04-26.
- ^ "Ehis 'D' Greatest - monthly listeners and total stream count". www.musicmetricsvault.com. Retrieved 2024-11-19.
- ^ "Headies Award 2023 nominees list: Asake, Burna Boy, Victor Thompson, Ehis D Greatest, Tiwa Savage plus odas wey make di list". BBC News Pidgin. 2023-07-12. Retrieved 2023-07-12.
- ^ "Burna Boy, Rema, Ruger, Asake lead 2023 Headies nomination list [Full Nomination List]". Pulse Nigeria. 2023-07-12. Retrieved 2023-07-12.