Praiz


Praise Ugbede Adejo, better known by his stage name Praiz, is a Nigerian multi award-winning R&B singer, songwriter, and producer. Praiz's music career hit the limelight after he finished second runner-up at the maiden season of Project Fame West Africa. He is best known for releasing hit singles like "Rich and Famous", "Sisi" and "I Love You". He contributed guest vocals to Bez's 2011 single "That Stupid Song"; the music video for the song mentioned was the first African video to make a world premiere on BET’s 106 & Park. He is currently signed to Cicada Music.

Early life and education

Praiz, a native of Igala in Kogi State, was born in Lagos but later relocated to Kaduna in 1992 after his father was transferred there on missionary work. He is the second child out of five children. He has a National Diploma in Computer Science after graduating from Kaduna Polytechnic.

Career

Project Fame West Africa

Praiz had been doing well in music before he shot into the limelight after emerging second runner-up in the first edition of Project Fame West Africa, a music reality T.V show which Iyanya went on to win. His performance in the competition increased his fan base, making him one of the next-rated stars in the Nigerian music industry.

2010–present: ''Rich & Famous''

Praiz has worked with several artists, including Awilo Longomba, Cobhams, Wizkid, Seyi Shay, Bez and MI. One of his many works is a song he collaborated with fellow Nigerian artiste Bez on the hit single "That Stupid Song", which went on to be the first African video to make a world premiere on BET’s 106 & Park. On 22 July 2012, he released the hit single titled "Rich and Famous", which got positive reviews and massive airplay, thus getting him nominated in several award events. On 14 December 2014, Praiz released his double studio album titled Rich & Famous and Rich & Famous .

Style of music

Known to be a soul and R&B artiste, Praiz also has a diverse style in making other genres of music, switching up from R&B to Afropop with commercially appealing songs like "Oshe" and "Mercy". He cites Barry White, Michael Jackson, Carl Thompson and Boyz II Men as people who influence his type of music.

Personal life

Praiz was a brand ambassador for the network service MTN. He is also involved with some charitable organizations, including Safe Motherhood Foundation and Little Big Souls, an organization geared towards helping to reduce premature maternal mortality and assisting women who cannot afford maternal care.

Discography

Albums

Rich & Famous 2 Minutes EP

Singles

  • "Bubbling Under"
  • "The Lockdown"
  • "I Love You"
  • "Jekalo"
  • "A Woman's Need"
  • "Rich and Famous"
  • "For You"
  • "I Love You"
  • "Oshe"
  • "Sweet Potato"
  • "Mercy"
  • "Sisi"
  • "Heartbeat"
  • "Amazing Grace"
  • "Body Hot" Featuring Jesse Jagz & Stonebwoy
  • "2 minutes"
  • "Here and now
  • "Champagne and Flowers
  • "Hustle ft. Stonebwoy
  • "Under The Sky"

Awards and nominations

YearAward ceremonyAward descriptionResult
2012The Headies 2012Best Vocal Performance (Male)Nomitated
2012The Headies 2012Next Rated ActNomitated
20122012 Nigeria Entertainment AwardsMost Promising Act to WatchNomitated
20132013 Nigeria Entertainment AwardsBest Pop/R&B Artist of the YearNomitated
2013City People AwardsBest Rhythm and Blues Singer of the YearWon
2013The Headies 2013Best Vocal PerformanceWon
2014City People AwardsBest Pop/R&B Artist of the YearNomitated
20142014 Nigeria Entertainment AwardsBest Pop/R&B Artist of the YearNomitated
20152015 Nigeria Entertainment AwardsBest Pop/R&B Artist of the YearWon
2021The Headies 2021Best Vocal PerformanceWon