Early Life

Johnny Drille, born John Ighodaro on July 5, 1990, grew up in Edo State, Nigeria. His father worked as a school principal and clergyman. Johnny grew up in a family of five siblings and began singing in his father’s church at a young age. He later attended the University of Benin, where he studied English and Literature.

Career

Johnny Drille started his music journey in church and gained early exposure as a contestant on the sixth season of Project Fame West Africa in 2013. In 2015, he released a cover of Di’Ja’s song “Awww,” which caught the attention of Don Jazzy, founder of Mavin Records. That same year, he also released his debut single “Wait for Me,” which earned a nomination for Best Alternative Song at The Headies 2016. He collaborated with fellow Project Fame contestant Niniola on the track “Start All Over” in 2016.

In February 2017, Johnny signed with Mavin Records. On September 3, 2021, he released his debut album Before We Fall Asleep, a 14-track project featuring artists like Ayra Starr, Ladipoe, Don Jazzy, and Styl-Plus. In late 2024, Johnny Drille teamed up again with Don Jazzy for a seven-track EP titled Hard Guy Confessions, which explores themes of vulnerability and love through soul, funk, and alternative pop sounds.

In April 2025, he also released the single “Angelina” with Fireboy DML, followed by a music video premiere the next month. That spring, Johnny launched his first UK tour, performing in London, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Manchester. He also appeared at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and headlined the GENTI Festival in Abuja with The Cavemen and other Afrofusion artists.

In Conclusion, Johnny Drille is married to music executive Rima Tahini. They welcomed their daughter, Amaris Esohe Ighodaro, in November 2023.

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