1. In 2009, Iyanya released his debut studio album My Story, which was supported by the singles "No Time" and "Love Truly".
25 Facts About Iyanya
1. 2.
Iyanya co-founded the record label Made Men Music Group with Ubi Franklin in 2011.
3.
Iyanya has won several awards, including Artist of the Year at The Headies 2013.
4.
Iyanya first announced his intentions to leave Made Men Music Group in July 2016.
5.
Iyanya was born on Palm Street in Calabar, Cross River State.
6.
Iyanya's mother was a head mistress and his father was a forester.
7.
Iyanya has described his mother as the household disciplinarian, while his father was the gentler of the two.
8.
Iyanya's grandfather was a clergyman where Iyanya sang in his church's choir and was the choir master for the children's choir at age five.
9.
Iyanya is a business management graduate from the University of Calabar.
10.
Iyanya began developing his vocal abilities at local bars which include: Fiesta Fries Bar, Mirage Nite Club, and West-Life.
11.
Iyanya cited British singer Craig David and American hip hop artist R Kelly as his key musical influences.
12.
Iyanya was motivated to pursue music professionally after watching the celebrity lifestyle of 2 Face Idibia and Olu Maintain.
13.
Iyanya started as a rapper, going by the name "Lofty".
14.
In 2008, KCee from KC Presh convinced Iyanya to partake in the first season of Project Fame West Africa.
15.
Iyanya went on and emerged the winner of the competition after battling numerous people who had the same aspirations as him.
16.
Unlike many people who dwindle after a major competition, Iyanya's success had just begun.
17.
Iyanya's debut album was a commercial failure due to problems with distribution and promotion.
18.
Iyanya teamed up with producer DTunes and recorded "Kukere", a single that achieved global success, particularly in Nigeria, Ghana and the United Kingdom.
19.
On 16 October 2013,360Nobs reported that Iyanya became an ambassador for Solo Phones Nigeria, a mobile phone company situated at Computer Village, Ikeja.
20.
In 2013, the Daily Independent newspaper reported that Iyanya signed a one-year deal with Zinox Computers worth $300,000.
21.
Iyanya started performing ballads, particularly on his debut album My Story.
22.
On 25 November 2012, Iyanya performed at comedian AY Makun show held at the INDIGO2 arena.
23.
Iyanya performed at the Shrine in Chicago on 11 April 2013.
24.
Iyanya performed at the African Muzik Magazine launch on 12 April 2013, which was held in Dallas, Texas.
25.
Iyanya serenaded Grammy Award nominee Melanie Fiona at the LTB Jean store in Soho, New York, and performed at the world-renowned New York Fashion Week.