John Ighodaro (born July 5, 1990), professionally known as Johnny Drille, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. His career came into the spotlight when he released a cover of "Awww" by Di'Ja. He is currently signed to Mavin Records.[1][2]
Johnny Drille | |
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 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | John Ighodaro |
| Also known as | Johnny Drille |
| Born | July 5, 1990 Edo, Nigeria |
| Genres | |
| Occupations |
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| Instruments |
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| Years active | 2012–present |
| Labels | Mavin Records |
| Spouse | Rima Tahini |
Early life and education
editJohnny Drille was born and raised in Edo State, Nigeria. His father is a school principal and clergyman. He has four siblings. Drille started singing in his father's church at an early age. He attended the University of Benin, Benin City, where he studied English and Literature.[3][4]
Career
editDrille began his musical career in church. He was one of the contestants on the sixth season of Project Fame West Africa in 2013.[5][6] In 2015, he released a cover of Di'Ja's "Awww", which caught the attention of Mavin's CEO Don Jazzy. His debut single "Wait for Me" was released in 2015. It was nominated for Best Alternative Song at The Headies 2016. He teamed up with Niniola, a fellow season 6 contestant, to record "Start All Over".[7] In February 2017, he signed a record deal with Mavin Records.[8][9] On September 3, 2021, he released his debut album, which consists of a fourteen track project,[10] titled 'Before We Fall Asleep' featuring Nigerian and artists, Ayra Starr, Ladipoe, Lagos community choir, Don Jazzy, Chylde, Kwitte, Cilsoul and the classic afro R&B group, Styl plus under the label Mavin Records.
Personal life
editJohnny is married to music executive Rima Tahini.[11] In November 2023, they announced the birth of their daughter Amaris Esohe Ighodaro.[12]
Discography
editAlbum
edit| Title | Album details | Ref. |
|---|---|---|
| Before We Fall Asleep |
|
[13][14] |
EP
edit| Title | Details | Peak chart positions |
|---|---|---|
| NG [15] | ||
| Home[16] |
|
12 |
Singles
edit- 2015 – "Wait for Me"
- 2015 - "Love Don't Lie"
- 2016 – "My Beautiful Love"
- 2016 - "Start All Over (Featuring Niniola)
- 2017 – "Romeo & Juliet"
- 2018 – "Halleluya" (featuring Simi)
- 2018 – "Awa Love"
- 2019 - "Forever"
- 2019 - "Shine"
- 2019 - "Finding Efe"
- 2019 - "Papa"
- 2019 - "Dear Future Wife"
- 2019 - "Count on You"
- 2020 - "Something Better"
- 2020 - "Mystery Girl"
- 2021- "Ova"
- 2021 - "Bad Dancer"
- 2021 - "Loving Is Harder"
- 2021- "Odo"
- 2021- "Sister"
- 2021- "In the light"
- 2021- "Sell my soul"
- 2022 - "How Are You (My Friend)"[17]
- 2022- "All I'm saying"
- 2022- " Love and life"
- 2022- "Journey of our lives
- 2023- "Believe me"
- 2023- "The Best Part"
- 2024- "`For You"
Awards and nominations
edit| Year | Event | Prize | Recipient | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | The Headies | Best Alternative Song | "Wait for Me" | Nominated | [18] |
| 2018 | Best Vocal Performance (Male) | "Romeo & Juliet" | Nominated | [19][20] | |
| Best R&B Single | Nominated | ||||
| Best Alternative Song | Nominated | ||||
| Next Rated | Himself | Nominated | |||
| 2019 | Best Alternative Song | "Finding Efe" | Won | [21] | |
| Best Vocal Performance (Male) | Nominated |
References
edit- ^ Adelagun, Oluwakemi (August 10, 2018). "Why Nigerian musicians fall out with their record labels – Johnny Drille". Premium Times. Retrieved August 21, 2018.
- ^ Odoh, Chux (May 6, 2018). "HEADIES 2018: 'It Only Gets Better From Here' – Johnny Drille Speaks on Headies Loss". The Net. Retrieved August 21, 2018.
- ^ Ibori, Diana (January 15, 2018). "Johnny Drille's biography and career achievements". Naija.ng. Retrieved August 21, 2018.
- ^ Johnny Drille Biography & Net Worth
- ^ Amade, Alex (August 3, 2013). "16 contestants enters MTN project fame season 6 academy". Vanguard. Retrieved August 21, 2018.
- ^ Adetu, Bayo (August 2, 2013). "MTN Project Fame Season 6 Contestants Unveiled". PM News Nigeria. Retrieved August 21, 2018.
- ^ Solanke, Abiola (June 3, 2016). "New Music Niniola, Johnny Drille – 'Start all over'". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved August 21, 2018.
- ^ "Johnny Drille".
- ^ Young (July 7, 2018). "Johnny Drille Explains How He Got A Record Deal with Mavin". Information Nigeria. Retrieved August 21, 2018.
- ^ "DOWNLOAD: Johnny Drille drops 'Before We Fall Asleep' album". TheCable Lifestyle. September 3, 2021. Retrieved September 26, 2021.
- ^ Akinyode, Peace (July 4, 2023). "Social media abuzz as Johnny Drille's wedding pictures go viral". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
- ^ "Johnny Drille and Rima welcome baby girl". Bellanaija Ng. December 28, 2023.
- ^ Alake, Motolani (September 10, 2021). "Johnny Drille's 'Before We Fall Asleep' is worth its 'wait' in needed evolution [Pulse Album Review]". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
- ^ "Johnny Drille - 'Before We Fall Asleep' - Track By Track". 1883 Magazine. September 3, 2021. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
- ^ "Nigeria Top 50 Albums". www.turntablecharts.com. TurnTable. Retrieved November 11, 2022.
- ^ "New EP + Video: Johnny Drille – Home". BellaNaija. October 28, 2022. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
- ^ Itodo, Sunny Green (July 10, 2023). "Death of Don Jazzy's mum inspired my hit song - Johnny Drille". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
- ^ Adelana, Oladolapo (November 9, 2016). "Full list of nominees for the 2016 Headies Awards". YNaija. Retrieved August 21, 2018.
- ^ Odoh, Chux (May 6, 2018). "HEADIES 2018: 'It Only Gets Better From Here' – Johnny Drille Speaks on Headies Loss". The Net. Retrieved August 21, 2018.
- ^ "Headies 2018: Full list of nominees". Punch. April 13, 2018. Retrieved August 21, 2018.
- ^ Gbenga Bada (October 20, 2019). "Headies 2019: Here are all the winners at the 13th edition of music award". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved October 20, 2019.