Iyanya’s Biography
Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk, born 31 October 1986, is a Nigerian vocalist and songwriter better known by his stage name Iyanya. Iyanya was born in Calabar, Cross River State, on Palm Street. Iyanya’s grandfather was a minister, where he sang in the church choir and directed the children’s choir at the age of five.
Calabar is where he concluded his primary, secondary, and university education. His mother was the headmistress, while his father was a forester. Iyanya has characterised his mother as the disciplinarian of the household, while his father was the more lenient of the two. His parents and elder brother both passed away in 2008, around the same time.
He earned a degree in business management from the University of Calabar. After graduating from the University of Calabar, he managed a local pub and performed karaoke there.
Music Career
Iyanya began honing his singing skills in local venues such as Fiesta Fries Bar, Mirage Nite Club, and West-Life. Iyanya has cited Craig David and R. Kelly as his primary musical influences. Iyanya was inspired to pursue a career in music after observing the lifestyles of 2 Face Idibia and Olu Maintain. He began his career as a rapper under the moniker “Lofty.”
In 2008, KCee of KC Presh persuaded Iyanya to compete in the inaugural season of Project Fame West Africa. He went on to win the competition after competing against numerous individuals who shared his aspirations.
Iyanya’s success had just begun, as opposed to the cases of many others who decline after a significant competition. He started producing his debut album “My Story” in 2009, after winning MTN’s Project Fame West Africa. The album was released by CN Media Imprint. The album demonstrated Iyanya’s versatility as an R&B artist, especially on the sings, “Iyanya” and “Love Truly.” A few months prior, he inked a contract with Temple Management Company for management services.
Genre
Afrobeats/Afro Pop
Location
Nigeria
Socials
Iyanya’s debut album was commercially unsuccessful due to distribution and promotion issues. He resolved to create a song that would popularise the Calabar-born Etighi dance after visiting his hometown of Calabar and witnessing the locals’ fondness for the dance. Iyanya and Ubi Franklin co-founded the record label Made Men Music Group in 2011.
On 25 November 2012, Iyanya performed at the INDIGO2 arena for the AY Makun show. “Desire,” his second studio album, was released in February 2013. It featured the singles “Kukere,” “Ur Waist,” “Flavour,” and “Sexy Mama,” as well as “Jombolo.” He was named 2013 Artist of the Year award winner at The Headies. He headlined the Iyanya vs. Desire concert to promote his second album in the UK. The journey began in London and concluded in Manchester.
Iyanya and labelmate Emma Nyra embarked on a limited tour of the United States and Canada in early 2013. On 11 April 2013, Iyanya performed at the Shrine in Chicago. On April 12, 2013, he also performed at the African Muzik Magazine inauguration in Dallas, Texas. Iyanya serenaded Grammy Award nominee Melanie Fiona at the LTB Jean store in Soho, New York, and performed during the prestigious New York Fashion Week.
On June 9, 2013, another London concert took place at the INDIGO2 arena. Tonto Dikeh and Emma Nyad performed at the event.
In July 2016, he first announced his intention to depart Made Men Music Group. That same year he announced on Instagram in October 2016 that he had signed a record contract with Mavin Records.
Iyanya went on a long hiatus after his 2013 Desire album. He returned in 2022 with a new album titled “The 6th Wave.”
Controversy
Iyanya was caught up in a web when actress Yvonne Nelson opened up in her memoir about the moment she discovered that he was having an affair with Nigerian actress Tonto Dikeh while they were dating.
The relationship between Iyanya and Yvonne lasted the majority of 2013; the same year he released “My Waist” and referenced Yvonne in the lyrics.
Discography
