Michael Chimeruche Alozie (born 28 March), known professionally as Snazzy the Optimist or simply Snazzy, is a Nigerian-born singer, songwriter and rapper. An alumnus of International College of Creative Arts, he began as a rapper, covering songs and began his music career professionally in 2021.[1]
Snazzy the Optimist | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Michael Chimeruche Alozie |
| Also known as |
|
| Born | 28 March Imo State, Nigeria |
| Alma mater | International College of Creative Arts |
| Genres | |
| Occupations |
|
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Years active | 2021-present |
Early life and education
editAlozie was born in Imo State, a state in the south eastern region of Nigeria. According to him, his mother's dream for him was to study Medicine and has described his father as his biggest musical influence.[2] He graduated from high school in 2018, prior graduation he moved to Lagos State the following year.[3]
Career
editGrowing up, Alozie began rapping as a young boy at home and in school where he often battle rapped with his friends and often participated in school competitions, he initially began as a rapper before singing. In late 2017; he officially started covering tracks.[4] He covered tracks by diverse artists and also recorded on beats he downloaded from YouTube.[4] One of the established tracks he covered is Teni's 2018 award-winning single "Case".[5]
In 2021, two years after moving to Lagos State, he began his career with “Seluna”. He received mainstream attention the same year following the release of "Seluna" as part of his Mars extended play in 2021 which is yet to be released.[6][7] "Seluna" debuted on ITunes Chart,[8][9] and peaked at number #35. It also received support and gained airplay on radio stations including Cool FM both in Lagos and Abuja, Beat FM and the Nigerian Info.[4][10]
The following year, GBA Africa in Ghana profiled him as an artiste set to make a name in the country's music industry.[11][12] In January 2023, he was listed by P.M. News as one of the "musicians to look out for".[13] The following month of that same year, he was shortlisted by Audiomack as one of the most streamed artists for Nigeria of that week alongside Asake, 1ucid and Kizz Daniel.[14][15]
In February 2024, Alozie released "Asa", gaining traction on social media and achieving airplay, produced by platinum record producer Eternal Africa. A fusion of the Igbo people's Ọjà and Amapiano which is in English, Igbo and Zulu languages and features non lexical vocables. Ifeanyi Ibeh, writing for The Guardian, describes the song as original, unique, nostalgic, fresh and a tone that is up for future musical samples.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b Ibeh, Ifeanyi (2024-03-25). "Snazzy the Optimist Introduces Fresh Sound with New Tune 'Asa'". The Guardian. Retrieved 2024-03-31.
- ^ Alozie, Michael Chimereuche (12 August 2022). "My mother's dream for me was to study medicine – Snazzy the Optimist" (interview). Vanguard. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
- ^ Okanlawon, Taiwo. "Five facts you should know about Snazzy the Optimist". P.M. News.
- ^ a b c Acho, Affa (2021-11-10). "A Look Into Snazzy The Optimist's 'Seluna'". Leadership. Retrieved 2024-04-03.
- ^ Ibeh, Ifeanyi (2019-02-12). "Snazzy: A Rising Star In The Nigerian Music Scene Showcases Versatility With "Upgrade"". The Guardian. Retrieved 2024-04-03.
- ^ MIX, PULSE (20 October 2021). "Nigerian star on the rise Snazzy The Optimist has released his single off his debut ep titled 'Mars'". Pulse.ng.
- ^ "Meet Snazzy the Optimist, musical optimist pushing Afropop beyond". P.M. News. 17 July 2022. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
- ^ "Seluna". www.top-charts.com. Retrieved 2024-04-03.
- ^ "Nigeria iTunes Top 100 Songs". www.top-charts.com. Retrieved 2024-04-03.
- ^ "SnazzyOptimist on twitter".
- ^ Okanlawon, Taiwo (30 March 2024). "Five facts you should know about Snazzy the Optimist". P.M. News.
- ^ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2024-04-03.
- ^ Okanlawon, Taiwo (27 January 2023). "23 Nigerian musicians to look out for in 2023". P. M. News. Retrieved 7 December 2023.
- ^ "Audiomack Announces 1UCID, Asake, Snazzy The Optimist on Trending Songs of the Week - THISDAYLIVE". This Day. Retrieved 2024-04-03.
- ^ "Asake, 1ucid, Snazzy The Optimist, Kizz Daniel top Audiomack's trending list". Vanguard.