Ifechukwu Mercy Michael (born 29 November 1997) professionally known as Ifé a Nigerian singer-songwriter and performer. She is known for the Afro-Soul, Afrobeats and alte genres. She released her first single 'Nwa' in 2018 and gained prominence after the release of "Ozo" featuring Ụmụ Obiligbo in 2019 .[1][2]
Ifé | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Ifechukwu Mercy Michael |
| Born | 29 November 1997 Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria |
| Origin | Anambra State, Nigeria |
| Genres | |
| Occupations |
|
| Instruments | |
| Years active | 2018–present |
Biography
editA native of Umuawulu, Anambra State, Ifé was born on 29 November 1997 in Awka, Anambra State. She is the last child of her parents, Mr. Chinyere Wilfred Michael and Mrs. Oluchi Mavis Michael and has five other siblings. Ifé was born into a musical family and her parents recorded about three albums.[3] At the age of ten, she was already passionate about igbo traditional music. She acquired her primary and secondary education in Anambra State. Later, she proceeded to Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Nigeria where she studied and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Music and Performing Arts.[4]
Music career
editOn 3 October 2018, Ifé released her first single "Nwa". That same year, she followed with two other singles "Egwu" and "Nwa Remix". In November 2019, she debuted her first EP "DarkLight". Prior to the release of the DarkLight EP, she released three singles "Nwayo", "Ifunanya" and "Ozo".[5]
Ifé released her first album in 2021 "Sunset and Paragraphs", which earned her recognition. The album comprised 13 tracks including "Ife Melu", a tribute song to those that lost their lives during the Biafran war. A year before the album release, she performed at the Mondial Music for Women Festival in Abidjan, and later the Black History Concert 2021 in Lagos, Nigeria.[6] A year later in November 2022, she released another single "Paradise (All Over Me)".
In 2023, she was featured on Gen Uru's "Worthy Album" including tracks like "Oshimiri" with Rudeboy and "Uru Dia" with Acetune, Ifex G.[7][8]
Discography
editAlbums
edit| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| DarkLight |
|
| Sunset and Paragraphs[9] |
|
Singles
edit| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 2018 | Nwa |
| Egwu | |
| Nwa Remix | |
| 2019 | Nwayo |
| Ifunanya
with Ahec 3 | |
| Ozo
with Umu Obiligbo | |
| 2020 | Ulaga |
| Nwanyi | |
| 2021 | Zelu[10] |
| 2022 | Paradise (All Over Me) |
| 2024 | No Turning Back
with Kolaboy |
| Mmadu Aburo Chukwu
ft Dandizzy, Acetune, Sparkle Tee | |
| I do for you
with Ejyk Nwamba | |
Style
editIfé is celebrated for her versatile style, which she describes as a blend of Afro-Soul, Alternative Highlife, and Pop. Her music is deeply rooted in African traditions, reflecting the Igbo cultural Renaissance. In an interview on BBC Africa – Focus in Africa, Ifé emphasized that her language, heritage, and cultural background contribute to her unique musical identity and artistry.[11]
References
edit- ^ Alonge, Bolaji (2020-11-06). "Ifé's new song celebrates the bliss of true love". Eyes of a Lagos Boy. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
- ^ Kan, Toni (2020-04-06). "Soul Music can heal us, and Ife's music comes to mind — Gerald Eze". The Lagos Review. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
- ^ wisdom. "Meet Ifé, A Young Nigerian Singer As She Shares Her Life Experience & Challenges (Photos)". igberetvnews.com. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
- ^ "Ifé: A Singer, Philosopher, and Storyteller of Ancient Breed - Afrocritik". 2022-06-06. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
- ^ "When I sing, people get healed of depression –Ife". Sunnews Online.
- ^ "Ten Musicians from Southeastern Nigeria to Watch out For - Afrocritik". 2022-05-15. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
- ^ Aromolaran, Michael (2023-09-12). "Gen Uru: How Illbliss-directed Album "Worthy" Props Up Nigeria's South-East and South-South | The Culture Custodian". The Culture Custodian (Est. 2014.). Retrieved 2024-05-27.
- ^ Branches, More (2023-08-23). "Hero Lager is Uplifting a Crop of Emerging Artists Through "The Worthy Album" - MoreBranches". Retrieved 2024-05-27.
- ^ Content, Branded (2021-11-23). "Nigerian singer Ifé releases new album, 'Sunset and Paragraphs'". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
- ^ "Today FM - Ifé releases new single "Zelu" as she prepares for debut album". www.todayfmlive.com. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
- ^ Ifé (2022-01-06). Ifé - BBC News Africa Interview (Focus on Africa). Retrieved 2024-05-27 – via YouTube.