Joeboy – Love and Light
| Stage Name: | Joeboy |
| Real Name: | Joseph Akinwale Donus |
| Occupation: | Musician |
| Date Of Birth/Age: | 21st May, 1997 (27 years old) |
| State of Origin: | Lagos State |
| Gender: | Male |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Marital Status: | Not Married |
| Education: | University of Lagos |
| Known for: | Love and Light |
Joseph Akinwale Donus, professionally known as Joeboy, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter, born on the 21st of May, 1997. At 26 years old, he has emerged as one of the top artists in Nigeria, making significant contributions to the Afrobeat and R&B genres. Under the spotlight, Joeboy has proven his versatility and talent, captivating audiences with his soulful voice and impactful lyrics.
Early Life and Education
Born into a Yoruba family in Lagos State, Nigeria, Joeboy’s journey into the music world began at an early age. His educational background includes completing secondary school in Lagos and obtaining a degree in Human Resources from the University of Lagos. Joeboy’s family played a crucial role in shaping his musical inclination, with his father being involved in playing the piano in church, and his brother participating in the church choir.
Career Beginnings
Joe’s foray into music commenced at the age of 16 when he started singing. By 17, he released his first Afrobeat song titled “Gbeseyin.” His early efforts included creating short music covers, which he shared on social media platforms. A significant turning point occurred when he did a cover of Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” three years ago, gaining him considerable attention.
Discovery by Mr. Eazi and emPawa Africa
Joeboy’s talent did not go unnoticed, and in a stroke of luck, he caught the eye of Mr. Eazi, a prominent figure in the Nigerian music scene. Mr. Eazi, who runs “emPawa Africa,” a platform designed to discover and boost African talents, became a mentor to Joeboy. Out of 10,000 young artists from 14 African countries, Joeboy was among the first 100 recipients to receive a share of $3,000 from emPawa Africa. He utilized this fund to create the music video for “Faaji.”
Additionally, Joe was selected as one of the 10 artists for a mentorship boot camp in South Africa. In a testament to his potential, he was among the two artists awarded an additional $50,000 in funds. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of Joeboy’s ascent in the music industry.
Career Breakthrough and Notable Singles
Last year marked a significant breakthrough for Joeboy, with the release of his single “Baby” in March 2019. The love song quickly soared to the top 10 on Apple Music’s charts in Nigeria, Uganda, and Kenya. Following this success, he released “Beginning,” a collaboration with Beats 1’s host, Ebro Darden, which secured the number one spot on Apple Music in Nigeria and Uganda.
Despite being a relatively new artist, Joeboy has notched up several albums, including “How To Make Friends In a Brand New Town,” “THC (The Herrera Chronicles),” and “Love and Light.” His debut album, “Love & Light,” dropped on November 8, 2019, featuring hit tracks like “Baby,” “Beginning,” “Don’t Call Me Back,” “All For You,” and “Blessings.”
Awards and Nominations
Joeboy’s remarkable achievements have not gone unnoticed within the industry. In 2019, he received nominations for the Headies’ “Best Pop Single,” “Song of The Year,” “Viewers Choice,” and “Next Rated Artiste” awards. Despite not clinching these awards, he continued to build momentum in 2020, earning nominations for the Soundcity MVP Awards in categories such as “Listener’s Choice (Baby)” and “Best New MVP.” Notably, he secured the “Best Pop” award at the Soundcity MVP Awards.
Collaborations and Influence
Joeboy’s influence extends beyond solo endeavors, as he has collaborated with notable artists in the Nigerian music industry, including Tiwa Savage. Their joint effort, “Let Them Know,” showcased Joeboy’s versatility and ability to collaborate with established figures in the industry.
Wife and Kids
He is currently unmarried and has no kids.
Net Worth
As Joeboy continues his ascent into the hall of fame, his primary source of income remains his music. As of now, Joeboy’s net worth is estimated to be around $650,000, a figure that is expected to grow as he further solidifies his position in the music industry. You can connect with him on Instagram.