Joeboy Biography

Basic Info

Full Name: Joseph Akinwale Akinfenwa-Donus

Stage Name: Joeboy

Country: Nigeria

Birth Date

Date of Birth: May 29, 1997

Early Life and Background

Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Joeboy started out as a rapper before transitioning into singing—a pivotal shift that occurred after a friend encouraged him to cover Ed Sheeran’s "Shape of You". That viral cover caught the attention of Afrobeat star Mr Eazi, who discovered Joeboy on Instagram and brought him into the emPawa Africa mentorship program in 2017. This partnership would mark the beginning of Joeboy's meteoric rise.

Biography Career and more

Joeboy (born Joseph Akinwale Akinfenwa-Donus on May 21, 1997) is a Nigerian Afro-pop and R&B sensation known for his smooth vocals, emotional storytelling, and infectious melodies. He first rose to prominence in 2019 with the runaway hit "Baby", quickly cementing his status as one of the most exciting voices in the new wave of Afrobeats. Currently signed to Warner Music Africa in partnership with his own imprint Young Legend, Joeboy continues to evolve as a boundary-pushing artist blending soulful intimacy with mainstream appeal.

Breakthrough with emPawa

In 2018, Joeboy released "Fààjí" featuring Mr Eazi, using a grant from the emPawa100 initiative to fund the music video. But it was 2019’s "Baby" that changed everything. Written and recorded in under an hour, the song exploded online—gathering over 20 million streams across YouTube and Spotify and becoming an instant anthem. Its low-budget but creatively executed visualizer played a huge role in its viral success, proving that strong storytelling and sound could cut through the noise without major label backing.

Rising Star

Following the success of "Baby", Joeboy released "Beginning", another hit that showcased his knack for turning everyday emotions into catchy anthems. His debut EP, Love & Light, arrived in November 2019, blending tender romance with Afro-pop grooves. The project featured standout tracks like "Don’t Call Me" with Mayorkun and "All for You", further establishing his appeal across the continent.

Award Recognition

Joeboy's music has earned him widespread recognition, including Best Artiste in African Pop at the 2019 All Africa Music Awards and Best Pop at the 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards. He's also been nominated for multiple awards at The Headies and City People Entertainment Awards, reflecting both critical acclaim and fan support.

Musical Evolution

In April 2020, Joeboy released the futuristic, love-infused single "Call", produced by Dera and accompanied by a visually stunning sci-fi-themed video directed by TG Omori. The track signaled a creative leap for Joeboy as he prepared to release his debut album, exploring bolder themes and sonic landscapes.

Present & Future

Now operating under his own label, Young Legend, and in partnership with Warner Music Africa, Joeboy is defining the future of Afro-pop on his own terms. Whether through romantic ballads or club-ready hits, Joeboy continues to captivate audiences worldwide, proving that music—when heartfelt and honest—needs no translation.

Net Worth

Estimated Net Worth: $850,000