Ugbekile David Osemeke, better known by his stage name Boy Spyce, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter who gained recognition through his viral cover of Wizkid’s “Essence” in 2021. His talent led to a signing with Mavin Records, where he released his debut EP in 2022. Boy Spyce’s vibrant music blends contemporary Afrobeat influences, making him a standout talent in the Nigerian music scene.

Early Life and Background of Boy Spyce

Boy Spyce was born on May 10, 2001, in Isolo, Lagos State, Nigeria, though he hails from Edo State. Raised in Jakande Estate, Isolo, Boy Spyce comes from a large family and is the youngest of seven siblings. His early life in Lagos shaped much of his musical outlook, and he attended Lagos State Model College Kankon in Badagry for his secondary education.

Growing up in a bustling, culturally rich environment, Boy Spyce was drawn to music from a young age. His interest in music led him to begin posting song covers on social media platforms in 2019, an initiative that ultimately shaped his career.

Career Beginnings and Breakthrough

Boy Spyce’s music career took off in 2021 after he posted a cover of Wizkid’s hit song “Essence,” featuring Tems. The cover caught the attention of Mavin Records’ founder, Don Jazzy, who saw potential in the young artist and offered him a recording deal. This marked the beginning of Boy Spyce’s professional music journey.

On April 14, 2022, Boy Spyce was officially introduced to the public by Mavin Records, and the following day, he released his debut EP, titled Boy Spyce. The EP peaked at number one on Nigeria’s Apple Music chart, garnering significant attention for the young artist. Critics praised the EP for its blend of vibrant sounds and cultural influences, with Emmanuel Esomnofu of The Native describing it as “a collage of vibrant sounds and tradition.”

Boy Spyce’s track “Bad Things” also became popular, leading Pulse Nigeria to feature it on their Future Sounds Vol. 6 playlist in May 2022.

Collaboration with Mavin Records and Growth

In addition to his solo projects, Boy Spyce was featured on Mavin’s hit song “Overdose” alongside fellow artists Crayon, Ayra Starr, Magixx, and Ladipoe. Released in May 2022, “Overdose” topped several charts, including TheCable’s list of top radio picks. The success of “Overdose” further cemented Boy Spyce’s position in the Nigerian music scene.

Boy Spyce’s rising popularity led to more collaborative projects, including his feature on Mavin’s “Wan Da Mo” in November 2022. He also revealed in an interview with Nigerian Tribune that a text message from Don Jazzy on Christmas Day in 2019 had been a pivotal moment in his career, showcasing the mentor-mentee relationship that helped propel him into the spotlight.

Breakout Singles and Continued Success

In January 2023, Boy Spyce released “Folake,” a single that became one of his most successful tracks. Produced by Sparrq Beatz, “Folake” peaked at number 5 on the Nigeria TurnTable Top 100 and received significant attention, with its accompanying music video amassing over 5 million views on YouTube by January 2024.

Following the success of “Folake,” Boy Spyce continued to make waves with the release of “Pepe” in December 2023. The song debuted at number 23 on the TurnTable Nigeria Top 100 and hit number 13 on the Top Streaming Songs chart in January 2024, solidifying Boy Spyce’s growing influence in the Nigerian music industry.

In January 2023, OkayAfrica also recognized him as one of the emerging artists to watch in 2023, alongside Khaid and Odumodublvck, signaling his potential for even greater success in the future.

Discography of Boy Spyce

EPs:

• Boy Spyce (Released: 15 April 2022)
  Label: Mavin
  Formats: Digital download
  Highlights: The EP reached number one on Nigeria’s Apple Music chart and featured popular tracks like “Dreams,” “Bad Things,” and “Nobody.”
  

Singles:

As Lead Artist:

• Dreams (2022)
  
• Bad Things (2022)
  
• Wayo (2022)
  
• Destiny (2022)
  
• Nobody (2022)
  
• Folake (2023)
  
• Relationship (2023)
  
• So Bad (2023)
  
• Pepe (2023)
  
• I Don’t Care (2024)
  
• You (Rum & Schnapp) (2024)
  

As Featured Artist:

• Won Da Mo (2022) – Mavins, Crayon, Ayra Starr featuring Ladipoe, Magixx, and Boy Spyce
  
• Carry Me Go (2023) – Khaid featuring Boy Spyce
  
• Doh (2023) – T-Classic featuring Boy Spyce
  

Awards and Nominations

While Boy Spyce is still early in his career, he has quickly gained recognition for his musical achievements. His debut EP and singles have earned him attention from music critics and fans alike, and he has been named as one of the rising stars in Nigerian music.

Conclusion

Boy Spyce, whose career began with a cover of Wizkid’s “Essence,” has quickly grown into one of the most exciting young talents in the Nigerian music industry. With his debut EP topping the charts and his hit singles like “Folake” and “Pepe’. He is poised for even greater success in the coming years. His blend of Afrobeat and unique style continues to captivate audiences, and his future in music looks incredibly bright.

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