Jidenna's birth name— which means "embracing the father" in the Igbo
language of Nigeria, his father's homeland— could be seen as
foreshadowing his future. Eventually earning the nickname "Chief," a title
embodying his character and role in the social club Fear & Fancy that he
co-founded, Jidenna's multi-faceted background and a touch of his father's
royal blood influence his cosmopolitan and classy take on hip-hop.
With an origin story that covers multiple continents and coasts, from roots
in Nigeria and Boston to the Bay Area and Brooklyn, Jidenna is a true
Master of Ceremonies, moving effortlessly between worlds that rarely
collide. Intertwining personal narrative and sociopolitical commentary with
a swanky groove, Jidenna's music compels you to tune in and turn up, to
party and ponder.
The youngest son of a Nigerian chief and an American anthropologist,
Jidenna spent his formative years in Nigeria and emigrated to the United
States with his mother. Humble beginnings Stateside gave way to personal
triumph as Jidenna earned his way into Stanford University, where he
connected with like-minded, free-spirited souls and brought Fear & Fancy,
a collective of entrepreneurs, activists, educators, and artists, to life.
While in the Bay Area, Jidenna fatefully met Janelle Monae, quickly
recognizing one another as kindred spirits. The core Fear & Fancy team
relocated to Flatbush, Brooklyn and established a name for itself in New
York, their legendary soirees and masquerade parties being whispered
about around town— in particular, the ringleader-like skills of Jidenna,
whose talents as a performer had reached incredible heights.
Signing to Wondaland Records in 2014 set the stage for continued success,
with his debut single "Classic Man" quickly entering the Billboard Hot 100,
being featured in a Beats by Dre commercial starring LeBron James, and
garnering praise from respected music critical Jon Caramanica, who called
the track "buoyant and sleek, one of this year’s most striking R&B songs."
With his verse on Janelle Monae's "Yoga" bringing him even more acclaim,
and electrifying performances on American Idol and The Tonight Show with
Jimmy Fallon, the stage is set for Jidenna to continue to bring his message
to the masses— and they're loving the sound of it all.