CHIDINMA

Early Life and Education

Chidinma was born on May 2, 1991, in Ketu, Kosofe, Lagos State, to parents originally from Imo State. She is the sixth of seven children. She grew up with a strict father and began singing in her church choir at the age of six. She attended primary and secondary school in Ketu before her family relocated to Ikorodu.

Before her music career took off, she was set to attend the University of Lagos to study Mass Communication.

Project Fame West Africa and Rise to Stardom

In 2010, Chidinma's life changed when she competed in the third season of the popular reality television show, Project Fame West Africa. After a grueling ten weeks of competition, she emerged as the winner, which came with a prize package that included a significant cash prize, a vehicle, and a recording contract.

Her victory on the show served as a launchpad for her music career. She began working with the acclaimed producer Cobhams Asuquo and other top industry professionals.

Secular Music Career and Major Hits

Following her Project Fame win, Chidinma became a household name in the Nigerian Afropop scene. She signed with Illbliss and Clarence Peters' record label, Capital Hill Records, and released a string of successful hits.

Her debut studio album, "Chidinma," was released in 2012. However, she is best known for her powerful and emotive hit singles that dominated the airwaves, including:

• "Jankoliko": Her debut single featuring Sound Sultan.

• "Kedike": This massive 2012 hit became her signature song and earned her the moniker "Miss Kedike." It won the "Best Female West African Act" award at the Kora Awards.

• "Emi Ni Baller": A collaboration with her labelmates, this song's video made her the first female musician to peak at number 1 on the MTV Base Official Naija Top 10 chart.

• "Fallen in Love": A romantic ballad that showcased her vocal prowess and became another fan favorite.

Throughout her secular career, she was praised for her powerful voice, petite stature, and charismatic performances.

Transition to Gospel Music

In May 2021, on her 30th birthday, Chidinma made a public announcement that she was quitting secular music to become a full-time Christian missionary and gospel singer. She described the move as a "re-christening" and a return to her spiritual roots.

She signed with EeZee Conceptz, a prominent Nigerian gospel music label home to artists like Mercy Chinwo. She marked her transition with the release of her debut gospel single, "Jehovah Overdo." The song was a powerful declaration of her new faith and was met with widespread support from the gospel community and many of her longtime fans.

Since her transition, she has released other gospel songs and an EP titled "New Season." As a gospel artist, she now focuses on ministering through her music and has dedicated her platform to her faith.