UK-based Nigerian, Eri Ife, is one of the fast-growing talents in the Nigerian music industry. He has made a name for himself as a dynamic singer, songwriter and performer, blending the music elements of Afrobeats, Alternative/RnB, and soul to create soul-stirring songs that expose him as a lover boy.
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Born and bred in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria and now UK-based, Eri Ife is a gifted singer and performer who has produced inspired love music that touches souls worldwide, he’s carved a niche with his deeply resonant singles, EPs and collaborative works. His music, a blessing he generously shares, consistently touches hearts across the globe.
The independent artiste whose real name is Damola Akin-Onigbinde is also is a lawyer but his music always reflects his current standing in life. More importantly, his artistry is growing – sometimes, he seems like an R&B singer and another time, he seems like a panegyric singer in a Yoruba palace.
Eri Ife started singing at the age of 14 but decided to take music more seriously in 2014. That year, he released his firstEriudio song “Gentleman” and had the opportunity to perform at events such as Nigerian Bar Association Presidential Dinner, a Senior Advocate Conferment Ceremony and he opened for Eva Alordiah.
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In 2015, he put together a band of six people with whom he has been performing since then. 2016 was mostly a performance year for him as he opened for both Beautiful Nubia and for Falz. He also performed at the O2 Forum at the gospel concert for MOBO award winner Limoblaze.
His first Extended Play titled ‘Eri Ife: The EP’ was released in March 2017 and had a positive reception from fans, local radios and even from notable artistes like Don Jazzy and Adekunle Gold. This talented musician has successfully carved a niche, blending Afrobeats, Alternative/RnB, and soul to create soul-stirring songs.
On April 3, 2020, Eri-Ife released his fourth EP in four years. The EP comes after, ‘Eri-Ife: The EP’ (2017), ‘November’ (2018) and ‘YLLW’ (with Remy Baggins in 2018). Eri-Ife is also a Barrister, and very passionate about the profession.
He took a break in 2023 because of study, and returned nine months ago with his latest project, Centre(d) EP which showcases Eri Ife’s versatile talents. In the new project, he effortlessly combines melody with rhythm, creating a genre-spanning EP that will resonate with fans of artists such as Adekunle Gold, Jon Bellion, Asa and Johnny Drille. The EP is a testament to Eri Ife’s evolution as an artist and his commitment to infusing his music with light and meaning.
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Reflecting on the inspiration behind Centre(d), Eri Ife shares, “Centre(d) is a reflection of both who I have become now and where I am right now. At the centre of who I am is love, faith and friendship. It’s joy, it’s fun and it’s hopeful. Centred is how I feel. Choosing now to launch out again as a full-time artist is a terrifying thing, but I know where my roots, faith and hopes lie. And that keeps me centred.” This is all captured brilliantly across five stunning tracks, each highlighting Eri Ife as a gifted songwriter.
The EP is a culmination of Eri Ife’s creative journey, spanning from 2017 to the present. With its soulful melodies, poignant lyrics and diverse musical influences, Centre(d) promises to captivate audiences and establish Eri Ife as a force to be reckoned with in the global music scene.
Eri Ife’s music stands out as a testament to the harmonious fusion of softness and powerful messaging within gospel music. Fearlessly displaying his faith, he crafts relatable, thought-provoking, and inspiring Christian music, setting him apart in the genre.
With hundreds of thousands listeners across streaming platforms, Eri Ife’s global impact is palpable. His musical journey is making a difference, and his influence is poised to resonate for years to come.
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