Nigerian Afrobeat singer, Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk, known by his stage name Iyanya, has spoken about his comeback, noting that 2022 was his most successful year since he returned to mainstream music.
The Kukere hitmaker said he was booked for more than 20 shows in December alone and the last time he was this busy was in December 2017.
Iyanya took to his Twitter page and recounted how he performed at only three shows last year because he had faded from the spotlight.
According to the Project Fame winner, one of the shows was paid but he had to beg to perform at the other two of the events.
He expressed deep thanks to God as he noted that he wakes up to daily credit alerts from people booking him for events.
Iyanya also showed appreciation to fans for supporting him by streaming his music and prayed for them to be blessed.
He promised to make 2023 a better year for everybody who stood by him through his downs and ups in 2022.
The singer wrote; ”Last year December 2021, I performed at 3 shows, one paid and I begged to perform at 2 just to be seen. In 2022 December, I wake up and everyday to alerts for shows, haven’t had this kind of busy december since 2017. 20+ shows in on month. God Thank you 🙏🏿
“And to my fans and everyone who streamed my music this year, God Bless you. There’s got to be more and I promise 2023 will be a better year for everyone who has supported me this year. We will definitely have a great 2023.”
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Iyanya rose to fame after winning the first season of Project Fame West Africa and is best known for his hit single “Kukere”.
He co-founded the record label Made Men Music Group with Ubi Franklin in 2011. He released his debut studio album My Story in 2011. It was supported by the singles “No Time” and “Love Truly”.
Desire, his second studio album, contained five singles: “Kukere”, “Ur Waist”, “Flavour”, “Sexy Mama”, and “Jombolo”. He won the Artist of the Year award at The Headies 2013.
In October 2016, Iyanya announced on Instagram that he signed a record deal with Mavin Records. Few months prior, he signed a management deal with Temple Management Company. He first announced his intentions to leave Made Men Music Group in July 2016.
On 25 November 2012, Iyanya performed at comedian AY Makun show held at the INDIGO2 arena. To promote his second album in the UK, Iyanya headlined the Iyanya vs. Desire concert. It started in London and ended in Manchester.
The London concert was held at the INDIGO2 arena on 9 June 2013. It featured performances from Tonto Dikeh and Emma Nyra. On 14 June 2013, the Manchester concert commenced and featured performances from Emma Nyra and DRB Lasgidi.
Iyanya and his label mate Emma Nyra went on a mini tour across the US and Canada in early 2013. Iyanya performed at the Shrine in Chicago on 11 April 2013. He also performed at the African Muzik Magazine launch on 12 April 2013, which was held in Dallas, Texas.
The singer serenaded Grammy Award nominee Melanie Fiona at the LTB Jean store in Soho, New York, and performed at the world-renowned New York Fashion Week.
