Groovy Mono – Contestant on Big Brother Naija Season 7, 2022
| Stage Name: | Groovy Mono |
| Real Name: | Henry Olisaemeka Orakwe |
| Occupation: | Reality TV |
| Date Of Birth/Age: | October 4, 1995 (30 years old) |
| State of Origin: | Anambra State |
| Gender: | Male |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Marital Status: | N/A |
| Education: | University of Lagos |
| Known for: | Big Brother Naija Season 7, 2022 |
Early Life
Henry Olisaemeka Orakwe, popularly known as Groovy Mono, was born in 1995 to Mr. and Mrs. Orakwe in Lagos State, Nigeria. His native name, Olisaemeka, means “God has done well,” a testament to the gratitude and faith of his parents. He hails from Anambra State and belongs to the Igbo ethnic group, a tribe known for their rich cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit.
Groovy’s upbringing was rooted in Christian values, with his parents instilling in him the importance of hard work, discipline, and compassion. As the first child of the Orakwe family, he has three siblings – a younger brother and two twin younger sisters – and has always been driven to set a good example and make his family proud.
Family
Groovy’s family has been a constant source of support and inspiration throughout his life. His parents, though not from a musical background, encouraged his passion for music and the arts. His siblings, too, have been his biggest fans, cheering him on at every performance and milestone.
Growing up in a close-knit family, Groovy learned the value of teamwork, communication, and empathy. These skills have served him well in his music and modeling careers, where collaboration and adaptability are essential.
Education
Groovy completed his elementary education at a leading private nursery and primary school in Lagos, where he developed a strong foundation in academics and extracurricular activities. He attended St. Finbarr’s College in Yaba, Lagos, for his secondary school education, graduating with good grades in his West African School Certificate Examination.
He is an alumnus of the University of Lagos, where he honed his creative skills and developed a passion for music and performance. During his time at university, he was an active member of the music community, performing at shows and events on campus and building a loyal fan base.
Career
Groovy’s music career began in high school, where he discovered his talent for singing and songwriting. He started by creating covers of popular songs and performing them for his classmates, who were impressed by his vocal range and charisma.
As he grew older, Groovy became more serious about his music, fine-tuning his sound and exploring different genres. He drew inspiration from Nigerian music legends like Fela Kuti and King Sunny Adé, as well as international artists like Michael Jackson and The Weeknd.
In 2020, Groovy dropped his first official single, “Groovy Zone,” which received positive reviews and helped launch his music career. He followed up with a five-track project, “The Groovy Hours EP,” in 2021, which further cemented his position as a rising star in the Nigerian music industry.
Groovy’s music style is a fusion of Afrobeats, R&B, and pop, with lyrics that explore themes of love, life, and self-empowerment. His soulful voice and captivating stage presence have endeared him to fans across Nigeria and beyond.
In addition to music, Groovy is also a thriving model and entrepreneur. He began modeling as a teenager and has worked with several brands in Nigeria, appearing in print and television advertisements. He runs a clothing store that sells male and female clothing, and has built a name for himself as one of the reliable fashion entrepreneurs in Lagos.
Discography
- Friends
- XTCY
- Love Me
- Vibes
- Gang Signs
- Groovy Zone
Social Media
Groovy’s followers on social media have increased astronomically since he was announced as a Big Brother Naija housemate. He has over 71k followers on Instagram (@groovymono) and Twitter (@groovymonobb), and is known for engaging with his fans and sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses into his life and career.
Personal Life
Groovy describes himself as a “Born Winner” and is driven by a passion for success and a desire to make a positive impact on his community.
Despite his growing fame, Groovy remains grounded and connected to his roots. He is proud of his Nigerian heritage and is committed to using his platform to promote African culture and talent.
Groovy is single and has no child or girlfriend, but is romantically linked to Beauty Etsanyi Tukura, a fellow housemate from Big Brother Naija. The two have been spotted together at events and have expressed their admiration for each other on social media.
Controversy
Groovy Mono was also embroiled in a romantic controversy with Beauty Etsanyi Tukura, a fellow housemate from Big Brother Naija. The two were open about their relationship on social media, but some fans expressed discomfort with the power dynamics at play, given that Groovy was significantly older than Beauty. Some accused Groovy of using his relationship with Beauty to gain more followers and attention, which he denied. However, the couple eventually parted ways, putting an end to the speculation and controversy surrounding their relationship. He later got together with Phyna on the show, and they both went their separate ways after the show.Â
Net Worth
Groovy’s net worth is estimated to be around US$40,000, earned through his clothing business, modeling career, and music sales. He is also expected to receive a significant amount of money from his participation in Big Brother Naija, which will likely