Kizz Daniel is one of the most popular and successful Nigerian singers and songwriters of his generation. He has released several hit songs and albums, such as “Woju”, “Laye”, “Yeba”, “New Era”, and “No Bad Songz”. He has also collaborated with some of the biggest names in the African music industry, such as Wizkid, Davido, Tiwa Savage, Nasty C, and Sarkodie. He has won numerous awards and accolades, including the Headies Award for Best R&B/Pop Album in 2016 and 2018 and the Nigeria Entertainment Award for Best Male Artiste in 2019. He has also amassed a huge fan base across the continent and beyond, with over 10 million followers on Instagram and over 2 million subscribers on YouTube.
But how did Kizz Daniel achieve such fame and fortune in the competitive and dynamic music scene? What challenges and obstacles did he face along the way? And what are the secrets behind his creative and entrepreneurial success? In this article, we will explore the untold story of how Kizz Daniel went from a struggling artist to a chart-topping sensation.
The Early Years: From Abeokuta to Lagos
Kizz Daniel was born as Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe on May 1, 1994, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. He hails from Abeokuta North local government area. He attended Abeokuta Grammar School and graduated from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, in 2013, with a degree in Water Resources Management and Agrometeorology (Water Engineering).
While in university, he decided to pursue music as a career alongside his studies. He started recording songs in his room with a cheap microphone and a laptop. He also performed at various shows and events on campus. He adopted the stage name Kizz Daniel, which he said was inspired by his first name and his love for kissing.
He also joined a music group called G-Worldwide Entertainment, which was founded by Emperor Geezy, a Nigerian entrepreneur and record executive. He signed a record deal with the label in 2013, after impressing Emperor Geezy with his demo. He then moved to Lagos, the commercial and entertainment hub of Nigeria, to further his music career.
The Breakthrough: From “Woju” to “New Era”
Kizz Daniel’s first official single under G-Worldwide Entertainment was “Shoye”, which was released in May 2014. The song was produced by Beatburx and mixed by Zeeno Foster. It was a catchy and upbeat Afro-pop tune that showcased Kizz Daniel’s vocal prowess and versatility. However, the song did not receive much attention from the public and the media.
Kizz Daniel’s second single, “Woju”, which was released in September 2014, was the game-changer that catapulted him to stardom. The song was produced by DJ Coublon and mixed by Sheyman. It was a groovy and infectious Afro-pop song that had a catchy chorus and witty lyrics. The song became a massive hit in Nigeria and across Africa, topping various charts and receiving heavy airplay. The song also earned Kizz Daniel several nominations and awards, such as the Headies Award for Next Rated in 2015 and the Nigeria Entertainment Award for Hottest Single of the Year in 2015.
Kizz Daniel followed up the success of “Woju” with a remix featuring Davido and Tiwa Savage, which was released in February 2015. The remix was also well-received and further boosted Kizz Daniel’s popularity and fan base. He then released another hit single, “Laye”, in May 2015, which was also produced by DJ Coublon and mixed by Sheyman. The song was a romantic and melodious Afro-pop song that had a similar vibe and structure to “Woju”. The song also became a huge success, topping charts and winning awards, such as the City People Entertainment Award for Most Popular Song of the Year in 2015.
Kizz Daniel’s debut album, “New Era”, was released in May 2016. The album was a masterpiece that showcased Kizz Daniel’s talent and versatility as a singer and songwriter. The album contained 20 tracks, including the previously released singles, “Woju”, “Laye”, “Good Time”, and “Mama”. The album also featured guest appearances from Sugarboy, a fellow G-Worldwide Entertainment artist, and Kiss, a Ghanaian rapper. The album was produced by DJ Coublon, Young John, Masterkraft, Jay Sleek, and Kimzbeatz. The album was a critical and commercial success, selling over 40,000 copies in the first week of release. The album also won several awards and accolades, such as the Headies Award for Best R&B/Pop Album in 2016 and the Nigeria Entertainment Award for Album of the Year in 2016. The album also received positive reviews from critics and fans, who praised Kizz Daniel’s creativity and originality.
The Controversy: From G-Worldwide Entertainment to Flyboy Inc.
Kizz Daniel’s relationship with his record label, G-Worldwide Entertainment, turned sour in 2017, when he decided to leave the label and start his own imprint, Flyboy Inc. He announced his departure from G-Worldwide Entertainment in November 2017, and changed his stage name from Kiss Daniel to Kizz Daniel, to avoid any legal issues with his former label.
However, G-Worldwide Entertainment did not take his exit lightly, and sued him for breach of contract, claiming that he violated the terms of his seven-year deal with the label. The label also accused him of using his stage name without their consent, and demanded that he stopped performing his songs or using his name for any promotional activities. The label also sought a court injunction to restrain him from performing, recording, or using the stage name “Kizz Daniel”.
The legal battle between Kizz Daniel and G-Worldwide Entertainment lasted for over a year, with both parties exchanging accusations and counter-accusations in the media and the court. The case was eventually settled out of court in January 2019, with both parties agreeing to respect each other’s rights and interests. Kizz Daniel was allowed to keep his stage name and his songs, while G-Worldwide Entertainment was compensated for the damages caused by his exit.
Kizz Daniel did not let the controversy affect his music career, as he continued to release hit songs and albums under his own label, Flyboy Inc. He released his second album, “No Bad Songz”, in November 2018, which featured guest appearances from Davido, Nasty C, Sarkodie, Diamond Platnumz, Diplo, and Wretch 32. The album was a commercial and critical success, selling over 50,000 copies in the first week of release. The album also won the Headies Award for Best R&B/Pop Album in 2018 and the Nigeria Entertainment Award for Best Male Artiste in 2019. The album also received rave reviews from critics and fans, who applauded Kizz Daniel’s growth and maturity as an artist.
The Legacy: From Flyboy Inc. to the World
Kizz Daniel has established himself as one of the most influential and respected artists in the Nigerian and African music industry. He has also expanded his horizons and reached out to a global audience, with his songs being played and streamed in various countries and platforms. He has also performed at several international shows and festivals, such as the One Africa Music Fest, the Afronation Festival, and the Afro Nation Ghana.
Kizz Daniel has also used his platform and influence to inspire and empower other upcoming artists, especially those from his hometown, Abeokuta. He has signed and mentored several artists under his label, Flyboy Inc., such as Demmie Vee, Philkeyz, and LK Kuddy. He has also supported and collaborated with other artists from his region, such as Barry Jhay, Zlatan, and Lyta.
Kizz Daniel has also been involved in various philanthropic and social causes, such as donating to the victims of the Lekki toll gate shooting in 2020, supporting the #EndSARS movement, and advocating for peace and unity in Nigeria. He has also launched his own clothing line, Flyboy Inc. Clothing, which sells various merchandise and accessories inspired by his brand and style.
Kizz Daniel is not just a singer and songwriter, but also a visionary and a leader. He has overcome many challenges and obstacles in his journey, and has risen to the top of his game. He has also created a legacy that will last for generations to come. He is truly a chart-topping sensation.
Kizz Daniel’s 2023 Achievements: From “RTID” to “Maverick”
Kizz Daniel has continued to dominate the music scene in 2023, with the release of his new single and his third album. He has also won several awards and recognition for his outstanding work and contribution to the industry.
In January 2023, Kizz Daniel released his first single of the year, titled “RTID (Rich Till I Die)”. The song was produced by Reward Beatz and Blaise Beat, and mixed and mastered by Swaps. The song was a motivational and inspirational Afro-pop song that expressed Kizz Daniel’s determination and ambition to succeed in life. The song also had a catchy hook and a vibrant beat that made it a club banger and a fan favorite. The song also came with a stunning video, directed by TG Omori, which showed Kizz Daniel living his lavish and luxurious lifestyle. The video also featured cameo appearances from some of his friends and colleagues, such as Skiibii, Reekado Banks, and Broda Shaggi. The video was well-received and garnered over 10 million views on YouTube in the first month of release.
In March 2023, Kizz Daniel released his third studio album, titled “Maverick”. The album was a masterpiece that showcased Kizz Daniel’s evolution and innovation as an artist. The album contained 15 tracks, including the previously released single, “RTID”. The album also featured guest appearances from some of the hottest and most talented artists in the industry, such as Burna Boy, Wande Coal, Fireboy DML, Omah Lay, and Tems. The album was produced by some of the finest and creative producers in the game, such as Pheelz, Killertunes, Cracker Mallo, and Philkeyz. The album was a commercial and critical success, selling over 100,000 copies in the first week of release. The album also won several awards and recognition, such as the Headies Award for Album of the Year in 2023 and the MTV Africa Music Award for Best Male Artiste in 2023. The album also received rave reviews from critics and fans, who hailed Kizz Daniel as a maverick and a genius.
Kizz Daniel has also been busy with his international tours and collaborations in 2023. He has performed at some of the biggest and most prestigious venues and events in the world, such as the O2 Arena in London, the Madison Square Garden in New York, the Coachella Festival in California, and the BET Awards in Los Angeles. He has also collaborated with some of the renowned and respected artists in the global music scene, such as Ed Sheeran, Drake, Rihanna, and Justin Bieber. He has also been featured on some of the popular and influential platforms and magazines, such as Billboard, Rolling Stone, Complex, and The Fader.
Kizz Daniel has proven that he is not just a local star, but a global phenomenon. He has also shown that he is not afraid to experiment and explore new sounds and styles. He has also demonstrated that he is not complacent or stagnant, but always striving to improve and excel. He is truly a maverick and a sensation.