Hello WORriors, today is #WCW and our Woman Crush is Chidinma!
Chidinma Ekile,who was born on May 2, 1991, popularly known by her stage name Chidinma, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. She is the sixth of seven children and was born in Ketu, Kosofe, Lagos State. Both of her parents are from Imo State. She worked as a business promoter in Lagos prior to auditioning for the third season of Project Fame West Africa. Chidinma started singing at the age of 6, and grew up with a disciplinarian father. When she was 10 years old, she joined her church’s choir. She attended primary and secondary school in Ketu prior to relocating to Ikorodu with her family. Chidinma is currently studying sociology at the University of Lagos. Chidinma initially declined her admission into the University of Lagos due to her advancement in the aforesaid competition. In an interview with YNaija, Chidinma said that she has always taken school seriously and her decision to enroll at Unilag was inevitable. She also said that music hasn’t always been on her agenda, but decided to give it a try after winning the MTN-sponsored Project Fame music competition.
Prior to auditioning for the third edition of Project Fame West Africa, she dreamed of being part of the reality TV show that was instituted in 2008. With the help and support from her close friend, Chidinma left her home in Ikorodu and went to the Ultima Studios, the venue for the show’s 2010 Lagos auditions. She was among the 8,000 or so contestants who went to showcase their talents that year. Subsequently, she advanced to the Fame Academy round alongside 17 other contestants. On 26 September 2010, Chidinma was announced as the winner of the competition. She won several prizes, including #2.5 million, a 2011 Toyota RAV4, and an album production deal. In May 2013, she signed an endorsement deal with MTN Nigeria.
In 2010, she rose to stardom after winning the third season of Project Fame West Africa. Following the release of the music video for her “Emi Ni Baller” single, she became the first female musician to peak at number 1 on the MTV Base Official Naija Top 10 chart. In 2011, she released her first solo single “Jankoliko” featuring Sound Sultan. Chidinma, her self-titled debut studio album, was released through the music platform Spinlet. It was supported by the singles “Jankoliko”, “Carry You Go”, “Kedike” and “Run Dia Mouth”. The album features guest appearances from Sound Sultan, Tha Suspect, Olamide and Muna. Chidinma won Best Female West African Act at the 2012 Kora Awards and her award plaque was presented to her by Didier Drogba. She also performed “Kedike” at the ceremony.
She has performed at many shows both in Nigeria and outside the country. She has won many awards and recognition too.
Chidinma’s biggest musical influences are Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Alicia Keys, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Fela Kuti, Omawumi, Onyeka Onwenu, Lagbaja, and Dare Art Alade.
Women of Rubies celebrates you, Chidinma!
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