Akeju (singer)
Akeju | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Abass K.M Akeju |
| Also known as | Akeju |
| Born | Accra, Ghana |
| Genres | Afrobeats, afropop, R&B, dancehall, highlife |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, producer, content manager, film maker. |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, piano, drums, conga, guitar |
| Years active | 2015—present |
| Labels | BSMG STUDIOS |
Abass K.M Akeju, most often known by his stage name Akeju, is a US-based Nigerian musician known for his 2017 single "Kiss and Tell".[1]
He launched Inside Nollywood in 2021 and also produced a unity song for ARDN Red campaign.[2] He is a U.S-based artist whose genre of music is Afro-beat. He won the Africa Diaspora Face of Change award in 2022.[3]
Early life and education[edit]
Akeju was born in Ghana to Nigerian parents.[4] His mother was from Ilorin in Kwara State, and his father was from Ogun State. In his early life, he lived in Ghana where he developed a strong passion for music.[5] In an interview with Tribune, a Nigerian news portal, Akeju said he moved to the United States where he had his first degree in IT from Wagner College, a bachelor's degree in fine arts from New York Film Academy and NYU Institute of Music where he studied music art and business.[5]
Career[edit]
He launched Inside Nollywood, a documentary that featured Nollywood, whereby they discussed their personal experiences and fans get to know them better.[6] The documentary was featured on Amazon Prime Video, New York Times Signature billboard and Connecticut billboards.[6]
Akeju Abass produced Unity song for the African Renaissance and Diaspora Network (ARDN) which was premiered in 2022 during the Africa Day Celebration featuring five African female artists.[2]
He launched Faces of Afrobeats in 2021 while top Nigerian artist such as 2face, Wizkid and others joined the campaign.[7]
Music[edit]
His songs are often a mix of afro-beat and hip-hop.[5]
Akeju collaborated with Beenie Man, the Jamaican Grammy award-winning artist, on the remix of Kiss and Tell.[8]
His hit single "Kiss and Tell" was used as soundtrack for a Nollywood (African) movie with the same title, starring Nadia Buari and Queeneth Agbor. Omoge was also used as soundtrack for a movie with the same title, starring Ik Ogbonna, Esther Audu, Perikles Mandinga to name a few.[9][additional citation(s) needed]
Discography[edit]
 | This section of a biography of a living person does not include any references or sources. (September 2020) |
- Kiss and Tell ft. Beenie Man (2019)
- Kiss and Tell original (2018)
- Omoge (2018)
- Luv (2017)
- Susanna (2017)
- Sweetie. Ft. Joey B (2018)
- Emotions ft. Lil scrappy (2018)
- Loving you. Ft. Khadi diop
- Sade. Ft. Tome (2020)
- Smile. Ft. Fourever21 (2020)
- Whatsup (2020)
Awards[edit]
| Year | Award | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Africa Diaspora award | Face of Change | Won | [10] |
References[edit]
- ^ "Ghanaian-born Singer Making Waves In The US". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
- ^ a b Okogba, Emmanuel (17 May 2022). "Akeju, music executive to produce anti-discrimination song for ARDN Red Card Campaign". Vanguard News. Retrieved 12 December 2022.
- ^ Okogba, Emmanuel (4 December 2022). "Media executive Akeju bags African Diaspora Face of change award". Vanguard News. Retrieved 12 December 2022.
- ^ "WATCH: Akeju, Beenie Man release "Kiss and Tell" remix music video". Entertainment. 1 May 2019. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
- ^ a b c "US-based Nigerian Singer, Akeju, recounts career experiences outside Africa". Tribune Online. 28 July 2020. Retrieved 18 August 2020.
- ^ a b "Multimedia Executive, Abass Akeju launches 'Inside Nollywood', documentary on Nollywood stars". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 18 November 2021. Retrieved 12 December 2022.
- ^ Okogba, Emmanuel (20 October 2021). "Nigerian American-based music executive, Akeju launches Faces of Afrobeats to celebrate African stars". Vanguard News. Retrieved 12 December 2022.
- ^ "New Video: Akeju features Beenie Man on 'Kiss and Tell' remix". MyJoyOnline.com. 2 May 2019. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
- ^ "Afrobeats artiste Akeju releases 'Akeju The EP'". GhGossip. 25 September 2019. Retrieved 18 August 2020.
- ^ "Media executive Akeju bags African Diaspora Face of change award - Vanguard News". Vanguard. Retrieved 12 December 2022.