Reminisce – Ever Since
| Stage Name: | Reminisce |
| Real Name: | Alaga Ibile |
| Occupation: | Musician |
| Date Of Birth/Age: | 26th January, 1981 (43 years old) |
| State of Origin: | Ogun State |
| Gender: | Male |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Marital Status: | Iya Hafusa (Wife) |
| Education: | Kwara State Polytechnic |
| Known for: | Ever Since |
Early Life
Born on January 26, 1981, in Kaduna state, Northern Nigeria, Reminisce, whose real name is Alaga Ibile, hails from Ajilete, Yewa South LGA in Ogun State, located in the western part of Nigeria. During his school days, he immersed himself in various genres of local and foreign music, participating enthusiastically in school activities. His educational journey led him to study purchasing and supply at Kwara State Polytechnic.
Early Music Career
In 2006, Reminisce dipped his toes into the music scene, recording his first song. However, a hardcore rap album at Coded Tunes faced an unexpected fate as it was never released. Undeterred, he decided to prioritize his studies and complete his education. The year 2008 marked his return to the music arena when he lent his rap prowess to “Bachelor’s Life,” a track on 9ice’s sophomore album, “Gongo Aso.” His first single, “Ever Since,” featuring 9ice, narrated his life story up to that point, while “If Only,” his second single, showcased his versatility with a love theme.
Rising in the Ranks: Recognition and Brand Ambassadorship
In 2014, Reminisce’s impact reverberated globally as TIME Magazine recognized him among the “World Rappers You Should Meet.” The same year, NotJustOk, a Nigerian music site, hailed him as one of the top three hip-hop artists. The 2015 controversial track “Local Rappers,” featuring Olamide and Phyno, sparked debates among fans, perceived by some as targeting English-language rappers like MI and Mode9. Beyond music, Reminisce added another feather to his cap by becoming a brand ambassador for the Orijin alcoholic beverage brand in 2015.
Les Roses Rouge (LRR) Records and Billboard Triumphs
Reminisce’s affiliation with Les Roses Rouge (LRR) Records marked a historic moment in his career. He became the only Nigerian rapper with two albums debuting on the Billboard charts. “Baba Hafusa” claimed the 12th spot, while “El-Hadj” secured the 13th position, solidifying his international standing.
Discography
Book of Rap Stories (2012): Reminisce’s debut album, released on March 31, 2012, showcased his bilingual prowess. Produced by industry heavyweights like Sarz and Legendury Beatz, the album made a commercial impact in the southern part of Nigeria.
ALAGA IBILE (2013): Released on November 15, 2013, this album marked Reminisce’s ascent to the status of “Chairman of the City” in Yoruba, earning him accolades and millions in sales. The album featured collaborations with Wizkid, Naeto C, Davido, Olamide, and Sossick, with tracks like “Kako Bi Chicken” becoming anthems in Nigerian nightlife.
Baba Hafusa (2015): In April 2015, Reminisce dropped “Baba Hafusa,” becoming the first African hip-hop artist to debut at No. 12 on the Billboard Charts World Music category. This genre-blending album, praised for its fusion of hip hop, fuji, and afrobeats, elevated Reminisce’s stature.
El-Hadj (2016): Released on August 29, 2016, “El-Hadj” solidified Reminisce’s Billboard dominance, debuting at No. 13. The album’s diverse tracks, including “Asalamalekun” and “Konsignment,” showcased his storytelling prowess and received widespread acclaim.
Vibes & Insha Allah EP (2020): Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Reminisce dropped a 6-track EP in July 2020, titled “Vibes & Insha Allah.” Featuring artists like Fireboy DML, Mo Safaru, and Fatimah Safaru, the EP garnered over 4.5 million streams on Audiomack in just four months.
Venturing into Film: King of Boys
In 2018, Reminisce expanded his artistic horizons by starring in the Nigerian movie “King of Boys,” a political crime thriller directed by Kemi Adetiba. His portrayal of the notorious gangster “Makanaki” earned him acclaim, showcasing his ability to seamlessly transition from a successful rapper to a compelling actor. The film’s success opened doors for Reminisce in the Nigerian film industry, leading to more projects and diversifying his entertainment career.
In 2021, he reprised his role as Makanaki in the sequel, “King of Boys: Return of the King,” further solidifying his position as a multi-talented artist in the dynamic Nigerian entertainment landscape.
Wife and Kids
Reminisce is happily married to his wife, affectionately referred to as “Iya Hafusa.” Embracing the role of a proud father, he lovingly calls himself “Baba Hafusa.” Their blessed union has brought forth two beautiful children, Hafusa Safaru and Fatima Safaru.
Net Worth
Reminisce boasts a net worth exceeding 1.8 million dollars. Through his successful music career, strategic brand partnerships, and ventures in the entertainment industry. You can find him on Instagram.
