Praise Ugbede Adejo also known as Praiz is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, music producer and a Philanthropist who made his way into music fame when he featured on the 2008 edition of MTN’s Project Fame.
His genre of music can be described as a mix between soul and R&B.
Besides, his best known for his hit tracks, ‘Rich and Famous’, ‘Mercy’ and ‘Oshey’ featuring African music legend, Awilo Logomba have been categorized by many as Nigeria’s John Legend owing to his unique style of music that is capable of touching the soul.
Early Life and Career
Praiz was born on the 8th of March in Lagos in the 80s although grew up in Kaduna with his 4 siblings and parents after his father was transferred there in 1992.
He is an Igala man by tribe in Kogi State born to a Pastor father and he used to sing and play the drums in the church choir when he was much younger.
Praiz grew up listening to the likes of Barry White and has cited artistes like Michael Jackson, BoyzII Men, John Legend, Carl Thomas and Joe as his musical inspirators.
According once confessed that he never had the intention of becoming a musician. But as fate would have it, he saw himself as a good singer and having those influences perhaps put him on the line of music. Today, Praiz can rightly say he has made waves in the music industry.
Educational Background
Praiz had his primary and secondary education and later attended the Kaduna Polytechnic where he studied computer science. Even before and after his certificate in education, he has been working
so hard to attain success in the field of music and he actually became full blown in the music limelight when he emerged as second runner-up in the highly viewed musical reality show, MTN Project Fame in 2008.
Praiz decided to settle down in Lagos and pursue his music squarely. Praiz who is also a music producer, is currently signed to X3M Music and is expected to drop has many debut albums to his credit.
Praiz has worked with several successful artistes including Cobhams Asuquo, Bez, Awilo, M.I, Efa and others. One of his most notable works so far is his collaboration alongside Nigerian alternative musician Bez on the hit track, ‘That Stupid Song’.
His Awards and Nominations
Talented and skillful Praiz has received many nominations and awards including:
- The World Best Male Artist.
- World Best Live Act .
- World Best Entertainer of the Year at the World Music Awards.
- Voice of the year award and several nominations at the Headies Awards.
Praiz signed an endorsement deal with Cadbury and appointed a brand ambassador for MTN Nigeria after his successful outing in the Project Fame Academy.
Philanthropic Work
Praiz has demonstrated philanthropic gestures to humanity as he has entered into partnerships with a number of Non-Governmental Organizations including Safe Motherhood Foundation and Little Big Souls. The platform is geared towards helping to reduce premature maternal mortality and assisting women who cannot afford maternal care.
His Net Worth
Praiz is ranked one of the most popular, one of the richest and most vibrant Musicians in Nigeria and indeed Africa with a net worth of over $1.7 million dollars.