Darey Art Alade

Darey

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Updated: Nov 16, 2021

He was born on February 9, 1982, as the last of five children. Darey was exposed to music at a very tender age, being the son of a veteran singer. Darey’s father influenced him musically through his extensive jazz collection, and Darey would occasionally tag along to his musical concerts.

At an early age, Darey honed his skills and began singing in different choirs, National Troupe of Nigeria Choir and the Cathedral Choir included. At 15, he began performing in clubs around Lagos, Ibadan and other major cities in Nigeria.

He caught the attention of an executive at Cool FM, a major radio station, during one of his late-night sessions. He began shuttling between Cool FM and the University of Lagos, where he was studying Music. It was at Cool FM he had the opportunity of learning the rudiments of marketing and radio production.

Darey had his big break in 2004 when he came third in Project Fame music reality show. He later went on to sign a record deal with Sony BMG Africa but it wasn’t much of a success. He left the label and got another record deal with Storm Records, where he released his debut album ‘From Me 2 U’ in 2007. One of his songs ‘Original Naija’ was later used as the main theme song for the first edition of Big Brother Nigeria.

During Nigeria’s 50th Independence Day Celebration, Darey performed for the former Nigeria president, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, in his villa.

Darey has hosted reality shows including Gulder Ultimate Search, Project Fame and Glo Naija Sings.

In February 2013, he alongside his Soul Muzik team, organized ‘Darey Presents: Love Like A Movie’, a concert for valentine’s day held annually. Its first edition in 2013 had the red carpet hosted by Kim Kardashian.

In December 2019, Darey performed at the Livespot X Festival, which was held in Lagos and Accra. The Festival had Grammy Award winner, Cardi B, as the headline act.

On August 14, 2020, he dropped a gospel single titled 'Jah Guide Me', after being away from the music scene for almost five years.

ALBUMS

2015 – Naked

2011 – DoubleDare

2009 – unDAREYted

2006 – From Me 2 U

AWARDS

2015 – All Africa Music Award, Best Male Artiste: Inspirational (Pray for Me)

2011 – The Headies, Best R&B Single of the Year (The Way You Are)

2011 – The Headies, Recording of the Year (The Way You Are)

Awards for Musical Excellence in Nigeria (A.M.E.N), Best Picture/Musical Video (Escalade

2009 – Channel O Music Video Awards, Best Male Video (Not the Girl)