Praiz


Praise Ugbede Adejo, better known by his stage name Praiz, is a Nigerian R&B songwriter, producer and singer. 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 aforementioned song went on to be the first African video to make a world premiere on BET’s 106 & Park. He is currently signed to X3M 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 a 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 has been doing well in the music before he shot into 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 star 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 debut studio album titled 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 is a brand ambassador for network service giants 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

YearAward ceremonyAward descriptionResult
2012The Headies 2012Best Vocal Performance
2012The Headies 2012Next Rated Act
20122012 Nigeria Entertainment AwardsMost Promising Act to Watch
20132013 Nigeria Entertainment AwardsBest Pop/R&B Artist of the Year
2013City People AwardsBest Rhythm and Blues Singer of the Year
2014City People AwardsBest Pop/R&B Artist of the Year
20142014 Nigeria Entertainment AwardsBest Pop/R&B Artist of the Year
20152015 Nigeria Entertainment AwardsBest Pop/R&B Artist of the Year