IBADAN, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Nigerian singer and songwriter, Iyanya, has revealed how he had to beg to perform at shows in December 2021 to remain relevant.
The 36-year-old singer stated this in an appreciation post he shared on Twitter today, 14 December, 2022.
The singer whose real name is Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk, in his tweet said now he wakes up everyday to alerts for shows, adding that he hasn’t had “this kind of busy December since 2017”.
The singer appreciated colleagues, Davido and Kizz Daniel who featured in his hit song, ”Like”, which was released in July 2022.
According to the singer: “Last year December 2021, I performed at 3 shows, one paid and I begged to perform at 2 just to be seen.
“2022 December, I wake up and everyday to alerts for shows, haven’t had this kind of busy december since 2017.
“20+ shows in one month. God, Thank you 🙏🏿
He also revealed that his recent song titled ‘Like’ was written by colleague, Kizz Daniel, as he also appreciated Davido for the encouragement he gave him this year.
‘Kuru Kere’ master Iyanya made a powerful comeback with his new single ‘Like’ on which he has super talented megastar Kizz Daniel and Davido.
The new song served as a follow up to the singer’s last release, CALL featuring Ayra Starr under record label, Triple MG.
The song was released on 15 July, 2022.
Taking to Twitter on Wednesday, 14 December, 2022, he said: “Special shoutout to @KizzDaniel For writing “Like” and gifting me the song 🎵. Appreciate ❤️”
In another tweet, he wrote: “Special Appreciation to @davido Thank you for the push this year❤️🙏🏿.”
His tweets garnered reactions from some Nigerians on Wednesday.
Twitter user commentator, Daniel Regha said he is happy to hear the singer is finally getting his groove back.
“Iyanya, happy to hear that u are finally getting ur groove back; Cos it’s not easy to bounce back in the Nigerian music industry,” he wrote.
“There’s competition but keep putting in the work & up ur pen game, that’s all. Best wishes in ur music career as well as in all ur future endeavours.”
Another tweep @onyebuchiii said: “Iyanya, davido did amazing for you this year with the feature and that was your song that made waves, but you have not done anything to build on the success of the song, you need to step up your game and start making more hit songs.”
His tweet didn’t sit well with @QueenofLoveQOL who criticized him for trolling the singer.
She wrote: “Upcoming Daniel regha Ashiere”
Iyanya rose to prominence in 2008 when he was crowned winner of the talent competition Project Fame West Africa during the show’s first season.
Known for his mix of slick R&B and bright Afro-pop, he went on to co-found the Made Men Music Group label, and he released several albums, landing a hit single with 2013’s “Kukere.”
After 2015’s ‘Applaudise’ LP, Iyanya left Made Men and spent the remainder of the decade focusing on releasing singles, including the hits “Biko”, “No Drama” and “Up 2 Sumting”.
He also released a collaboration with Peruzzi titled “Ijeoma.” He began the next decade with the song “Fever.”
Iyanya and Triple MG CEO Ubi Franklin, buried the hatchet in 2021, after deciding to work together again.
A source also mentioned that years back, both parties had been good together but fell out, seeing Iyanya exit the label.
He went solo and later joined Don Jazzy’s Mavin. That did not work out as expected as he later left Mavin as well.
However, the ‘Kukere’ singer released a statement saying he would be working with Triple MG again.
Confirming the report, Ubi Franklin released a statement which reads: “How time indeed flies, it has been 165.6M Secs, 2.8M minutes, 46K hours, 1916 days, 274 weeks, 63 months, 5 years since the resolution of the contract binding two resilient and hardworking parties that felt the need to give themselves time and grow independently.
“These parties having explored life differently in the same niche, various spheres and found a defining purpose to their missions have collectively decided to come as one body to reckon with.
“We appreciate the effort of friends, colleagues, and well-wishers for the years of believing in our craft, supporting our purpose and encouraging our mission.
“We also acknowledge the management over the past years and look forward to working as a large family.
“We hope that this re-emergence brings forth more successful years. @ubifranklintriplemg 💯🙌🏾
“WE OUTSIDE!!!”