Praiz

Praise Ugbede Adejo (born 8 March 1984), better known by his stage name Praiz, is a Nigerian R&B songwriter, producer and singer. Praiz's music career hit the limelight after he finished second runner-up at the maiden season of Project Fame West Africa.[2] He is best known for releasing hit singles like "Rich and Famous", "Sisi" and "I Love You". He contributed guest vocals to Bez's 2011 single "That Stupid Song"; the music video for the aforementioned song went on to be the first African video to make a world premiere on BET’s 106 & Park.[3] He is currently signed to X3M Music.[4]

Not to be confused with American Christian artist Praiz'.
Praiz
in 2015
Background information
Birth namePraise Ugbede Adejo
Also known asMr. Rich & Famous
Born (1984-03-08) 8 March 1984[1]
OriginKogi State, Nigeria
GenresR&B
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter
InstrumentsVocals, piano
Years active2007–present
LabelsX3M Music
Associated acts

Early life and education

Praiz, a native of Igala in Kogi State was born in Lagos but later relocated to Kaduna in 1992 after his father was transferred there on a missionary work. He is the second child out of five children.[5] He has a National Diploma in Computer Science after graduating from Kaduna Polytechnic.[6]

Career

Project Fame West Africa

Praiz has been doing well in the music before he shot into limelight after emerging second runner-up in the first edition of Project Fame West Africa, a music reality T.V show which Iyanya went on to win.[7] His performance in the competition increased his fan base making him one of the next rated star in the Nigerian music industry.[8]

2010–present: Rich & Famous

Praiz has worked with several artists including Awilo Longomba, Cobhams, Wizkid, Seyi Shay, Bez and MI.[9] One of his many works is a song he collaborated with fellow Nigerian artiste Bez on the hit single "That Stupid Song" which went on to be the first African video to make a world premiere on BET’s 106 & Park.[10] On 22 July 2012, he released the hit single titled "Rich and Famous" which got positive reviews and massive airplay thus getting him nominated in several award events.[11] On 14 December 2014, Praiz released his debut studio album titled Rich & Famous.[9]

Style of music

Known to be a soul and R&B artiste, Praiz also has a diverse style in making other genres of music, switching up from R&B to afropop with commercially appealing songs like "Oshe" and "Mercy". He cites Barry White, Michael Jackson, Carl Thompson and Boyz II Men as people who influence his type of music.[12]

Personal life

Praiz is a brand ambassador for network service giants MTN. He is also involved with some charitable organizations including Safe Motherhood Foundation and Little Big Souls, an organization geared towards helping to reduce premature maternal mortality and assisting women who cannot afford maternal care.[10]

Discography

Albums
  • Rich & Famous (2014)
  • 2 Minutes EP (2018)

Singles
  • "Bubbling Under" (2010)
  • "The Lockdown" (2011)
  • "I Love You" (2011)
  • "Jekalo" (2011)
  • "A Woman's Need" (2012)
  • "Rich and Famous" (2012)
  • "For You" (featuring Seyi Shay) (2013)
  • "I Love You" (2013)
  • "Oshe" (featuring Awilo Longomba) (2013)
  • "Sweet Potato" (featuring Chidinma) (2014)
  • "Mercy" (2014)
  • "Sisi" (featuring Wizkid) (2014)
  • "Heartbeat" (2015)
  • "Amazing Grace" (2015)
  • "Body Hot" (2016)[13] Featuring Jesse Jagz & Stonebwoy
  • "2 minutes" (2018)
  • "Here and now (2018)
  • "Champagne and Flowers (2018)
  • "Hustle ft. Stonebwoy (2019)[14]

Awards and nominations
This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.
YearAward ceremonyAward descriptionResult
2012The Headies 2012Best Vocal Performance (Male)Nominated
2012The Headies 2012Next Rated ActNominated
20122012 Nigeria Entertainment AwardsMost Promising Act to WatchNominated
20132013 Nigeria Entertainment AwardsBest Pop/R&B Artist of the YearNominated
2013City People AwardsBest Rhythm and Blues Singer of the YearWon[15]
2014City People AwardsBest Pop/R&B Artist of the YearNominated
20142014 Nigeria Entertainment AwardsBest Pop/R&B Artist of the YearNominated
20152015 Nigeria Entertainment AwardsBest Pop/R&B Artist of the YearWon[16]


See also

References
  1. Dayo Showemimo (8 March 2015). "Praiz celebrates 31st birthday with throw-back picture". The Net. Retrieved 30 July 2015.
  2. "SURULERE: IYANYA, PRAIZ BACK IN PROJECT FAME 2008!". E247Mag. 21 May 2014. Retrieved 30 July 2015.
  3. "BN Bytes: Bez to debut video for "That Stupid Song" on BET's 106 & Park – First-Ever African Video to World Premiere on the Show". BellaNaija. 30 January 2012. Retrieved 30 July 2015.
  4. Michael Abimboye (27 April 2014). "We are at home at X3M Music, say singers Simi, Sammy". Premium Times. Retrieved 30 July 2015.
  5. Adeola Adeyemo (18 August 2012). "BN Saturday Celebrity Interview: The "Rich & Famous" Crooner, Praiz takes us into His World – Meet the Man Behind that Unique Voice!". BellaNaija. Retrieved 30 July 2015.
  6. Anna Okon (25 August 2013). "Music is my lover – Praiz". The Punch. Archived from the original on 3 June 2015. Retrieved 30 July 2015.
  7. Michael Abimboye (21 December 2014). "Why I have a double CD debut album- Praiz". Premium Times. Retrieved 30 July 2015.
  8. Chinedu Adiele (17 June 2015). "Praiz hangout with fans at Meet and Greet event". Tush Magazine. Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 30 July 2015.
  9. Ayomide O. Tayo (14 December 2014). "Singer releases album 'Rich & Famous'". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 30 July 2015.
  10. Dee Apphiaanna (29 October 2014). "[CELEBRITY BIO] Nigerian Singer Praise Adejo AKA Praiz' Biography". Star Gist. Retrieved 30 July 2015.
  11. "Praiz – Rich And Famous". tooXclusive.com. 22 July 2014. Retrieved 30 July 2015.
  12. "NIGERIAN ARTISTE PRAISE ADEJO AKA PRAIZ BIOGRAPHY". TheInfoNerds.com. 29 October 2014. Retrieved 30 July 2015.
  13. "New Music Praiz – 'Body hot' ft Jesse Jagz, Stonebwoy". Pulse.ng. Joeuy Akan. Retrieved 5 February 2016.
  14. "New Song Praiz – Hustle ft. Stonebwoy". 042coded.com.ng. Passstyle Onyeka. Retrieved 12 April 2019.
  15. Braimah Sheriff (14 July 2013). "Singer Praiz wins his first music award". Entertainment Redefined. Retrieved 30 July 2015.
  16. Tonye (19 July 2015). "Voting opens for Nigeria Entertainment Awards 2015". The Guardian. Retrieved 30 July 2015.
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