El Mafrex facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
el Mafrex
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el Mafrex at the 2012 Scottish New Music Awards in Glasgow, Scotland.
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Mfreke Obong Ibanga |
| Born | 14 May 1984 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 |
| Labels | 316 Muzik Factory |
El Mafrex is a talented singer and songwriter from Nigeria. His real name is Mfreke Obong Ibanga, and he was born on May 14, 1984. He is known for his urban gospel music and lives in Edinburgh, Scotland.
El Mafrex has received many awards and nominations for his music. He was nominated for the Best Gospel Act at the MOBO Awards in both 2012 and 2013. In 2012, he won Artiste of the Year and Urban Recording of the Year at the Scottish New Music Awards. This was a big achievement, as he was the first black person to win at these awards.
Some of his songs have become very popular online. His song "Jehovah," which features the band Royal Foundlings, had over 500,000 views on YouTube in just five months. Another song, "That Man from Galilee," was released in 2013 and quickly gained over a million views on YouTube. It also reached number 49 on the iTunes UK Gospel Chart.
Early Life and School
El Mafrex was born in Nigeria. He went to the Nigerian Military School in Zaria, Kaduna State.
He later 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 started his music journey in 2001. He formed a boy band called M.O.D. (Men of Destiny) and was the main singer. The group performed in many places across Nigeria. Later, the band grew into a family project, including Destiny Kids and MOD dancers.
While at the University of Uyo, he started another boy band called Da Grooves with his friends Louis and GeePee. They played many shows around their campus.
In 2004, El Mafrex decided to start his own solo music career, which he called the "el MAFREX" project. He quickly became popular. 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 9999 carol singers and is listed in the Guinness World Records. He performed alongside other famous gospel artists like Israel Houghton and Frank Edwards.
TV Interview
In November 2012, El Mafrex was interviewed by STV, a Scottish television news channel. He talked about his music and his nomination for the MOBO Awards.
Singles
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 2006 | "Rhythm in the Air" |
| 2010 | "Ibagaba" |
| 2011 | "Thank You" |
| 2012 | "Jehovah" |
| 2012 | "No Denying" |
| 2012 | "Bounce" |
| 2012 | "Your Word" |
| 2013 | "Since I be Pikin" |
| 2013 | "Oh that men will praise the Lord" |
| 2013 | "That Man from Galilee" |
Awards and Nominations
| Year | Category | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Scottish New Music Awards | Artiste of the Year | Won |
| 2012 | Scottish New Music Awards | Urban Recording of the Year | Won |
| 2012 | Scottish New Music Awards | Video of the year | Nominated |
| 2012 | MOBO Awards | Best Gospel Act 2012 | Nominated |
| 2013 | The Future Awards Africa | Entertainment Talent | Nominated |
| 2013 | MOBO Awards | Best Gospel Act 2013 | Nominated |
| 2016 | Scepters Award | Best Album | Pending |
See Also
- List of Christian hip hop and rap artists
- List of Nigerian gospel musicians
- List of Edinburgh people
- List of gospel musicians
- List of Nigerians
- List of R&B musicians
- List of reggae musicians
- List of Scottish musicians
- List of singer-songwriters
- Music of Nigeria
- Music of Scotland
