Femi Leye
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Femi Leye | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Oluwafemi Abolade Leye |
| Occupations |
|
| Spouse |
Ini Itama (m. 2018) |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Instruments |
|
| Years active | 2008–present |
| Website | www |
Oluwafemi Abolade Leye, popularly known by his stage name Femi Leye, is a Nigerian guitarist, singer, songwriter, record producer and composer. He is best known for his dexterity on the guitar and his blend of African ethnic sounds with contemporary Soul and R&B inclusive of traditional Yoruba lyrics in his songs.
Early life and education
Femi, the first of three children of Mr. Francis Tunde Ogunleye and Mrs. Grace Folake Ogunleye, both educators, was born in Ogba, Lagos.
He graduated from Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, with a degree in Food Science and Technology, while he never used his degree professionally, he has no regrets, “Education gives you confidence, even if you’re not doing what you studied in school. It puts you on a pedestal.”[1]
Career
Growing up listening to his father's vinyls of artistes like King Sunny Ade[2], Ebenezer Obey, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. This piqued Femi's interest in music, who at 14 , taught himself how to play the guitar, with heavy influences from musical legends like Jimmy Dludlu, Lionel Loueke, George Benson, Norman Brown and Wes Montgomery.
After graduating from college, he went on the play at a small Church, Christ Apostolic Church, Ago Adura, Oko Oba, Lagos, and later, professionally, on a retainer, with a band at Eko Hotel & Suites.
He went on to act behind the scenes scoring musicals and spoken word performances by Titilope Sonuga and Wanawana[3][4]. He also had production credits and played for artists such as as Youssou N'dour, Angélique Kidjo, Salif Keita[5], Akon, Don Jazzy, Tiwa Savage, Adekunle Gold, Di'ja, Reminisce, Chidinma Ekile, Burnaboy, Juls, and Brymo to name a few.
2010–2011: Career beginnings
Femi produced his first song, "Irawo Owuro", which means "Morning Star". A contemporary jazz song with heavy African sound influences.
2014–2015: Ekaabo & Ibukun
In 2014, he released his first official single titled, "Smile", which received massive airplay from popular radio stations. He will later release his debut studio album in August 2015, titled Ekaabo[6], which means "Welcome" in Yoruba. The album is a 10-song project of African infused Contemporary Jazz and Funk.
In 2015, he teamed up with Chopstix and released a joint project titled "Ibukun"[7]
2017–Present: "Ekaabo Live", Adekunle Gold & 79th Element, Sophomore Album
In September 2017, Femi released "Ekaabo Live" album recorded at his concert "The Ekaabo Concert" held at the Lagoon Restaurant, Victoria Island,Lagos in June 3rd 2017.[8]
In June 2017, Femi Leye teamed up with his childhood friend Adekunle Gold unveiling the band "The 79th Element", joining on as the lead-guitarist, where they have toured across Africa, Europe and USA.[9]
He was recently performed at the 2018 AMVCA Awards[10] and presented a speech to the 2018 edition of the TEDxLagos[11].
He currently working on his sophomore album and an EP, titled "The Highlife EP".
Personal life
Femi got married to Iniabasi Itama, an artist, voice-over artist and radio presenter, in April 2018[12]
Discography
Studio album
Ekaabo
- Ekaabo (0:17)
- Irawo Owuro (4:08)
- Smile (4:48)
- Wewe (feat. Naomi Mac) (4:06)
- Orin Ife (3:26)
- Adina (4:04)
- Rain (feat. Titilope Sonuga) (3:52)
- Better Age (3:58)
- Sise (3:31)
- Ayo (4:35)
Joint projects
Ibukun, by Chopstix & Femi Leye
- Ibukun (3:04)
- Aisha (4:19)
- Adjoa (3:57)
- Wura (4:14)
- Folake (2:28)
- Ebere (3:08)
- Dafina (3:37)
- Boity (3:57)
Awards and nominations
 |
| Year | Award ceremony | Prize | Recipient/Nominated work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Beatz Awards | Best Afrojazz Producer | Won | [13] |
See also
References
- ^ "True African Gems: Nigerian Musician Femi Leye". Edufrica. 2015-03-02. Retrieved 2018-08-22.
- ^ "Sunny Ade is the reason I play guitar- Femi Leye". Simply Jazz. 2016-07-17. Retrieved 2018-08-23.
- ^ "Band Aid, A Musical Play Returns for Christmas - Featuring Jide Kosoko, Gideon Okeke, EmmaOhMyGod, Femi Leye, Patrick Diabuah & Phebean Oluwadare | December 24th – 27th - BellaNaija". www.bellanaija.com. Retrieved 2018-08-23.
- ^ "The Finale! Lai Mohammed, Ireti Doyle, Adebola Williams attend #OpenWithTitilope | Photos - BellaNaija". www.bellanaija.com. Retrieved 2018-08-23.
- ^ Channels Television (2016-04-18), EN: How I Met And Produced For Music Legend, Youssou N'dor - Femi Leye, retrieved 2018-08-23
- ^ Akan, Joey. "Femi Leye: Musician releases debut album "Ekaabo"". Retrieved 2018-08-22.
- ^ "Femi Leye - Ayo - Latest Naija Nigerian Music, Songs & Video". Latest Naija Nigerian Music, Songs & Video. 2015-06-17. Retrieved 2018-08-23.
- ^ Channels Television (2017-06-12), EN: Femi Leye Brings Out Adekunle Gold At 'Ekaabo Concert' In Lagos, retrieved 2018-08-23
- ^ "Adekunle Gold & The 79th Element! Singer unveils New Band | See Photos - BellaNaija". www.bellanaija.com. Retrieved 2018-08-23.
- ^ Bada, Gbenga. "See your favourite movie stars looks at AMVCAs nominees party". Retrieved 2018-08-23.
- ^ "12 Powerful Speeches, Networking, Entertainment! TEDxLagos 2018 was focused on Spotlighting Africa & its People - BellaNaija". www.bellanaija.com. Retrieved 2018-08-23.
- ^ "Photos From The Wedding of AfroJazz Artist Femi Leye and Ini Itama – Flytime TV". flytimetv.com. Retrieved 2018-08-23.
- ^ "The Beatz Awards Official Site". www.thebeatzawards.com. Retrieved 2018-08-23.
External links
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