Chidinma Ekile, better known as Chidinma, is a Nigerian gospel singer and composer who was born on May 2, 1991. She rose to fame in 2010 after winning the third season of Project Fame West Africa. She is the first female musician to top the MTV Base Official Naija Top 10 list.
Chidinma
Chidinma Ekile was born in Ketu, Kosofe, Lagos State to Imo State parents. She is the sixth kid in a family of seven. Chidinma was raised by a strict father and began singing at the age of six. She joined her church chorus when she was ten years old.
Chidinma attended primary and secondary school in Ketu before moving with her family to Ikorodu. Prior to competing for the third season of Project Fame West Africa, she worked as a business marketer in Lagos.
Chidinma originally intended to study public communication but instead earned a sociology degree from the University of Lagos. Chidinma originally turned down admission to the University of Lagos because of her success in Project Fame West Africa. She told YNaija that she has always taken education seriously and that her decision to enroll at Unilag was unavoidable. She also stated that music was not always on her to-do list, but she decided to give it a shot after winning the music competition.
She wished to be a part of the reality television program before auditioning for the third season of Project Fame West Africa. Chidinma left her home in Ikorodu and proceeded to Ultima Studios with the aid and support of a close friend. She was one of the 8,000 candidates that travelled that year to show off their skills.
Chidinma then competed in the Fame Academy round alongside 17 other competitors. Chidinma and the other candidates were mentored by musical experts for ten weeks, including vocal coaches, inspiring speakers, renowned artists, and music business service providers. Contestants were also taught dance and various practice drills. On September 26, 2010, Chidinma was named the competition’s champion. She received a total of 2.5 million dollars, a 2011 Toyota RAV4, and a production deal. Chidinma inked an endorsement contract with MTN Nigeria in May 2013.
Chidinma began her acting career in the 2017 film The Bridge (2017 film), directed by Kunle Afolayan. Chidinma just signed with Eezee Concept, with the release of her song, Jehovah Overdo. Eezee Concept is a musical company that represents prominent artistes such as Minister Mercy Chinwo, Judikay, Minister GUC, Chioma Jesus, and Samsong.
Chidinma Ekile returned to the music world in May 2021 after a lengthy hiatus, this time to celebrate her 30th birthday by posting images of herself on Instagram. However, there was something peculiar about the vocalist that wasn’t strange at all.
Chidinma captioned her images with a message that was plain to all of her fans: she was done with Afro-pop music. As she published those photographs on her 30th birthday, May 2nd, 2021, she proclaimed that she was now a Gospel Artiste on her Instagram profile.
At the 2012 Kora Awards, Chidinma was named Best Female West African Act. Didier Drogba presented her with her prize plaque. Chidinma stated after receiving the prize, “It was a tremendous honor for me. I’m thankful to God, my fans, and everyone who has contributed to my success. Winning KORA is a significant accomplishment for me, and I know it is just the beginning of bigger things to come.” Molped, a sanitary pad firm, names Chidinma its brand ambassador in April 2019.
Chidinma is the founder of the NMA Care Foundation, a non-governmental organization that provides services to visually impaired children.
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