Bez Biography: Age, Wife, Children & Net Worth

Bez – Artist

Stage Name:	Bez
Real Name:	Emmanuel Bez Idakula
Occupation:	Artist
Date Of Birth/Age:	10th November, 1983 (40 years old)
Place of Birth:	Jos, Nigeria
Gender:	Male
Nationality:	Nigerian
Marital Status:	Bolatito Ladoja (Wife)
Education:	Covenant University
Known for:	That Stupid Song

Emmanuel Bez Idakula, who goes by the name Bez and was born on November 10, 1983, is a talented Nigerian musician with a unique style that blends elements of soul, rock, jazz, and R&B, known as “alternative soul.” He gained recognition and was featured in Pulse Magazine as the number one artist to watch in 2014.

Early Life and Education

Emmanuel Idakula was born in 1983 in Jos, Nigeria, and grew up in a family with a strong passion for music, particularly gospel and country. He began singing in choirs and playing his father’s guitar at the tender age of nine. His parents often performed duets, with his mother as the singer and his father on the guitar. Bez, along with his younger brother Anyidakula Idakula and two sisters, Eunice Chiedu and Lydia Sobogun, were the enthusiastic audience. While growing up, Bez also showed an interest in fixing things and had a knack for painting and sketching.

At the age of twelve, Emmanuel lost his father, who was a politician and a gubernatorial candidate in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. This unfortunate event led to financial difficulties for his family, making it challenging for him to afford his high school education. Fortunately, an anonymous benefactor stepped in and covered his tuition expenses. His college education was made possible through similar acts of kindness.

Bez completed his high school education at Loyola Jesuit College and later graduated from Covenant University in 2007 with a degree in Information and Communications Technology (BEng). During his university years, he often participated in open mic nights, one of which was called Taruwa, where he had the opportunity to showcase his musical talents. It was at these events that he met Praiz, with whom he later collaborated on “That Stupid Song.” Reading inspirational and self-help books, such as Bishop TD Jakes’ “He-Motions,” inspired Bez to realize that his life’s purpose was to contribute to the world through his music.

Bez Biography Age, Wife, Children & Net Worth — Bez

Music Career

Bez released his album “Super Sun” in 2011, featuring the hit single “That Stupid Song.” The Boston Globe ranked this song as the third-best world music album of 2011, describing Bez as an excellent alternative-soul singer. Connect Nigeria praised the album for its uniqueness and perfect debut blend.

In an interview with Vanguard Nigeria, Bez revealed that “That Stupid Song” came about by accident when someone requested a “stupid song” in the studio. Collaborating with the talented songwriter and music producer Cobhams Asuquo, Bez, and Praiz created a song that blended different tunes from their childhood.

In November 2013, Bez released the first single from his second album, “My Baby,” also produced by Cobhams Asuquo. The full album was released in 2014. Bez hinted that this album would incorporate more African elements and rock into his music while maintaining the soulful essence.

His album “Gbagyi Child” was released on November 28, 2016, and received acclaim for its expressive and poetic quality. The album includes a remix of “You Suppose Know,” featuring Nigerian artist Yemi Alade.

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Tours and Other Career Accomplishments

Bez’s music video for “That Stupid Song” premiered on BET’s “106 & Park,” making him the first African artist to debut a music video on BET. He was also the first Nigerian artist to host a solo show at the iTunes store in Soho, New York, and had another performance at the iTunes store in Santa Monica, California.

Bez enjoyed performing on stage and participated in various events and concerts in the United States, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Ethiopia. He received positive reviews for his Super Sun Concert in Nigeria in December 2012.

In 2013, Bez embarked on an American tour in March, followed by a European tour during the summer. He was part of the Slide and Bounce Tour, sponsored by Globacom.

Charitable Involvement

Bez established the Bez Idakula Foundation, which focuses on helping children who cannot afford education and aims to transform their lives, much like his own life was positively impacted. He is also a board member of the NGO Ovie Brume Foundation and a member of the African Leadership Network. Bez is one of two Nigerian members of Sandbox, a global network of young entrepreneurs. He endorses ‘Friends Africa’ and the African telecommunications brand Globacom, appearing in their commercials. In March 2012, Bez was a speaker at the Harvard Africa Business Conference during an entertainment panel.

Awards and Nominations

Bez received six nominations at the 2012 The Headies, the Nigerian Music Awards. These nominations included Recording of the Year for “The Stupid Song,” Best R ‘N’ B Single for the same song, Best R ‘N’ B/Pop Album for “Super Sun,” Best Collaboration for “Stupid Song” featuring Praiz, Best Vocal Performance, and Hip Hop World Revelation.

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Wife and Kids

Bez married Bolatito Ladoja in January 2014, and they have three children; two sons, Joshua and Immanuel, and a duaghter, Seven. Bolatito is the daughter of former Oyo State Governor Rasheed Ladoja and works as a banker at First City Monument Bank. She holds degrees in International Relations and Management from prestigious universities in the United Kingdom. She actively supports Bez’s career and frequently attends his performances. Bez is currently based in Lagos, Nigeria, and draws musical inspiration from artists like Amy Winehouse, the Beatles, and ’70s soul. Besides guitar, he is proficient in piano and percussion.