Mr Eazi – Leg Over
| Stage Name: | Mr Eazi |
| Real Name: | Oluwatosin Oluwole Ajibade |
| Occupation: | Musician |
| Date Of Birth/Age: | 19th July, 1991 (33 years old) |
| State of Origin: | Ogun State |
| Gender: | Male |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Marital Status: | Temi Otedola (Wife) |
| Education: | Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology |
| Known for: | Leg Over |
Oluwatosin Oluwole Ajibade, popularly known by his stage name Mr Eazi, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record executive. Born on 19 July 1991 in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Mr Eazi is recognized as the pioneer of Banku music, a unique fusion of Ghanaian highlife and Nigerian chord progressions and patterns. This biography delves into the life, education, career, and personal achievements of this influential artist.
Early Life and Education
Mr Eazi, a Yoruba by ethnicity, grew up in a household with an entrepreneurial spirit. His mother owned a small business, while his father worked as a pilot and later established his private aviation consulting practice. During his primary school years in Lagos, Mr Eazi briefly participated in the school’s choir. His exposure to music was influenced by the records his father played during family breakfasts.
At the age of 16, Mr Eazi made a significant move to Ghana to pursue his education in the mechanical engineering program at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). It was during his time at KNUST that he developed a keen interest in music. He founded Swagger Entertainment, a party and promotion company, through which he organized events on campus. In the course of his academic journey, he contributed guest vocals to the track “My Life,” a song that gained popularity at KNUST.
After returning to Nigeria at the age of 23, Mr Eazi explored various business ventures, including e-commerce, soft drinks import, gold mining, and food distribution. He briefly worked for Schlumberger before fully dedicating himself to his entrepreneurial pursuits. In 2014, a setback in his club promotion business led him to shift his focus to the music industry.
Rise to Fame
Mr Eazi’s musical journey began with the release of his debut mixtape, “About to Blow,” in July 2013. The mixtape, recorded with producer Klu, featured singles like “Pipi Dance” and “Bankulize.” His breakthrough came with the release of “Skin Tight,” a single featuring Ghanaian singer Efya, in August 2015. The song’s fusion of Ghanaian pidgin and Nigerian melodies garnered international attention and marked a turning point in Mr Eazi’s career.
Challenges and Triumphs
In 2016, Mr Eazi faced a setback when organizers of the Ghana Music Awards disqualified him from the Ghanaian-only categories due to his Nigerian nationality. This sparked controversy and a Twitter backlash. Despite the challenges, he continued to rise in prominence.
Wizkid, after witnessing Mr Eazi’s performance at the 2016 Ghana Music Awards, announced that he had signed the talented artist to his Starboy Entertainment imprint. However, Mr Eazi clarified that he was not officially signed but was in business with Starboy Entertainment.
His second mixtape, “Life Is Eazi, Vol. 1 – Accra To Lagos,” released in 2017, debuted at number 4 on the Billboard World Albums chart. The mixtape featured collaborations with artists like Tekno, Olamide, Phyno, and DJ Cuppy.
Achievements and Milestones
In 2019, Mr Eazi performed at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. The same year, he launched emPawa Africa, an initiative designed to support up-and-coming African artists with grants and mentorship.
Mr Eazi’s commitment to his craft culminated in the release of his debut studio album, “The Evil Genius,” in 2023. This marked a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his growth as an artist.
Artistry and Musical Style
Mr Eazi’s contribution to the music industry goes beyond his singing and songwriting. He is credited with pioneering Banku music, characterized by percolating rhythms and laid-back vocals in Ghanaian Pidgin English. His music falls under the broader category of Afrobeats, blending global pop, dancehall, highlife, and hip-hop. Critics have praised his deep voice, which adds ballad-like qualities to his dance-forward production.
Discography and Awards
Mr Eazi’s discography includes notable works such as his debut mixtape “About to Blow,” mixtape series “Life is Eazi,” and studio album “The Evil Genius.” His chart-topping singles include “Skin Tight,” “Leg Over,” and “Tilapia.” The artist has received several awards and nominations, including winning the Special Recognition Award at the 2016 WatsUp TV Africa Music Video Awards and the Headies Next Rated in 2016.
Wife and Kids
Mr Eazi married his long-time girlfriend Temi Otedola, the daughter of Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola and sister to DJ Cuppy. The couple got engaged on 10 April 2022, and married in 2023.
Net Worth
Mr Eazi has achieved remarkable success in his music career, contributing to his substantial net worth of over 42 million dollars. His journey from Nigeria to Ghana, coupled with his innovative Banku music style, has garnered international acclaim and a massive fan base. Beyond his music, Mr Eazi’s entrepreneurial ventures and strategic business decisions have played a significant role in accumulating his wealth. You can find him on Instagram.
