El Mafrex facts for kids

Quick facts for kids el Mafrex
el Mafrex at the 2012 Scottish New Music Awards in Glasgow, Scotland.
Background information
Birth name	Mfreke Obong Ibanga
Born	(1984-05-14) 14 May 1984 (age 41) Nigeria
Origin	Nigeria; Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
Genres	Afrobeat, Christian hip hop, R&B, ragga, urban contemporary gospel
Occupation(s)	Singer-songwriter
Instruments	Vocals, drums and keyboard
Years active	Since 2004; 21 years ago (2004)
Labels	316 Muzik Factory

El Mafrex (born Mfreke Obong Ibanga on May 14, 1984) is a singer and songwriter from Nigeria. He now lives in Edinburgh, Scotland, and is known for his urban gospel music.

El Mafrex has achieved great things in his music career. He was nominated for the Best Gospel Act award at the MOBO Awards in both 2012 and 2013. These awards celebrate music of Black origin.

In 2012, he won two big awards at the Scottish New Music Awards: Artiste of the Year and Urban Recording of the Year. This was a special moment because he was the first Black person to win at these awards.

His song "Jehovah," which features the band Royal Foundlings, became very popular. It got over 500,000 views on YouTube in just five months. Another song, "That Man from Galilee," was released in 2013. It reached number 49 on the iTunes UK Gospel Chart and had over a million YouTube views in six months!

He was also featured in the Sunday Mail newspaper in Scotland in 2012. In 2013, he was nominated for The Future Awards Africa.

Early Life and School

El Mafrex was born in Nigeria. He went to the Nigerian Military School in Zaria, Kaduna State, for his early education.

Later, he studied physics at the University of Uyo in Akwa Ibom State, graduating in 2006. He focused on electronics during his studies. In 2010, he earned a master's degree in information-systems development from Edinburgh Napier University in Scotland.

Music Career

el Mafrex performing at the 2014 AKSG Carol night in Uyo, Nigeria.

El Mafrex started his music journey early. In 2001, he formed a boy band called M.O.D. (Men of Destiny). He was the main singer of this five-person group. The band performed many shows across Nigeria. Later, M.O.D. grew into a family project, including groups like Destiny Kids and MOD dancers.

While at the University of Uyo, he started another boy band called Da Grooves with two friends, Louis and GeePee. They played many shows around their campus.

In late 2004, El Mafrex decided to start his own solo music career, calling it the "el MAFREX" project. His solo efforts quickly gained attention. In 2005, students at the University of Uyo voted him Artiste of the Year. His songs "Rhythm in the Air" and "Esio Mkpo" were played on radio and TV stations in Nigeria. "Rhythm in the Air" was even named Song of the Month on Cosmo FM Enugu.

On December 21, 2013, El Mafrex was a main performer at the Akwa Ibom State Government Christmas Carol night. This event is famous for having 9,999 carol singers and is listed in the Guinness World Records. He performed alongside other famous gospel artists like Israel Houghton and Frank Edwards. He led a special Reggae praise session at the Uyo Township Stadium.

TV Interview

In November 2012, El Mafrex was interviewed by STV, a Scottish TV news channel. He talked about his music and his nomination for the MOBO Awards.

Business Ideas

Besides music, El Mafrex also has ideas for other businesses. He plans to launch his own brand of designer eyeglasses. He told The Scotsman newspaper that he had custom sunglasses made for himself. Many people liked them and wanted to buy them, which inspired him to create his own line. He plans to name his eyewear line "3:16," inspired by the Bible verse John 3:16.

Songs Released

Awards and Nominations

See Also