Debo Popoola
Ever since his emergence as the winner of the first season of MTN project fame West Africa, Iyanya’s profile has continued to rise and the young man has justified his space in the Nigerian music industry.
No doubt, Iyanya’s talent can never be overemphasized; his sonorous voice and physique have become an advantage for him in the industry, and these have continued to thrill his ever increasing fan base.
In his music, Iyanya has continued to portray his cultural background. His hit song, ‘Kukere’ popularizes the etigi dance of the Efik people of Cross Rivers State. Also, Iyanya’s diction underlines his Efik background. Although his lyrics are sensual and poetic, they are sometimes out of context.
Iyanya was born on Palm Street in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. His mother was a head mistress and his father was a forester. Iyanya has described his mother as the household disciplinarian, while his father was the gentler of the two. His parents died in 2008, his mother at 42, and his father at 50. Iyanya’s elder brother died around the same time his parents’ did.
Iyanya’s grandfather was a clergyman. Iyanya used to sing in his church’s choir and was the choir master for the children’s choir at age five. Iyanya completed his primary, secondary, and university education in Calabar. He is a Business Management graduate of the University of Calabar.
Recently, Iyanya was appointed ambassador to Cross River State by the state Governor, Ben Ayade. The official appointment was made on Sunday evening at the unveiling of the 2015 Calabar Carnival in Cross River State.
Iyanya, who regularly displays Calabar culture in his music videos, will reportedly receive an official car as well as a monthly salary like all other government officials.
This is a good one for Iyanya and we at TheCapital are happy for him.
The rise and rise of ‘Kukere master’, Iyanya.
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