Joseph Akinwale Akinfenwa-Donus. known professionally as Joeboy, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter that was born on the 21st of May 1997. Joeboy was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. He developed an interest in music at a young age, influenced by artists like 9ice and ID Cabasa. He studied Human Resource Management at the University of Lagos. Joeboy’s music career took off when he was discovered by Mr Eazi through the emPawa Africa initiative, a program aimed at supporting young African artists. Joeboy is known for his calm and easygoing personality. He has also shared that he is an introvert and prefers a quiet lifestyle despite his fame. In early 2023, he confirmed that he was in a relationship but didn’t reveal the identity of his partner. He also hinted that he had spent over 50 million naira on his girlfriend, which sparked discussions on social media. Joeboy’s music appeals to a youthful audience and has made him one of the most streamed Nigerian artists.
Four: Baby
“Baby” by Joeboy was released on March 1, 2019, under Mr Eazi’s emPawa Africa initiative and quickly became his breakthrough hit. Produced by Dëra, the track blends Afrobeat and Afropop, delivering a smooth and infectious melody that resonated with fans across Africa. The song’s lyrics express deep affection, as Joeboy reassures his love interest of his commitment and desire to be with her, making it a relatable anthem for young lovers. It has garnered over 38M streams on spotify and over 15M views on it’s Official Music Video on YouTube. Upon release, Baby topped several music charts in Nigeria and Ghana, gaining massive airplay and millions of streams on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. The official music video, released on May 7, 2019, featured vibrant visuals that complemented the song’s playful and affectionate theme. The success of Baby solidified Joeboy’s position as a rising star in Afrobeat, opening doors for future hits and international recognition.
FYI
- Since gaining fame, Joeboy has been involved in youth empowerment programs, especially through emPawa Africa, the initiative that helped launch his career. He actively supports upcoming artists by mentoring them and providing funding opportunities, just as Mr Eazi did for him.
Three: Body & Soul
Released on January 20, 2023, Body & Soul is one of Joeboy’s most heartfelt love songs, blending Afrobeat and R&B to create an emotionally rich sound. Serving as the lead single from his sophomore album of the same name, the track captures themes of devotion and unwavering commitment. With soothing melodies and tender lyrics, Joeboy reassures his partner of his love. This track has garnered over 33M streams on spotify and over 15M views on it’s Official Music Video on YouTube. Body & Soul resonated with fans for its sincerity, earning positive reviews and gaining significant traction on streaming platforms. Joeboy’s Body & Soul was produced by E Kelly, a renowned Nigerian producer known for his work with top Afrobeats artists. E Kelly has been instrumental in shaping Joeboy’s sound, contributing to his smooth, melodic style with rich instrumentals and polished production.
Two: Taxi Driver
Serving as one of Joeboy’s latest single, Taxi Driver was released on March 6, 2025, as a lead-up to his third studio album, Viva Lavida, which dropped on March 28, 2025. The song explores themes of heartbreak and emotional vulnerability, with Joeboy reflecting on the pain of a failed relationship. The song was co-produced by Xtofa and Tempoe, blending Afro-fusion and R&B with a smooth, mid-tempo rhythm. Critics have praised Taxi Driver for its heartfelt storytelling and Joeboy’s ability to express raw emotions through his lyrics and delivery. It has garnered over 3.2M streams on spotify and over 210K views on its official music video on YouTube. To promote the song, Joeboy created a series of short sketch videos featuring popular Nigerian comedians discussing relationship woes, setting the stage for the song’s themes. The track has been well received by fans and is available on major streaming platforms.
Awards/Nominations
- In 2019, Joeboy won the Best Artiste in African Pop at the All Africa Music Awards.
- In 2020, Joeboy won the Best Pop at the Soundcity MVP Awards Festival.
Discography
- Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic (2022)
- Body & Soul (2023)
- Viva Lavida (2025)
One: Sip(Alcohol)
Joeboy’s song Sip (Alcohol), released on October 22, 2021, is his biggest hit to date. Produced by Tempoe, the track became an instant viral sensation, topping charts across Africa and beyond. The song’s lyrics reflect themes of escapism, as Joeboy sings about seeking relief from life’s pressures by indulging in personal pleasures. It has garnered over 139M streams on spotify and over 165M views on it’s Official Music Video on YouTube. The track quickly dominated streaming platforms, amassing over 300 million streams globally, and peaked at #1 on Apple Music Nigeria and several other African charts. It also trended massively on TikTok, with thousands of users creating videos inspired by the song. The virality of Sip (Alcohol) solidified Joeboy’s status as one of Afrobeat leading voices. Despite its success, the song sparked some debate, as some listeners interpreted it as promoting alcohol consumption. Joeboy however, clarified that it was more about personal freedom and unwinding in one’s own way. Regardless, Sip (Alcohol) remains his most commercially successful single to date, cementing his place in the global Afrobeat movement.
