Lojay – Kilode
| Stage Name: | Lojay |
| Real Name: | Lekan Osifeso Jnr |
| Occupation: | Musician |
| Date Of Birth/Age: | 28th April, 1996 (28 years old) |
| State of Origin: | Ogun State |
| Gender: | Male |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Marital Status: | Not Married |
| Education: | University of Portsmouth, UK |
| Known for: | Kilode |
Early Life and Background
Born on April 28, 1996, in Nigeria, Lekan Osifeso Jnr., widely known as Lojay, is a multifaceted talent excelling as a singer, songwriter, and producer in the vibrant world of Afrobeats. He grew up in Ikorodu and later moved to Victoria Island, Lagos, as part of a dynamic and musically inclined family. Lekan’s early life demonstrated an unmistakable inclination towards music, a passion that would shape his future in the industry.
Lekan completed his education at the University of Portsmouth, UK, graduating in 2018. During his formative years at the Nigerian Turkish Secondary School, he showcased his musical prowess by joining a local rap group named Dkoy, where he released hits like “Kilode.” Raised in a religious household led by his mother, a pastor, Lekan’s childhood was steeped in regular church attendance, contributing to the diverse musical influences that would later shape his unique sound. Notably, he developed a strong admiration for artists like Chris Brown, who became one of his favorite singers.
Early Career
Lojay’s stage name, a fusion of the initials from his full name “Lekan Osifeso Junior” (LO-J), symbolizes the beginning of his musical journey. His passion for music surfaced during his adolescence, and he pursued it relentlessly through his teenage years. Unlike confining himself to a specific genre, Lojay embraces the fluidity of his musical expression, declaring in an interview with Nataal, “I don’t have a genre, and I’m not going to put myself in a box just because people expect it.” He made it clear that as long as people connect with the music, genres are merely labels.
Embarking on his professional music career in 2016 while still an undergraduate, Lojay transitioned to a full-time commitment after obtaining his degree. In December 2017, he unveiled his debut EP, “Midnight Vibes,” featuring tracks such as “Atarodo,” “Alomo,” “Kele,” “10K Splaw,” and “Whine & Bubble.” This marked the inception of Lojay’s journey into the hearts of music enthusiasts.
Evolution and Breakthrough
Between 2016 and the release of his breakout songs in 2021, Lojay released several singles, including “Along,” “Kuli Kuli,” and “Over the Bar.” However, it was in May 2021 that he, along with producer Sarz, released the duet EP “LV N ATTN,” stylized from Love and Attention. The five-track EP featured his breakout singles “Tonongo” and “Monalisa,” the latter achieving notable success by peaking at number 8 on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart. “Monalisa” also earned the distinction of being the most played Afrobeats song on Shazam, according to Cool FM Nigeria and NotJustOk.
In November 2021, Lojay collaborated with Zlatan Ibile and DJ Neptune on the track “Only Fan,” showcasing his versatility and expanding his presence in the music scene. The collaborative effort was well-received, contributing to Lojay’s growing reputation as a rising star.
Continued Success
In 2022, Lojay’s journey reached new heights as he participated in the Heineken UEFA Champions League trophy tour in Nigeria. This exposure further solidified his position in the industry, marking him as a force to be reckoned with.
March 2023 saw the release of Lojay’s second solo EP, “Gangster Romantic,” featuring seven tracks and collaborations with renowned artists such as DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small. The EP showcased his growth as an artist and cemented his status as a prominent figure in the Afrobeats scene.
Recognition and Accolades
Despite being relatively early in his career, Lojay’s impact has not gone unnoticed. In 2022, he received a nomination for The Headies Award for Next Rated Artiste, a testament to his growing influence and contribution to the Afrobeats genre. Additionally, his single “Monalisa” achieved Silver certification by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) in March 2023, further highlighting the global recognition of his music.
Wife and Kids
He is currently single and has no kids.
Net Worth
Lekan Osifeso Jnr., widely known as Lojay, has achieved remarkable success in the music industry, accumulating a net worth exceeding $150,000. Through his dedication to his craft and a series of hit songs, Lojay has not only captured the hearts of fans but has also secured financial prosperity. You can find him on Instagram.