Chidinma Ekile, popularly known as Chidinma, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress who rose to fame after winning the third season of Project Fame West Africa in 2010. She is also known for her hit songs such as "Kedike," "Emi Ni Baller," and "Fallen in Love."
However, in 2021, she made a surprising career switch from secular to gospel music and announced that she is now a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In this blog post, we will explore the biography of Chidinma Ekile, her musical journey, her transition to gospel music, and her current projects.
Chidinma Ekile Early Life and Education
Chidinma Ekile was born on May 2, 1991, in Ketu, Kosofe, Lagos State. She is the sixth of seven children of her parents, who are from Imo State. She grew up in a Christian home and started singing at six. She joined her church choir when she was 10 and served as a music director for several years.
She attended primary and secondary school in Ketu before relocating to Ikorodu with her family. She had a passion for music but took her education seriously. She wanted to study mass communication but obtained a sociology degree from the University of Lagos. She also worked as a business promoter in Lagos before auditioning for Project Fame.
Chidinma Ekile Project Fame and Breakthrough
Chidinma had always dreamt of being part of Project Fame, a reality television show that showcases the talents of aspiring singers and musicians. She auditioned for the show's third season in 2010 and was among the 18 contestants who made it to the academy.
She impressed the judges and the audience with her vocal skills and stage presence, and she eventually emerged as the competition winner, beating over 8,000 contestants. She was the first female to win the show and the second person from Nigeria, after Iyanya. She received a cash prize of N2.5 million, a 2011 Toyota RAV4, and a production deal.
After winning Project Fame, Chidinma released her debut single, "Jankoliko," featuring veteran singer Sound Sultan, in 2011. The song was a fusion of highlife and pop, showcasing her versatility and vocal range. She also released the music video for the song, which Clarence Peters directed.
She later signed a record deal with Capital Hill Records, owned by Clarence Peters and rapper iLLBliss. She released her self-titled debut album, Chidinma, in 2012, which featured the singles "Carry You Go," "Kedike," and "Run Dia Mouth." The album was a commercial and critical success, earning her several awards and nominations.
Chidinma Ekile Musical Career and Achievements
Chidinma continued to release hit songs and collaborate with other artists in the Nigerian music industry. She released the single "Emi Ni Baller," featuring Tha Suspect and iLLBliss, in 2012, which became one of the most-played songs on Nigerian radio stations.
She also released the song's remix, featuring Wizkid, in 2013. She became the first female artist to top the MTV Base Official Naija Top 10 chart with the music video for "Emi Ni Baller." She also won the Best Video award for the song at the 2014 Headies.
Chidinma also ventured into other genres of music, such as reggae, dancehall, and R&B. She released the singles "Oh Baby," featuring Flavour, and "Bless My Hustle," featuring Phyno, in 2014. She also released the singles "Lorry," featuring M.I. Abaga, and "If E No Be God," 2015.
She also collaborated with artists such as Banky W, Illbliss, and Bez on the song "All I Want Is You" and with Zoro on the song "Oyoko." She was also featured on the Coke Studio Africa season 3, where she performed with artists such as Diamond Platnumz, Sauti Sol, and Yemi Alade.
Chidinma also explored her acting skills, as she debuted in the 2017 romantic comedy film The Bridge, directed by Kunle Afolayan and produced by Lasun Ray. She plays the role of Stella, a young lady from a wealthy family who falls in love with a poor man from a different tribe. The film also starred Demola Adedoyin, Ayo Mogaji, Zack Orji, and Tina Mba.
Chidinma won several awards and accolades for her musical career, such as the Best Female West African Act at the 2012 Kora Awards, the Best Pop Extra Video at the 2014 Nigeria Music Video Awards, the Best Female Act at the 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards, and the Best Female Artist at the 2016 Nigerian Entertainment Awards.
She also performed at various events and concerts, such as the 2012 edition of the MTN Power of 10 Concert, the 2013 edition of the Star Music Trek, and the 2014 edition of the Hennessy Artistry Club Tour.
Chidinma Ekile Transition to Gospel Music and Current Projects
In 2019, Chidinma left Capital Hill Records and became a free agent. She released the single "Nobody's Fool" in October 2019, the official soundtrack for the movie The Herbert Macaulay Affair. She also released the single "Holy" in November 2019, a gospel song produced by Frank Edwards.
She said that the song was a gift from God and that she had a dream where she received the song from Him. She also said that she had always wanted to do gospel music but was waiting for God's timing.
In 2020, Chidinma released the single "Fallen in Love," a love song with a gospel twist. She also changed her look as she cut her hair and adopted a more modest dressing style.
She also became more vocal about her faith by sharing inspirational messages and scriptures on her social media platforms. She also performed at some gospel events, such as the Fearless Rebirth Concert, hosted by Tim Godfrey, and the Praise Night Concert, sponsored by Sinach.
In 2021, Chidinma officially announced her transition to gospel music and her engagement in Christian ministry. She reported on her Instagram page on May 2, 2021, her 30th birthday. She said she is now a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ and a crusader for His kingdom.
She also changed her name to Minister Chidinma Ekile and deleted all her previous posts and pictures. She also signed a record deal with EeZee Conceptz, a gospel music label home to artists such as Mercy Chinwo, Judikay, and GUC.
Chidinma released her first gospel single, "Jehovah Overdo," and her birthday on May 2, 2021. The song is a testimony of God's goodness and faithfulness in her life and career. She also released the music video for the song, which Avalon Okpe directed. The song received positive reviews from fans and critics, and it has over 4 million views on YouTube as of October 2021.
On August 20, 2021, Chidinma released her debut gospel E.P., New Season. The E.P. consists of seven tracks, all produced by EeZee Conceptz Global. The E.P. features songs such as "This Love," "Jesus the Son of God," "Lion and the Lamb," and "Ko S'Oba Bire." The E.P. declares God's power and glory in her life and ministry. She also released music videos for some of the songs on the E.P., such as "This Love" and "Ko S'Oba Bire."
On October 14, 2021, Chidinma released her second gospel album, Psalm 16. The album comprises 12 tracks, featuring collaborations with KS Bloom, Indira, and Buchi. The Holy Spirit and the scripture Psalm 16 inspire the album, which talks about God being her portion and refuge.
The album features songs such as "I Bow," "Chukwu Oma," "Jehovah Overdo Remix," and "You Are Worthy." The album celebrates God's grace and mercy in her life and ministry.
Chidinma Ekile Net Worth
According to Wikipedia, Chidinma Ekile's net worth is estimated to be around $2.8 million as of 2024. She is one of the richest musicians in Nigeria and has earned her wealth from her singing, songwriting, and endorsement deals. She has also won several awards and accolades for her musical career in secular and gospel music.
Controversy And Activism Of Chidinma Ekile
Chidinma Ekile is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress who recently switched from secular music to gospel music. She has faced controversy and criticism for her career choices and personal life, but she has also been involved in activism and philanthropy. Here are some examples of her controversy and activism:
She has had several controversies in the past, which include the release of an alleged sex tape of her, which she denied. There was also a controversy about her hair color in 2011, with many suggesting that she had turned sour, but Chidinma dismissed this rumor by saying she was still the same person.
She has been rumored to be in relationships with other singers, such as Flavour, Kizz Daniel, and Banky W, but she has never confirmed or denied any of them. She has also been accused of being pregnant by some of her fans, but she has rejected this as well.
She has been criticized by some of her fans and fellow artists for her transition to gospel music, with some saying that she is doing it for fame or money or that she is not sincere about her faith. However, she has defended her decision by saying she follows God's will and is happy with her new path.
She has been involved in activism and philanthropy, such as supporting the education of young girls, advocating for peace and unity in Nigeria, and donating to people in need. She has also participated in campaigns and events, such as the ONE Campaign, the Future Africa Awards, and the United Nations Global Goals.
Chidinma Ekile Social Media
Instagram: @chindinmaekile
Conclusion
Chidinma Ekile is a talented and versatile singer, songwriter, and actress who has made a remarkable impact in the Nigerian music industry. She has won several awards and accolades for her secular music career and made a bold and courageous switch to gospel music and Christian ministry.
She is a testimony of God's love and power and uses her voice and platform to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. She is a role model and an inspiration to many young people, especially young women, who aspire to pursue their dreams and fulfill their purpose. She is a new creature in Christ and a new season in her life and career.
