John Ighodaro (born July 5, 1990), professionally known as Johnny Drille, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. His career came into the spotlight when he released a cover of "Awww" by Di'Ja. He is currently signed to Mavin Records.[1][2]
Johnny Drille | |
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | John Ighodaro |
| Also known as | Johnny Drille |
| Born | July 5, 1990 Edo, Nigeria |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) |
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| Instrument(s) |
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| Years active | 2012–present |
| Labels | Mavin Records |
| Spouse(s) | Rima Tahini |
Early life and education
Johnny Drille was born and raised in Edo State, Nigeria. His father is a school principal and clergyman. He has four siblings. Drille started singing in his father's church at an early age. He attended the University of Benin, Benin City, where he studied English and Literature.[3][4]
Career
Drille began his musical career in church. He was one of the contestants on the sixth season of Project Fame West Africa in 2013.[5][6] In 2015, he released a cover of Di'Ja's "Awww", which caught the attention of Mavin's CEO Don Jazzy. His debut single "Wait for Me" was released in 2015. It was nominated for Best Alternative Song at The Headies 2016. He teamed up with Niniola, a fellow season 6 contestant, to record "Start All Over".[7] In February 2017, he signed a record deal with Mavin Records.[8][9]On September 3, 2021, he released his debut album, which consists of a fourteen track project,[10] titled 'Before We Fall Asleep' featuring Nigerian and artists, Ayra Starr, Ladipoe, Lagos community choir, Don Jazzy, Chylde, Kwitte, Cilsoul and the classic afro R&B group, Styl plus under the label Mavin Records.
Personal life
Johnny is married to music executive Rima Tahini.[11] In November 2023, they announced the birth of their daughter Amaris Esohe Ighodaro.[12]
Discography
Album
| Title | Album details | Ref. |
|---|---|---|
| Before We Fall Asleep |
| [13][14] |
EP
| Title | Details | Peak chart positions |
|---|---|---|
| NG [15] | ||
| Home[16] |
| 12 |
Singles
- 2015 – "Wait for Me"
- 2015 - "Love Don't Lie"
- 2016 – "My Beautiful Love"
- 2016 - "Start All Over (Featuring Niniola)
- 2017 – "Romeo & Juliet"
- 2018 – "Halleluya" (featuring Simi)
- 2018 – "Awa Love"
- 2019 - "Forever"
- 2019 - "Shine"
- 2019 - "Finding Efe"
- 2019 - "Papa"
- 2019 - "Dear Future Wife"
- 2019 - "Count on You"
- 2020 - "Something Better"
- 2020 - "Mystery Girl"
- 2021- "Ova"
- 2021 - "Bad Dancer"
- 2021 - "Loving Is Harder"
- 2021- "Odo"
- 2021- "Sister"
- 2021- "In the light"
- 2021- "Sell my soul"
- 2022 - "How Are You (My Friend)"[17]
- 2022- "All I'm saying"
- 2022- " Love and life"
- 2022- "Journey of our lives
- 2023- "Believe me"
- 2023- "The Best Part"
- 2024- "`For You"
Awards and nominations
| Year | Event | Prize | Recipient | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | The Headies | Best Alternative Song | "Wait for Me" | Nominated | [18] |
| 2018 | Best Vocal Performance (Male) | "Romeo & Juliet" | Nominated | [19][20] | |
| Best R&B Single | Nominated | ||||
| Best Alternative Song | Nominated | ||||
| Next Rated | Himself | Nominated | |||
| 2019 | Best Alternative Song | "Finding Efe" | Won | [21] | |
| Best Vocal Performance (Male) | Nominated |