JOEBOY

Early Life and Education

Joeboy was born on May 21, 1997, in Lagos, Nigeria. He grew up in a music-loving family, with his father playing the keyboard in church and his older brother being a choir member. This environment nurtured his early interest in music.

He attended the University of Lagos (UNILAG), where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management. Throughout his university years, he was actively involved in music, balancing his studies with his growing passion.

Discovery and Career Breakthrough

Joeboy's career took a significant turn after he recorded a cover of Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You." He sent the video to his friends, and it eventually made its way to the Nigerian music mogul Mr Eazi. Impressed by his talent, Mr Eazi reached out to him and offered him mentorship and a platform.

In 2017, Mr Eazi launched emPawa Africa, a talent incubator program designed to empower emerging African artists. Joeboy became the first artist to receive funding and support from this initiative.

His breakthrough came in March 2019 with the release of his single, "Baby." The song was a massive commercial success across Africa, and its animated visualizer garnered millions of views on YouTube. This was followed by another hit single, "Beginning," which solidified his status as a rising star. Both tracks showcased his signature style of crafting infectious, romantic Afropop tunes.

EPs and Albums

Love & Light (2019)
Following the success of his initial singles, Joeboy released his debut extended play (EP), Love & Light, in November 2019. The project included his previously released hits and new tracks, further establishing his sound.

Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic (2021)
In February 2021, Joeboy released his debut full-length album, Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic. The album was met with positive reviews and was praised for its cohesive theme of love and its polished production. It performed well on streaming charts, cementing his position in the mainstream.

Body & Soul (2023)
His sophomore album, Body & Soul, was released in May 2023. This project featured collaborations with artists like BNXN (formerly Buju), Odumodublvck, and American rapper Ludacris.

Young Legend Label

In 2023, Joeboy announced the launch of his own record label, Young Legend. In a groundbreaking move, he also signed a dual deal with Warner Music, making Young Legend a partner label. This deal allows him to oversee his own music and also discover and develop new talent, marking a new chapter in his career as a music executive.

Joeboy continues to be a major force in the African music industry, celebrated for his consistent delivery of hit songs and his influence on the sound of contemporary Afropop.