Yinka Davies – Black Chiffon
| Stage Name: | Yinka Davies |
| Real Name: | Yinka Davies |
| Occupation: | Vocalist & Dancer, |
| Date Of Birth/Age: | 16th July, 1970 (53 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Lagos State |
| Gender: | Female |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Marital Status: | – |
| Education: | – |
| Known for: | Black Chiffon |
Early Life and Background
Yinka Davies, born on July 16, 1970, is a Nigerian vocalist, dancer, lyricist, and reality show judge known for her role in Nigerian Idol. With a career spanning 28 years, she has made significant contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry. Yinka’s cultural heritage is rich, with her father hailing from the Lisabi clan in Benin Republic/Sierra Leone and her mother from Ikorodu, Lagos State. Her paternal grandmother’s lineage connects her to the Shagamu royal family.
Yinka’s musical influences reflect the diverse sounds she grew up with, ranging from Sam Cooke, Johnny Cash, Elvis, and Jimmy Dean to African artists like Manu Dibango, Fela Kuti, Victor Uwaifo, and others. The dearth of female musicians in the 1980s inspired her, with artists like Salawa Abeni and Dora Ifudu influencing her early musical journey.
Foray into the World of Art and Music
Initially drawn to painting and sculpting, Yinka’s journey into the arts took a turn when she explored the National Theatre in Lagos in 1987. Inspired by Ghanaian dancer Elizabeth Hammond, she embraced dance, adding another dimension to her artistic expression. Yinka’s exploration of various art forms, from painting to theatre, dance, and eventually music, shaped her multidimensional artistic identity.
Launch into Music/Singing
In 1992, Yinka was recognized as an all-around artist by the organizers of the Fame Music Award. Her involvement in the presentation of Lagbaja at Bread and Butter Jazz club marked a significant moment in her music career. She became heavily involved in the production of Lagbaja’s first album, “Side by Side,” released in 1993. Yinka’s focus shifted more towards music, leading her to collaborate with various Nigerian recording artists as a backup vocalist and choreographer for music videos.
A life-altering event occurred on January 21, 1994, when Yinka had a collision with a taxi in Lagos, resulting in major surgery. This incident impacted her ability to dance, prompting her to concentrate more on singing. Despite challenges, her dedication to her craft remained strong.
Motivation and Impact
Yinka’s motivation stems from her strong family ties and the responsibility of looking after her siblings from a young age. Growing up in a military family, she gained diverse cultural experiences as they moved around Nigeria. Yinka’s songwriting reflects her exposure to different Nigerian cultures during her childhood.
Discography and Notable Performances
Yinka Davies has released albums such as “Work” (1998), “Emi N’lo” (2002), and “Black Chiffon” (2010). She has collaborated with artists like Florocka, Lagbaja, Fatai Rolling Dollar, and Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister. Her notable performances include being Alex O’s background vocalist (1990-1992), World Music Day organized by Alliance Francaise, and various concerts and festivals both nationally and internationally.
Judicial Role and Awards
Yinka served as a judge on Nigerian Idol from 2011 to 2016. Her contributions to the music industry earned her the Upcoming Artiste of the Year award at the Fame Music Awards in 1992 and the Voice of the Decade award at the Nigeria Music Award (NMA) in 2007.
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Husband and Kids
Yinka Davies is currently single but has two sons. The first son died at the age of 21 years old.
Net Worth
She is currently worth $1 million. You can connect with her on Instagram.
