Biography of Ric Hassani

Ikechukwu Eric Ahiauzu popularly known as Ric Hassani is a Nigerian pop singer and songwriter. Ric is one of Africa’s emerging stars that has garnered the attention of the masses in a short time with his smooth, silky voice and fascinating fashion sense which is a blend of Western attire in Africa print. Ric was nominated alongside Brymo, Darey, Shaydee and Wande Coal for the categories of “Best Vocal Performance” and “Best Alternative Song” – Gentleman at the 2016 Headies.

Early life and background of Ric Hassani

Ric Hassani was born on the 6th of January, 1989 in Port-Harcourt, Rivers state. He’s the last of five children. Ric Hassani obtained his bachelor’s degree in Economics from Covenant university, Nigeria before proceeding to the University of Surrey for his Master’s degree in Energy Economics and Policy. Ric was exposed to music at an early age of 8. Then, his elder sisters were in the church choir. Ric usually accompanies his sisters to rehearsals not because he wanted to learn music but because the choir served meat pies, which he only wanted to have. Being the youngest, he was loved by all in no time and soon became a part of the choir. That’s how his musical career got kick started. As a child, Hassani grew up as a geek, loving both Physics and Mathematics.

His Rise to Fame 

Ric started off as a rapper hiding his high octave voice and shy disposition behind the aggressive shelter rap offers. For one who sings about love in an almost feminine voice, no one will believe he was once a rapper. As a rapper performing under the stage name “Rico Slim”, Hassani wasn’t true to himself and he knew this and others could tell that he wasn’t being his real self. When his alternative songs gained mainstream acceptance, airplay and popularity, his friends applauded him for embracing his true self.

Ric Hassani is known for his single “Gentleman”, and his debut album “The African Gentleman”. The album turned out to be a huge commercial success. The visuals for the song “Gentleman” established Ric as a stylish African gentleman in western-style clothing with national African prints. The self acclaimed singer released three projects – a compilation album called “African Tour Select Singes 2015″ and an acoustic EP tagged “Ric Hassani” and the single “Gentleman” in 2015.

Gentleman” gained recognition with its beautiful acoustic instrumental and smooth vocals. Ric Hassani’s songs incorporates soulful repeating beat, minimal baseline and masterful acoustics. Other singles attributed to the pop artiste are “Believe”, “Number one” and “Marry you” which sufficed in proving the singer to be a lover with intensity.

Ric cites Boyz II Men, Craig David, Chris Brown, Sam Smith and Justin Bieber. Being someone that sings about love, one would have thought he’s had lots of good and bad experiences with women. Hassani admits that he has no first-hand love experience. Instead, the Port Harcourt-born singer channels the experiences of women he grew up around, singing songs that would mend hearts broken in the past. As a child, he witnessed them fall in and out of love, making bad choices in romance and love. So, when he sings of love, in a way, he is singing a long overdue love song to the broken hearts of his sisters and cousins, who “were in the worst relationships known to man”.

Ric Hassani’s hit single “Gentleman” subtly addresses domestic violence reminding every woman that she is a jewel of inestimable value and therefore should not remain in an abusive relationship. Ric is an ardent lover of movies and draws inspiration from them.

He is almost always dressed as if he’s the top model of an Africa-inspired Tom Ford collection. His well-tailored clothes that tastefully combine Ankara prints with corporate designs have redefined how an African gentleman should look, while also building and solidifying Hassani’s brand.

Ric Hassani’s Relationship

His relationship has been carefully concealed from the public. Not much is known about his love life and experiences.

Awards and nominations

Hassani was nominated in three categories at the 2016 All Africa Music Awards: Best Artiste in African R&B and Soul, Video of the Year, and Most Promising Artiste. He also received two nominations at The Headies 2016, including Best Alternative Song for “Gentleman“.

In December 2018, the Falz and Olamide-assisted “Believe” won Best Collaboration at the Galaxy Music Awards.

Ric Hassani’s Net Worth

Ric Hassani who is one of the best pop and alternative singers has an estimated net worth of $41,000 (N150 million).

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