SolidStar biography: Who is the popular Nigerian musician?
SolidStar is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. The artist, whose real name is Joshua Iniyezo, is popularly known across Nigeria and Africa for his hit song One in a Million. He began his musical career as a drummer for a local church in his hometown and is well known for his ability to sing fluently in English, Isoko, and Igbo. What else do we know about the performer? Read on!
Source: Instagram
Here are all the details about Solid Star's life.
Profile summary
- Real name: Joshua Iniyezo
- Stage name: SolidStar Isoko, SolidStar
- Date of birth: 8 November 1988
- Age: 32 years old (as of 2020)
- Birthplace: Delta State
- Star sign: Scorpio
- Occupation: Singer, songwriter
- Genre: Hip hop, R&B, Dancehall, Afro-pop
SolidStar's early life
SolidStar was born in Delta State, Nigeria to Mr and Mrs Iniyezo. His father was a military man, and his family originated from Aviara local government area in Delta State, Nigeria.
The musician was born into a family of four, and he is the last born. He was born and brought up in Ajegunle.
It was his grandmother who raised him, as his parents separated when the children were very young. Interestingly, the name 'SolidStar' was initially coined by his grandmother, who used to call him that.
Source: Instagram
Education
He attended Goriola Primary and Oshodi Secondary School, Tolu Complex, Olodi Apapa but could not further his education due to a lack of funds.
Career
The musician began his musical career when he was 14 years old - he was a drummer for his church choir in Aviara.
The young talented singer explained in an interview how he started his music career and how he was discovered:
"I started music officially in 2008, I was doing the Ajegunle style of music, I recorded like 2 songs that I was performing at carnivals and street shows because it was the only way I could promote myself then, and I met Ossy Achievas, the guy that signed me from one of the street shows."
He was discovered at a music talent show in the Ajegunle area of Lagos State, where he was introduced to Paul Cole(also known as Ossy Achievas), a record label boss.
In 2010, SolidStar formally signed to Achievas Music and released his debut album One in a Million through the label. The album was a hit fueled by its lead single One in a Million, which was a collaboration with 2face Idibia.
One in a Million is a 14-track album featuring some of Nigeria's finest producers and artists, the likes of 2-Face Idibia, Clever Jay, Cartier, Buckwyller, and Jacuzzi. The album was mixed and mastered by Foster Zheeno for Zane Pros Studio.
Source: Instagram
Although early songs from SolidStar connected him to music from Ajegunle, a suburb famous for producing several Nigerian artists in the 90s, later songs have seen the artist try other forms, with varying degrees of success.
His album Grace & Glory (2013) failed to receive an enthusiastic welcome, a lack of focus its main shortcoming. Ahead of his sophomore, the songs Baby Jollof (2015) with Tiwa Savage and My Body (2015) featuring Timaya were released with accompanying videos. While My Body is a dancehall track, Baby Jollof is a modern iteration of Ajegunle music of the 90s.
In 2018, SolidStar told Sunday Scoop that he left his former record company, Achievas, because he wanted a new challenge.
SolidStar has had the opportunity of performing alongside other established artists such as Superstar, Naeto C, Wizkid, Ice Prince, Jesse Jagz, Skales, Djinee, Kas and YQ.
SolidStar has previously mentioned 2Baba as a mentor and has also cited artists like R. Kelly, Kelvin Little, P-Square, and Akon as having had a strong influence on his personality and music. He also claims to be inspired by God to write inspirational songs.
SolidStar songs
Some of the most famous Solid Star songs include:
- One in a Million (featuring 2Baba)
- Silicon (featuring Timaya)
- International Woman
- Nwa Baby (featuring 2Baba)
- Wait (Refix) (featuring Patoranking and Tiwa Savage)
- SolidStar - Wait (featuring Davido)
- My Body (featuring Timaya)
- Negotiate
- Oluchi (featuring Flavour)
- Skibo
- Omotena
- Yarinya
- Ala
Albums
The artist has released these albums:
- Grace&Glory
- W.E.E.D
- One in a Million
Source: Instagram
SolidStar awards
His awards include:
- 2010 - Best new artiste with "One in a Million" Nigeria Music Video Award (NMVA)
- 2011 - The Most Promising Act of the Year, by Global News Awards
He has also received numerous nominations, including:
- 2014 - Nigeria Entertainment Award for Best Collaboration
- 2016 - The Headies Award for Best Reggae/Dancehall Single
- 2016 - The Headies Award for Best Collabo
- 2017 - City People Music Award for Best Collabo of the Year
SolidStar net worth
The360Report states that his net worth is $1.5 million.
SolidStar is one of the most talented Nigerian artists in the music industry. Since his debut over 10 years ago, he has grown into one of the finest musicians in Africa.
READ ALSO: Fireboy DML biography: Age, real name, girlfriend, Apollo album
Legit.ng recently covered the story of Fireboy DML, one of the fast-rising Afro-Life singers from Nigeria. The musician became popular following the success of his single titled Jealous.
You will be surprised to find out that the celebrity is only 24 years old, but he has made significant achievements in his career. The musician recently released his sophomore album, Apollo. Apollo was released on August 20, 2020, under the YBNL Nation record label. The 17-track album comes after the success of his debut album Laughter, Tears & Goosebumps, which was released on November 29, 2019.
Source: Legit.ng
