Dice Ailes, born Shasha Damilola Alesh, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and rapper known for his infectious blend of Afro-pop and R&B. Since signing with the Chocolate City record label in 2014, Dice has made waves in the Nigerian music scene with his distinctive style and hit songs like “Miracle” and “Otedola”. His versatility in music genres has earned him a dedicated fanbase and recognition as one of Nigeria’s rising stars in the music industry.

Early Life and Education: A Global Journey

Dice Ailes’ educational journey began in Nigeria, where he attended Lagooz College. His quest for knowledge took him to the Republic of Benin and Ghana before he relocated to Canada. In Canada, he pursued his studies at York University and simultaneously kick-started his musical career. After establishing himself overseas, he returned to Nigeria in 2014, where his musical career truly took flight following his signing with Chocolate City.

The Path to Stardom: Career Beginnings and Breakthrough

Dice Ailes’ music career began in the church choir, where he honed his vocal skills. His early musical influences included collaborating with artists like Hyce-Age, Coker, Millie, and Reihnard while still in the Chocolate City label. His breakthrough came in 2016 with his CKay-produced single “Miracle” featuring Lil Kesh. The song’s success was undeniable, with TooXclusive ranking it third on their Top 10 Songs for the month of October 2016.

That same year, he performed alongside international acts like Migos, WSTRN, and Krept and Konan at the Beat FM Xmas Concert in Lagos, further cementing his reputation as an artist to watch.

Dice Ailes’ Musical Style: A Fusion of Afro-pop and R&B

In an interview with Tush Magazine, Dice Ailes described his style as a versatile mix of Afro-pop and RnB, stating, “I started off rapping, then as I grew up it sort of just graduated to a lot of different stuff.” His music, marked by catchy hooks, smooth melodies, and heartfelt lyrics, resonates with a broad audience, blending traditional African rhythms with contemporary influences. Dice Ailes’ willingness to explore multiple genres allows him to stand out in the competitive Nigerian music scene.

“Otedola” and the Journey Beyond the Song

In 2018, he released the viral hit “Otedola”, a track that sparked curiosity and rumors due to its name, referencing Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola. In interviews, Dice explained that the song was never meant as a strategic move to gain favor or money from the Otedola family. Instead, it was simply a fun song inspired by a playful interaction with the name. Ironically, the release led to him meeting Otedola and receiving substantial support. The unexpected connection became a defining moment in Dice’s career.

Discography: A Rich Collection of Hits

Dice Ailes’ catalog includes numerous hit singles and collaborations, showcasing his evolution as an artist:

Singles:

• “Fantasy” (2014)
  
• “Telephone” (2014)
  
• “Miracle” (2016)
  
• “Ella” (2017)
  
• “Otedola” (2017)
  
• “Mr Biggs” (2018)
  
• “Dicey” (2018)
  
• “Alakori” (2019, feat. Falz)
  
• “Pim Pim” (2020, feat. Olamide)
  
• “Money Dance” (2021)
  
• “Leftside” (2022)
  
• “Rosalia” (2022, feat. Kady Cain)
  
• “Monica” (2022)
  
• “Zombie” (2022)
  
• “Hold Me” (2022, feat. Tiwa Savage)
  
• “Dicey Baba” (2024)
  

Notable Collaborations:

• “Awon Temi” (Loose Kaynon feat. Dice Ailes & Koker) (2015)
  
• “Brooklyn” (Ice Prince feat. Dice Ailes) (2016)
  
• “Olohungbo” (Masterkraft feat. Ceeza, YCEE & Dice Ailes) (2017)
  
• “Que Cera” (Vision DJ feat. Dice Ailes, Kwesi Arthur, Medikal) (2019)
  

Awards and Nominations: Recognizing Talent and Dedication

Dice Ailes’ talents have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by the following nominations:

• 2015: tooXclusive Awards – Best New Artist (Nominated)
  
• 2016: The Headies – Rookie of the Year (Nominated)
  
• 2018: Next Rated (Nominated)
  

These accolades demonstrate the impact Dice Ailes has had in shaping the future of Nigerian music.

Conclusion: Dice Ailes’ Future in Music

Dice Ailes’ journey is one of perseverance, adaptability, and growth. From his early days in the church choir to becoming a recognized name in the Nigerian music industry, he continues to evolve and explore new sounds. With his unique fusion of Afro-pop and R&B, he is set to remain a dominant force in the African music scene for years to come. As he continues to release new music, fans eagerly await his next move.

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