BIGSONG:
Making waves since his 2019 breakout single “Baby,” Nigerian Afro-pop star Joeboy cemented his reputation with the release of his 2021 debut album, the forward-thinking and precisely crafted Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic.
Born and raised in Lagos, Joeboy (aka Joseph Akinwale Akinfenwa) immersed himself in music while studying, taking in hip-hop, trap, R&B, rock, and pop from around the world. His first break came with a cover of Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” that he’d posted to social media, with the post capturing the attention of Banku pioneer Mr. Eazi. Signing to Eazi’s emPawa Africa project — which was started to provide support for up-and-coming African artists — Joeboy delivered his first single, “FÃ Ã jÃ,” in 2018. The following year, he truly broke out with the release of “Baby,” which went on to earn millions of streams across the Internet and cemented his position as one of Nigeria’s biggest future pop exports. That same year, he collected “Baby” and a string of other tracks for the EP Love & Light, along with being nominated for numerous awards at The Headies, All Africa Music Awards, and City People Music Awards.
2020 saw Joeboy start work on his debut album, readying tracks that would not only deal with social ills but spread positive messages via his canny mix of pop and Afrobeat. He also picked up more award nominations, this time at the 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards Festival, where he would win the Best Pop song. At the beginning of 2021, he released his debut album, the forward-thinking slab of Afro-pop Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic.
