Limoblaze

Limoblaze
Birth nameSamuel Onwubiko
Also known asLimoblaze
Born (1995-10-25) 25 October 1995 (age 29)
Makurdi
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer-songwriter
  • rapper
InstrumentVocals
Years active2014–present
Labels
Websitelimoblaze.com

Samuel Onwubiko (born 25 October 1995), known by his stage name Limoblaze is a Nigerian gospel singer-songwriter and rapper.[1] He is well known for the hit song "Jireh (My Provider)" with Lecrae and Happi, a reworking of "Jireh" by Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music; the song made it to the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs of 2022, Official Charts No. 15, and won several other nominations including The Headies and The Stellar Awards.[2][3][4]

Biography

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Early life and education

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He is one of eight children born to Samuel and Nkechi Onwubiko[5] in Abia State, Nigeria, and was brought up in Makurdi-Benue state. Aged 8 years, he discovered the songs of popular rappers such as Tupac, Eminem and 50 Cent and later came across Christian rappers such as Lecrae, the Ambassador, Andy Mineo, Da' T.R.U.T.H. and Tedashii.[6] This influenced him to become an Afro gospel, Afrobeat and Hip-hop gospel singer, songwriter, recording and performing artist.[7][8] He studied Biochemistry at the Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi, Nigeria during which he joined the Day Star Church[9] where his professional gospel musical career began.[10][11]

He currently lives in the United Kingdom. He married Favour Emma his long-term girlfriend on 1 April 2022.

Musical career

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He started his career officially as an independent and unsigned music recording artist and started with his first song titled "Memories" which he dedicated to his classmates after graduating from high school. After his first song,[10][11] he went on to record other songs titled Grace, Unconditional, Wrong Ways, For the King which features an American rapper Los of (HGA), and So on.[12] He likewise made some collaborations with gospel artists such as Ada Ehi,[13] Travis Greene, Da' T.R.U.T.H. as well as many others with various freestyle sessions.[14] His Debut Album Blind was released in 2016 while his second album Before Now, was released in 2018, followed by Afrobeats Raps & Jesus released 2019,[15] The Wait E.P in 2020 and he released his fourth studio joint album featuring Da' T.R.U.T.H. titled Bridges,[16] on 20 November 2020, which charted on trending spots on both local and international digital stores.[citation needed]

In July 2022, he released the hit single "Jireh (My Provider)" featuring Lecrae and Happi.[17][18] The song made it to Billboard Year-End U.S. Afrobeats Songs of 2022[19]

In October 2022, Christian Hip Hop label Reach Records announced Limoblaze to their roster, making him the first signee to be based outside of America.

Discography

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Studio albums

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  • Blind (2016)
  • Before Now (2018)
  • Afrobeats Raps & Jesus (2019)
  • Bridges (2020)
  • God's Favourite Baby (2021)
  • Young & Chosen (2024)

EP(s)

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Selected singles

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Single Year Released
My Story ft Da' T.R.U.T.H. 2018
Blow My Mind 2020
Okay ft Ada Ehi
Sound of Victory ft Da' T.R.U.T.H. & Travis Greene
Mind 2021
This Loving ft Johnny Drille
Ife Wami 2022
Gold ft Ada Ehi
Desire
Jireh ft Happi and Lecrae
Put It On God ft Annatoria[24] 2023
Desire Pt. 2 ft Caleb Gordon[25]
Pretty Day ft Madison Ryann Ward
My Matter ft Victor Thompson and Becca Folkes
Talk & Do ft Ada Ehi
Good God II ft Naomi Raine 2024
One Day ft KB
Freedom ft Annatoria and Oneskript
Holy Father

Awards and recognition

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He received Crystal award nominations in three categories in 2015.[26] In 2019, Limoblaze was nominated (alongside Tim Godfrey, Todd Dulaney, Osby Berry, Jonathan McReynolds, Chevelle Franklyn, Phil Thompson, Tasha Cobbs, Joe Mettle, and Koyrn Hawthorne) in the Premier Gospel Awards for Best International Act and on 11 May 2019 in London he was announced as winner.[27][28][29] Limoblaze was also Afro Rap Artiste of Excellence in the 2019 African Gospel Music and Media Awards.[30][31] He has been "Artist of the Week" on Nigeria's Channels TV.[10][11]

Year Award Category Result Ref.
2015 The Crystal Awards Best New Artiste Nominated [26]
The Crystal Awards Best Collaboration Nominated [26]
The Crystal Awards Best Rap/Hip-Hop Nominated [26]
2019 Premier Gospel Awards Best International Act Won [28]
African Gospel Music and Media Awards (AGMMA) Afro Rap Artiste of Excellence Won [31]
2022 Step FWD Awards International Artist of the Year Won [32]
Premier Gospel Awards Best International Act Won [33]
2023 The Headies Best Inspirational Song Pending [34][35]
The Stellar Awards Rap/Hip-Hop Song of the Year Pending [36][37]
Vine Awards African Song of the Year Won [38]
Vine Awards African Act of the Year Won
Premier Gospel Awards Best Male Vocalist Won [39]
Premier Gospel Awards Best Song of the Year Won [40]
2024 MOBO Awards Best Gospel Act Won [41][42]

Personal life

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Limoblaze proposed to Favour in September 2021. They were married in April 2022.[43]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "10 Afro-Gospel Songs You Should Know - Okayplayer". www.okayafrica.com. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  2. ^ Dennis, O'Neil (September 18, 2022). "'Jireh (My Provider)' by Limoblaze, Lecrae & Happi hits 2 million streams in 1+ month". Step FWD UK Christian Chart. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  3. ^ "Limoblaze takes the gospel to everybody with 'Jireh (My Provider)'". Pulse Nigeria. September 20, 2022. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  4. ^ "Jireh (My Provider) Official Afrobeats Charts". Official Charts.
  5. ^ Melissa, Paula (September 20, 2019). "LIMOBLAZE INTERVIEW WITH PAULA MELISSA (AUDIO)". Paula Melissa. Retrieved November 23, 2020.
  6. ^ "About Limoblaze - Reach Records". Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  7. ^ Sande, Shirquille (January 12, 2021). "Testimony: A Musician's Story - Limoblaze's Interview - Holy Culture". holyculture.net. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  8. ^ Sseruyigo, Aaron (August 6, 2022). "Pompi, Limoblaze expected in Kampala this month". Breaking news on Christianity in Uganda and World. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  9. ^ Maurice, Samuel (October 16, 2020). "EndSARS: How Christian Rapper Limoblaze Ignited Widespread Prayer Walk". Premium9ja. Retrieved November 23, 2020.
  10. ^ a b c My Music Is More Of A Service And Ministry - Limoblaze | Sunrise, retrieved April 6, 2021[unreliable source?]
  11. ^ a b c "Sunrise – Channels Television". Retrieved April 6, 2021.[unreliable source?]
  12. ^ Premier (July 10, 2020). ""Men NEED Re-educatiing" Says Limoblaze". Premier Gospel. Retrieved November 22, 2020.
  13. ^ Ibe, Olaedo (September 23, 2020). "Afrobeats artist Limoblaze teams up with Ada Ehi for hit single 'Okay'". Step FWD UK Christian Chart. Retrieved November 22, 2020.
  14. ^ "Lecrae, Ada Ehi, Mercy Chinwo, Frank Edwards, Limoblaze to headline RockFest 2.0 in Lagos". Pulse Nigeria. November 29, 2022. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  15. ^ "LIMOBLAZE DROPS "AFROBEATS, RAP & JESUS"". AGMC. December 15, 2019. Retrieved November 22, 2020.
  16. ^ Longs, Herb (November 14, 2020). "Da' T.R.U.T.H. & Limoblaze Team Up To Release 'Bridges' Album". TheChristianBeat.org. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  17. ^ a b Sarachik, Justin (October 29, 2022). "Nigerian Afrobeats Singer & Songwriter, LIMOBLAZE Signs With Reach Records & Releases New EP 'Sunday In Lagos'". Rapzilla. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  18. ^ vinepulse (June 8, 2023). "Limoblaze Receives Stellar Award Nomination for "Rap/Hip Hop Song of the Year" with "Jireh"". Vine Pulse. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  19. ^ Cusson, Michael (December 1, 2022). "Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs". Billboard. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  20. ^ "The Wait EP by Limoblaze | Album". Afrocharts. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  21. ^ Admin (March 27, 2020). "Limoblaze drops brand new EP 'The Wait' - available now". WorshippersGh. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  22. ^ Clarks, Jessie (October 28, 2022). "Reach Records' Newest Artist Limoblaze Drops 'Sunday In Lagos'". TCB. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  23. ^ Gold (Remix Pack) - EP by Limoblaze, February 3, 2023, retrieved July 13, 2023
  24. ^ Longs, Herb (April 6, 2023). "Limoblaze "Put It On God" Out Now After Trending On Social Media". TCB. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  25. ^ Dennis, O'Neil (July 9, 2023). "Limoblaze releases new single 'Desire Pt. 2' feat. Caleb Gordon". Step FWD UK Christian Chart. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  26. ^ a b c d "Crystal Awards 2015: And The Nominees Are…". Praiseworld Radio | Africa's #1 Online Gospel Radio Station | Nigeria. Retrieved November 22, 2020.
  27. ^ "BREAKING NEWS: Limoblaze Won new Award at Premier Gospel Awards as Best International Act In London". Winnaijatv. May 15, 2019. Retrieved November 22, 2020.
  28. ^ a b Premier (May 10, 2019). "Premier Gospel Awards 2019 Winners". Premier Gospel. Retrieved November 22, 2020.
  29. ^ MistaBolu (May 12, 2019). "Nigerian Rapper, Limoblaze Wins Premier Gospel Awards' "Best International Act" In London". Pricherman116 Media. Retrieved November 22, 2020.
  30. ^ "AGMMA | African Gospel Music and Media Awards". africangospelmusicawards.com. Retrieved November 22, 2020.
  31. ^ a b "AGMMA 2019 || African Gospel Music and Media Awards 2019". www.africangospelmusicawards.com. Retrieved November 22, 2020.
  32. ^ "Awards 2022 | Step FWD Awards". stepfwdawards.com. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  33. ^ "Premier Gospel Award 2022 winners announced - Premier Christian News | Headlines, Breaking News, Comment & Analysis". premierchristian.news. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  34. ^ "Burna Boy, Rema, Ruger, Asake lead 2023 Headies nomination list [Full Nomination List]". Pulse Nigeria. July 12, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  35. ^ "Headies Award 2023 nominees list: Asake, Limoblaze, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage plus odas wey make di list". BBC News. July 12, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  36. ^ "The Stellar Awards | 2023 Stellar Award Nominees". www.thestellarawards.com. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  37. ^ Grein, Paul (May 12, 2023). "Pastor Mike, Limoblaze, Jr. & Tye Tribbett Lead 2023 Stellar Gospel Music Awards Nominations (Full List)". Billboard. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  38. ^ "Limoblaze Bags "African Act of the Year" Award at Vine Awards 2022 | GMusicPlus.com". May 11, 2022. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  39. ^ "The 2023 Premier Gospel Awards - The Winners". hfpmusiccity. June 20, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  40. ^ Dennis, O'Neil (June 16, 2023). "Highlights from this year's prestigious Premier Gospel Awards". Step FWD UK Christian Chart. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  41. ^ Acho, Affa (December 14, 2023). "[FULL LIST] Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid, Others Make MOBO Awards Shortlist". Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  42. ^ "Mobo awards 2024: Central Cee tops winners thanks to megahit Sprinter | Mobos | The Guardian". amp.theguardian.com. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  43. ^ ekpenyong, Ebenezer (September 6, 2021). "Limoblaze is Getting Married as He Proposes to Favour". Premium9ja. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
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