# Flavour (musician)

Chinedu Okoli (born 23 November 1983), better known by his stage name Flavour N'abania or simply Flavour, is a Nigerian singer. He began his musical career as a drummer for a local church. Flavour is popularly known across Africa and the world for his hit song "Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix)". He is currently signed to 2nite Entertainment.
In 2005, he released his self-titled debut album N'abania. In 2010, Flavour released his second studio album, Uplifted. It was supported by the singles "Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix)", "Adamma", and "Oyi Remix". The album's success made Flavour one of Africa's most sought out artists. He was booked to perform at numerous concerts and social events following Uplifted's release.

## Early life

Flavour, who is well known for his ability to sing fluently in the Igbo language, was born in Enugu State, southeastern region of Nigeria. His family is originally from Umunze in Orumba South LGA, Anambra State, southeast Nigeria. Flavour began his music career at the age of 13 when he started playing the drums for his church choir in Enugu, in Enugu State. The resident pastor at his church introduced him to a friend, Chris I. Ordor, the CEO of SoundCity Communications.
In 1996, Flavour was invited to join the company on an educational scholarship to study music.
After three years of playing the drums, Flavour started playing the drums professionally. In 1999, he moved on from playing the drums and started playing the keyboard. He also used to provide back-up vocals for other musicians at SoundCity.

## Career
### Career beginnings

At age 19, Flavour emerged into Nigeria's musical scene as a drummer and pianist for a local band in Enugu. After learning to play drums professionally, Flavour received an offer to perform at City Centre, Enugu. The massive crowd there inspired him to gain new grounds and reach great heights. Flavour's educational background in music enabled him to learn music production from Dekumzy, Isi Charles and Nnachie.

### 2008: N'abania

In 2008, Flavour released his debut album N'abania through Obaino Music. The album's success was relative and limited to Eastern Nigeria, particularly Enugu State. Flavour collaborated with Mr Raw on the album's lead single titled "N'abania". The song was recorded at Kingsley Ogoro's music studio in Lagos, Nigeria.

### 2010: Uplifted

Following the relative success of his debut album, Flavour released Uplifted in 2010. The album broke national barriers. Lolhiphop Records, an established record label in South Africa, released the album after popular demand. The album's top singles include "Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix)", "Adamma", and Oyi Remix" featuring Tiwa Savage.

### 2012: Blessed

Flavour's third album, Blessed, was released on 18 October 2012 through 2nite Entertainment and iROKING LTD. The album is the successor to Uplifted. It is arguably Flavour's biggest album to date due to the number of producers who worked on it. It was launched on the same day of Flavour's 2nite Club grand opening.
In an interview with iROKOTV, Flavour said: "I think I'm growing. This is my third album... Now it's time to give them the music, like define myself. I have to be more mature with my music, lyrics and instrumentation wise. I worked with tons of producers and the whole production process made sense."

### 2014: Thankful

Thankful was released in December 2014. The album consists of 22 tracks and runs for one hour seventeen minutes. Receiving generally positive reviews from music critics, it sold thousands of copies. The album features hit tracks such as the love ballad "Ololufe" featuring Chidinma and the fast-tempo Afro-pop song "Wake Up" feat. Wande Coal.

### 2017: Ijele – The Traveler

Ijele – The Traveller was released in 2017. The album contains 17 tracks, including one featuring Flavour's adopted son Semah G Weifur, a blind Liberian child who was spotted singing alone in a classroom,.

### 2018

In 2018 Flavour issued two singles, "Crazy love", joining forces with Mama Africa Yemi Alade as Flavour Nabania, and "Yemi Alade".
Later that year, he released the traditional song "Awele", featuring the Igbo traditional duo Umu Obiligbo.

### 2020

On December 4 2020, Flavour released his seventh studio album, titled Flavour of Africa, which has 16 tracks.

## Controversy

On 29 August 2012, Nigerian Entertainment Today reported that Flavour was involved in a legal battle with Ghanaian duo Wutah, over the alleged theft of "Kwarikwa". According to the article, "Kwarikwa" is an exact replica of "Kotosa", a song made by the aforementioned duo. The singing duo accused Flavour of stealing their song's rhythm, chorus, and tempo.

## Discography

Studio albums
* N'abania (2005)
* Uplifted (2010)
* Blessed (2012)
* Thankful (2014)
* Ijele the Traveler (2017)
* Flavour of Africa (2020)

## Videography

| Year | Title | Album | Director |
| 2011 | "Adamma" | Uplifted | Godfather Productions |
| 2012 | "Oyi Remix" featuring Tiwa Savage | Uplifted | Godfather Productions |
| 2012 | "Kwarikwa" featuring Fally Ipupa | Blessed | Masterkraft |
| 2012 | "Baby Oku" | Blessed | Selebobo |
| 2012 | "Shake" | Blessed | Godfather Productions |
| 2013 | "Chinny Baby" | Blessed | Masterkraft |
| 2013 | "Ada Ada" | Blessed | Clarence Peters |
| 2014 | "Ikwokrikwo" | Blessed | Masterkraft |
| 2014 | "Black is Beautiful" | Blessed | Clarence Peters |
| 2014 | "Wake up" featuring Wande Coal | Thankful | Clarence Peters |
| 2014 | "Golibe" | Thankful | Clarence Peters |
| 2015 | "Ololufe" featuring Chidinma | Thankful | Godfather Productions |
| 2015 | "Sexy Rosey" featuring P-Square | Thankful | Godfather Productions |
| 2016 | "Champion" | — | Godfather Productions |
| 2016 | "Dance" | Thankful | Clarence Peters |
| 2018 | "Crazy Love" featuring Yemi Alade | | Patrick Elis |
| 2018 | "Awele" featuring Umu Obiligbo | — | Selebobo |
| 2021 | Levels | | Patrick Ellis |

## Awards and nominations

| Year | Event | Prize | Recipient | Result |
| 2019 | AFRIMA | Best Live Act | Himself | Won |
| 2019 | AFRIMA | Best Collaboration | "Awele" (featuring Umu Obiligbo) | Pending |
| 2019 | AFRIMA | AFRIMMA Video of The Year | "Awele" (featuring Umu Obiligbo) | Pending |
| 2014 | Channel O Music Video Awards | Most Gifted Afro Pop | "Ada Ada" | Nominated |
| 2014 | 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Indigenous Artist of the Year | Himself | Nominated |
| 2014 | 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Best Album of the Year | Blessed | Nominated |
| 2014 | 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Best Music Video of the year (Artist & Director) | "Oh! Baby (You & I)" (Chidinma featuring Flavour N'abania) | Nominated |
| 2014 | 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Best Collaboration | "Oh! Baby (You & I)" (Chidinma featuring Flavour N'abania) | Nominated |
| 2014 | African Muzik Magazine Awards | Best Male West Africa | Himself | Nominated |
| 2014 | African Muzik Magazine Awards | Best Traditional Artist | Himself | Won |
| 2014 | African Muzik Magazine Awards | Best Video of the Year | "Ada Ada" | Won |
| 2014 | City People Entertainment Awards | Musician of the Year (Male) | Himself | Nominated |
| 2014 | City People Entertainment Awards | Best Collabo of the Year | "Oh! Baby (You & I)" (Chidinma featuring Flavour N'abania) | Nominated |
| 2014 | City People Entertainment Awards | Video of the Year | "Ada Ada" | Won |
| 2014 | MTV Africa Music Awards 2014 | Best Live Act | Himself | Won |
| 2014 | Ghana Music Awards | Best Live Act | African Artiste of the Year | Nominated |
| 2013 | The Headies | Best Live Act | Artiste of the Year | Nominated |
| 2013 | The Headies | Album of the Year | Blessed | Nominated |
| 2013 | The Headies | Best R&B/Pop Album | Blessed | Nominated |
| 2013 | Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA) | Video of the Year | "Ada Ada" | Won |
| 2013 | Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA) | Best High Life Video | "Ada Ada" | Won |
| 2013 | Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA) | Best Indigenous Concept | "Ada Ada" | Won |
| 2013 | Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA) | Best use of costumes | "Ada Ada" | Won |
| 2013 | Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Best Indigenous Artist/Group | Himself | Nominated |
| 2013 | Ghana Music Awards | African Artiste of the Year | Himself | Nominated |
| 2013 | City People Entertainment Awards | Musician of the Year (Male) | Himself | Nominated |
| 2013 | City People Entertainment Awards | Best Collabo of the Year | "Give it to Me" (Kcee featuring Flavour N'abania) | Won |
| 2012 | Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA) | Best Highlife | "Kwarikwa" (featuring M-Jay, Wage G.Jay Dey, Elense) | Nominated |
| 2012 | Channel O Music Video Awards | Best R&B Video | "Oyi Remix" (featuring Tiwa Savage) | Won |
| 2012 | The Headies | Best Collabo | "Orobo" (Sound Sultan featuring Excel and Flavour) | Won |
| 2012 | Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Best Indigenous Artist/Group | Himself | Won |
| 2011 | Channel O Music Video Awards | Most Gifted Afro-Pop Video | "Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix)" | Nominated |
| 2011 | Channel O Music Video Awards | Most Gifted African West Video | "Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix)" | Nominated |
| 2011 | Hip Hop World Awards (The Headies) | Best R&B Single | "Oyi Remix" (featuring Tiwa Savage) | Nominated |
| 2011 | Hip Hop World Awards (The Headies) | Best Collabo | "Number One" (MI featuring Flavour N'abania) | Won |
| 2011 | Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Best High Life Video | "Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix)" | Nominated |
| 2010 | Ghana Music Awards | African Artiste of the Year | Himself | Nominated |