Biography of Flavour
Chinedu Okoli known professionally by his stage name Flavour N’abania or simply Flavour is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and performer. He is loved by many for his commanding voice and sexy demeanor. He is cutting edge in the music industry with his Igbo highlife music. He’s one of the few that have stuck firmly to their cultural roots. Flavour is known globally for his hit song “Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix)”.
Early life and background of Flavour
Flavour was born on the 23rd of November, 1983 in Enugu State, Nigeria. Being the third born in a family of 12, Flavour grew up in an extended family who hails from Umunze in Orumba South LGA, Anambra State, Nigeria. He had so much fun growing up with relatives.
His Rise to Fame
Flavour began his music career at age 13. He played instruments for a while before delving into singing. Flavour played the drums for his church choir in Enugu. In 1996, he secured an educational scholarship to study music through the help of his resident pastor at his church who introduced him to a friend, Chris I. Ordor, the CEO of SoundCity Communications. After three years of honing his drumming skills, he learnt how to play keyboard.
At the age of 19, Flavour broke into the music scene as a drummer and pianist for a local Enugu band. Having become adept at playing drums, Flavour was offered a deal to perform at City Centre, Enugu. The constant cheering from the massive crowd spurred him to gain new grounds and reach great heights. His outstanding skills and educational background in music made him learn music production from Dekumzy, Nnachi and Charles.
In 2005, Flavour released his debut album N’abania through Obaino Music. Flavour worked with Mr Raw on the album’s lead single titled “N’abania“. The album made airwaves especially in Enugu State.
Following the success of his debut album, The “Nwa baby” crooner went ahead to release another album titled “Uplifted“. Flavour has got other albums to his name – Blessed (2012) Thankful (2014) Ijele, The traveler (2017) and singles – Crazy love and Awele (2018). Blessed is termed Flavour’s biggest album to date due to the number of producers that worked on it. Thankful sold thousands of copies and featured hit tracks such as the love ballad “Ololufe” featuring Chidinma and the fast-tempo Afro-Pop song “Wake Up” feat. Wande Coal.
Flavour is ranked among the top dancers in the music industry. The musician cum dancer is known for moving his torso to dance tune which intrigues the female fan.
Flavour has shared the same stage with Snoop Dogg, Ciara, French Montana, Lauryn Hill, Akon, Rick Ross, and many other international acts. He has performed for several sold-out audiences worldwide and has featured in major newspapers and media outlets around the world. The successful artist is perceived to be arrogant by a number of people. More often than not, he has made derogatory remarks about some artists. He blatantly wrote off any possibility of collaborating with another popular artist, Waconzy.
Flavour’s Philanthropy acts
In 2010, Flavour established the Chinedu Okoli Foundation aimed at establishing a platform for young people to experience the impact of music through education and empowerment.
Flavour launched the ‘Flavour of Africa Campaign and Tour’ in 2016. During the campaign, he performed in several West Africa countries and made large donations to charities in these countries.
As a United Nations Peace Ambassador, Flavour has been serving individuals and families living in poverty in Nigeria, Liberia, and other parts of Africa since 2010.
Endorsement deals
Flavour has bagged endorsement deals with Globacom, Life Beer, Flat Tummy Tea, and Bullet Energy drink.
Flavour’s Relationship
The handsome singer has had a fair share of baba mama controversies in the Nigerian musical sphere. He has two baby mamas; ex-beauty queen Sandra Okagbue and actress Anna Ebiere Banner. He has been linked with Onyinye Onugwa, Beverly Heels and Chidinma Ekile. The latter and the high life singer set tongues wagging with romantic photos which went viral on social media. They latter came out to debunk all speculations stating the photos were for a music promotion.
Awards and nominations
Nigeria Entertainment Awards honoured him as the Best Indigenous Artist/Group in 2012.
Best High Life Video at the Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA) in 2013.
Video of the Year at the Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA) in 2013.
Best Indigenous Concept at the Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA) in 2013.
Ada Ada won the category for the Best use of costumes at the Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA) in 2013.
Best Collabo of the Year at the City People Entertainment Awards in 2013.
Best Traditional Artist at the African Muzik Magazine Awards in 2014.
Ada Ada won the Best Video of the Year at the African Muzik Magazine Awards in 2014.
Ada Ada won the Video of the Year Award at City People Entertainment Awards in 2014.
MTV Africa Music Awards honoured him with the Best Live Act in 2014.
Channel O Music Video Awards nominated his video, Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix) for the Most Gifted African West Video in 2012.
Nominated at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards for the Best Indigenous Artist/Group in 2013.
Ghana Music Awards nominated him for the award of the African Artiste of the Year in 2013.
City People Entertainment Awards nominated him as the Musician of the Year (Male) in 2013.
The Headies nominated Blessed as the Album of the Year in 2013.
Nominated for the Best R&B/Pop Album at the Headies in 2013.
Channel O Music Video Awards nominated Ada Ada as the Most Gifted Afro Pop in 2014.
Nominated at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards for the Indigenous Artist of the Year in 2014.
Blessed was nominated as the Best Album of the Year at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards in 2014.
Nigeria Entertainment Awards nominated Oh! Baby (You & I) by Chidinma featuring Flavour N’abania for Best Collaboration in 2014.
Nominated at the African Muzik Magazine Awards for the Best Male West Africa in 2014.
Nominated at the Ghana Music Awards for the Artiste of the Year in 2014.
Flavour’s Net Worth
According to online sources, the talented singer is estimated to be worth $9.5 million dollars.
