Oluwadare Art Alade aka “DAREY” is a multi talented, multiple award winning Nigerian International R&B recording artist, performer, TV presenter, radio DJ and OAP who rose to more prominent fame in 2004 following his participation in Project Fame in South Africa.
Darey was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria by Olapeju & Modupeola Art Alade. His path to eminence started in 1998, when during a performance at the Cowry restaurant, Bjays Hotel Victoria Island, a top member of Cool FM management saw potential in him and invited him to the radio station.A determined teenager that he was, Darey began shuttling between Cool FM and the University of Lagos where he was studying Creative Arts. During his stay in Cool FM, he had the ample opportunity to acquire the basic knowledge of radio presentation, production and marketing. His big break finally came at the 2004 MNET project fame academy where he emerged second runner up. His debut album ‘From Me 2 U’ hit the Nigerian market in 2006, with songs like ‘Fuji’ and ‘Escalade’ enjoying massive airplay in the Nigerian and International media. In fact, ‘Original Naija’ one of the songs from his debut album was the theme song for the first ever Big Brother Nigeria reality show.
In 2007, Darey left Storm Records- the label he was signed to and joined Soul Muzik, his current label. Coming closely was the debut of two of his videos ‘With This Woman’ and ‘Carry Dey Go’ ft 2face on MTV base.
In 2008, he went on to prove to skeptics that he didn’t intend to be a flash in the pan when he hosted Project Fame West Africa. The following year he hosted The Future Awards & the SMVAs.
He has over the years shared the stage with the most prominent names in music worldwide including Beyonce, Jay Z, Snoop Dogg, Lionel Richie, Kci & Jojo, Joe, Shakira, John Legend, Femi Kuti, Akon, P Diddy, Lagbaja, Rihanna, Usher, Sean Paul, Diana Ross, Earth Wind & Fire, Lemar, Eve, Lucky Dube, Fat Joe, T-Pain, 50 Cent, Alicia Keys and has chatted with world leaders like Bill Clinton and Kofi Annan.
Darey’s new direction as evident on his second solo album ‘un.DAREY.ted’ has proven that he is aiming for the top. Armed with amazing songs/videos like ‘Not the Girl’, ‘More’ and ‘No Stars’ there is no doubt that he is en route.
This album scored him 2 nominations at the Hip Hop World Awards & 2 at the MTV Mamas in 2009 for the Recording of the Year, Best Male Vocal Performance and Best R&B, Listeners’ Choice categories respectively. He recently won the Soundcity Music Video Awards for Best R&B/Pop Video, Best R&B Nigerian Entertainment Award USA amongst others.
He was announced Most Gifted R&B and Most Gifted Male artist at the 2009 Channel O Music Video Awards held in South Africa. He also shocked many when 72 hours later; he was the highest winner at the 2009 Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA) carting away another 4 awards for: Best RNB Video, Best Producer of Music Videos, Best Use of Costume and Video of the Year categories.
Now more than ever, his eyes are on the mainstream international market. 2010 saw the digital and physical release of his 3rd album in Nigeria and internationally. Darey is married with a son.
Darey - The Way You Are
Darey ft Pheel - Let You Know
Darey - More
Links:
http://www.dareyonline.com
http://twitter.com/#!/darey
