Chidinma, the petite singer with the strong voice who captivated the hearts of millions and became the first female winner of MTN Project Fame in the Season 3 edition of the highly popular music talent show is set to drop her highly anticipated debut album.
Already the talented and widely- loved singer has released her first single Jankolikoko featuring veteran pop star Sound Sultan. Within a short space of its release the song is already getting rave reviews from music critics all over the country and has been getting steadily increasing airplay from radio stations nationwide. The song has that instant replay factor which will make you keep playing it over and over again.
“I am happy about the positive response towards my new single. Project Fame really taught me on how to be a total artiste and it was what I have learnt that I am putting back in my song. Jankolikoko is just the tip of the iceberg. I am improving my craft everyday” says Chidinma.
Chidinma broke into limelight and entered the history books after she won perhaps the toughest edition of MTN Project Fame having to battle her way to the top prize amongst stiff competitors such as the Ghanaian wonder kid Kesse Frimpong who many had tipped to win; Eyo, Ochuko and others. For all her hard work and growth as a singer and performer Chidinma took home a brand new Toyota RAV4, 2.5 million naira and a record deal.
Since her groundbreaking win, she has been hard at work burning the mid night candle at the studio and working with some of Nigeria’s most talented songwriters and producers. She has already worked with the likes of super-producer Cobhams Asuquo who gave the world Asa, Naeto C’s hit producer Tee-Y Mix and the godfather of contemporary highlife J. Martins. The petite singer also has plans to work with brilliant producers and songwriters such as Suspect, eLDee the Don and Omolara Ayodele.
“Right now I am in the studio with really talented artistes, songwriters and producers. I am putting a whole lot of energy into my first album because the expectations are high. I not scared but challenged to produce an album that will reflect who I am artistically as well as make an impact in the Nigerian music industry” says Chidinma about recording her first album.
The video of Jankolikoko will be directed by none other than Nigeria’s number one music video director Clarence Peters. If the success of past winners of Project Fame is anything to go by then Chidinma should be the next big pop star we should look out far. The first winner of Project Fame, Iyanya has gone on to become a household name since 2008 while the winner of Project Fame Season 2 is steadily climbing the charts and is set to drop his own debut album.
Chidinma Ekile was born on the 2nd of May, 1989 into a family of seven siblings. She hails from Mbaitoli, Imo State. She grew up in Ketu, Lagos under strict and disciplinary parents. She acquired her primary school education at Caleb International Primary/Secondary School and Science Foundation Schools. She started singing at the age of six with the children’s choir in her church under the guidance of her mom.
She discovered MTN Project Fame in 2009. A year later she registered to be part of the show which had already become so popular amongst millions of Nigerians and auditioned at Ultima Studios. She was chosen amongst the last twenty four to be in the Fame Academy. Under the tutelage of seasoned professionals in the Academy, Chidinma grew from strength to strength. In the beginning she was shy but after months of vocal training and positive reinforcement from the instructors she grew into her own and easily became a fan favourite.
Chidinma’s yet-to-be-titled album will be available in all major outlets and stores nationwide as well as on the internet.
