Iyanya

About Iyanya

Kukere was still dominating playlists when Iyanya released his third studio album and proved he was here to stay.

Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk was born on October 31, 1986, in Calabar, Cross River State. He grew up in the coastal city, where music became his first language. From childhood, he knew singing was his calling.

His big break came when he won the first season of Project Fame West Africa. The victory opened doors that had been firmly shut. Suddenly, record labels were interested in the young singer from Calabar.

He released his debut studio album, My Story, in October 2009. The project featured the singles "No Time" and "Love Truly," which introduced his sound to the nation. Critics took notice. Fans kept playing the album on repeat.

In 2011, Iyanya co-founded Made Men Music Group with Ubi Franklin. The label became a launching pad for other artists. But Iyanya remained the crown jewel. His second album, Desire, dropped in February 2013 and changed everything. Kukere became a nationwide phenomenon. Other singles like "Ur Waist," "Flavour," "Sexy Mama," and "Jombolo" followed, each one bigger than the last. That year, he won Artist of the Year at The Headies 2013.

By 2016, Iyanya was ready for a new chapter. He announced his departure from Made Men Music Group in July. In October, he signed with Mavin Records, one of Nigeria's biggest labels. He had also inked a management deal with Temple Management Company. The move signaled his ambition to reach even greater heights.

His third studio album, Applaudise, arrived in 2015. Once Upon a Cat followed in 2024. Most recently, he released The Forester's Son in 2025. Each project showed his growth as an artist and songwriter.

Iyanya remains one of Nigeria's most consistent voices. From Project Fame winner to label owner to Mavin Records artist, his journey spans decades. His influence on Nigerian pop music continues to resonate across the continent.