Not to be confused with American Christian artist Praiz' or Nigerian Afrobeats singer Praiz D.
Praiz | |
|---|---|
Praiz in 2015 | |
| Birth name | Praise Ugbede Adejo |
| Also known as | Mr. Rich & Famous |
| Born | (1985-03-08) 8 March 1985 (age 39)[1] |
| Origin | Kogi State, Nigeria |
| Genres | R&B |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, piano |
| Years active | 2007–present |
| Labels | CICADA Music, X3M Music |
Musical artist
Praise Ugbede Adejolistenⓘ (born 8 March 1985), 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.[2] 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.[3] He is currently signed to Cicada Music.
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.[4] He has a National Diploma in Computer Science after graduating from Kaduna Polytechnic.[5]
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.[6] His performance in the competition increased his fan base, making him one of the next-rated stars in the Nigerian music industry.[7]
Praiz has worked with several artists, including Awilo Longomba, Cobhams, Wizkid, Seyi Shay, Bez and MI.[8] 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.[9] 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.[10] On 14 December 2014, Praiz released his double studio album titled Rich & Famous [Rich] (sized A) and Rich & Famous [Famous] (sized B).[11][8]
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.[12]
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.[9]