Iyanya drops ‘Signature’ under Mavins

Iyanya is back and hopes to rejuvenate his career with a new EP, ‘Signature’. With his new body of work released on Wednesday, the singer seems on a mission to regain top spot. Iyanya held the EP listening at The Hardrock Cafe, Victoria Island on Wednesday at the weekly Industry Night music event. Signature EP contains eight tracks including two pre-released hit singles, ‘Up 2 Something’ and ‘Hold on’.

The tracks were produced by Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy and the labels two other producers, Altims and Baby Fresh.

When he exited Ubi Franklin’s MMMG label last year, he went on an extended leave, before joining Don Jazzy’s Mavin and a management deal with the Temple company.

“To be honest, it wasn’t planned it just happened.” Iyanya said in an interview. “To be honest, I can’t remember when I left Made Men Records. It took me a couple of months for us to make this decision. I left Made Men Music and joined Temple Management.”

Mavin Records and Temple Management have, so far been able to steer the conversation around the singer to the music, with new projects planned. The result is the newly released album.

“I needed to work with someone who understands the music industry and can help me fulfill the dream of getting my music right.” Iyanya said.  “And that’s why I went with Don Jazzy. I chose him because I realized the need to work with someone to bring out the real Iyanya, which is the singing Iyanya, and at the same time, commercialize the music.”

Iyanya needs to start firing at the highest level, and this new EP will be his first attempt at making his name ring around the country because of the art. It’s his next chance at becoming a new star, and going back to his earlier success with MMMG. The EP features Mavin’s Dr Sid, Don Jazzy and Poe.

Iyanya held the EP listening at The Hardrock Cafe, Victoria Island on Wednesday at the weekly Industry Night music event.

The body of work will be officially unveiled by the singer at the event venue.  Signature EP contains eight tracks including two pre-released hit singles, Up 2 Something and Hold on.

The tracks were produced by Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy and the labels two other producers, Altims and Baby Fresh.

 

BACKGROUND

Iyanya was born on Palm Street in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. His mother was a head mistress and his father was a forester. Iyanya has described his mother as the household disciplinarian, while his father was the gentler of the two. His parents died in 2008, his mother, 42 years-old, and his father, 50 years-old. Iyanya’s elder brother died around the same time of his parents’ death Iyanya’s grandfather was a clergyman. Iyanya used to sing in his church’s choir and was the choir master for the children’s choir at age five. Iyanya completed his primary, secondary, and university education in Calabar. He is a Business Management graduate from the University of Calabar.

After graduating from the University of Calabar, he worked in a hotel and sang karaoke at a local bar he managed. Iyanya began developing his vocal abilities at local bars which include: Fiesta Fries Bar, Mirage Nite Club, and West-Life. Iyanya cited British singer, Craig David and American hip hop artiste, R Kelly as his key musical influences. Iyanya was motivated to pursue music professionally after watching the celebrity lifestyle of 2 Face Idibia and Olu Maintain. Iyanya started as a rapper, going by the name ‘Lofty’.

 

CAREER AND LIFE

In 2008, KCee from KCee Presh group convinced Iyanya to partake in MTN’s first ever Project Fame singing competition. Iyanya emerged the winner of the competition after battling numerous people who had the same aspirations as him. The 2008 MTN Project Fame competition was the beginning of Iyanya’s musical career.

After winning MTN’s Project Fame, Iyanya began recording his debut album ‘My Story’. The album showed Iyanya’s versatility as an R&B artist, particularly on the self-titled track ‘Iyanya’ and ‘Love Truly’.

Iyanya’s debut album didn’t do well commercially due to problems with distribution and promotion.

Iyanya started performing ballads, particularly on his debut album ‘My Story’. In an interview with Toolz on Ndani TV, he said he wants to be a versatile artiste, known for his R&B and Afrobeat abilities. In the same interview, he also said he switched from R&B to Afrobeat because he wanted to make money and wanted fans to see his versatility.

After then, he dropped ‘Kukere’ which topped music charts around Nigeria and rose to A-list status. He started the MMMG label with his pal Ubi Franklin and till last year, dropped hit after hit and endeared himself to fans with his music and dance styles.

With this new album, it is hoped that Iyanya regains his form, fans and worldwide success.