Place or Origin
Odo-Ogga
Biography
Darey Art Alade, born Oluwadamilare Babatunde Art Alade on 9 February 1982, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, record producer, television personality, creative director, entrepreneur and philanthropist. Known professionally as Darey, he is recognized for his contributions to Nigerian Afro-R&B and Afrobeats music, as well as his work in television, live entertainment and creative production.
Although born and raised in Lagos, Darey has family roots in Odo-Ogga, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State. He is the son of the late Nigerian jazz musician and entertainer Art Alade and Olapeju Alade.
Place of Birth
Darey was born in Lagos State, Nigeria, on 9 February 1982. His paternal family is from Odo-Ogga in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, connecting him to the Yagba people of Kogi State.
Family Background
Darey comes from a prominent artistic family. His father, Art Alade, was a respected Nigerian jazz musician, television personality and entertainer who played an important role in the development of modern Nigerian entertainment.
His grandmother was also a music teacher, and her influence contributed to the family's strong musical tradition. Darey grew up surrounded by music and was exposed from an early age to his father's extensive jazz collection and performances.
He is the youngest of five children.
Early Life and Education
Growing up in Lagos, Darey developed a strong interest in music from childhood. He accompanied his father to concerts and spent considerable time listening to his extensive collection of jazz records.
He became involved in choral music and performed with groups including the National Troupe of Nigeria Choir and the Cathedral Choir.
At the age of 15, Darey began performing in clubs in Lagos, Ibadan and other Nigerian cities. His early performances helped him develop his vocal and stage skills.
He later studied Music at the University of Lagos, where he was also a member of the a cappella group The Chordwebs.
While still developing his music career, Darey worked with Cool FM, where he gained experience in radio production and marketing.
Career
Music Career
Darey's professional music career gained national attention after he participated in the 2004 edition of Project Fame, where he finished in third place.
Following the competition, he secured a recording deal with Sony BMG Africa and subsequently released his debut album, From Me 2 U, in 2006 through Storm Records.
The album featured songs such as "Fuji," "Escalade" and "Original Naija." The latter was used as the theme song for the first edition of Big Brother Nigeria.
His debut album earned recognition and awards, including honours at the Awards for Musical Excellence in Nigeria and the Channel O Music Video Awards.
In 2009, Darey released his second album, unDAREYted. The album featured collaborations with artists and producers including 2Baba, Naeto C, 9ice and Cobhams Asuquo. Its popular single "Not The Girl" received several nominations and won awards, including Video of the Year at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards.
Darey continued his musical career with albums including Double Dare in 2011 and Naked in 2015. His music incorporated elements of R&B, soul, Afrobeats and African contemporary music.
In 2020, after several years away from releasing music regularly, he returned with the single "Jah Guide Me."
His albums include:
- From Me 2 U — 2006
- unDAREYted — 2009
- Double Dare — 2011
- Naked — 2015
- Way Home — 2020
Television and Media Career
Beyond music, Darey has established himself as a television and media personality.
He served as host, judge and coach on several major Nigerian television programmes, including Project Fame West Africa, Nigerian Idol and The Voice Nigeria.
He has also worked as a master of ceremonies and voice-over artist, making him one of the Nigerian entertainers whose career extends beyond recorded music.
Livespot and Creative Entertainment
Darey is a co-founder and creative director of Livespot360, a Nigerian creative and entertainment company involved in concerts, festivals, brand experiences and other large-scale entertainment productions.
Through Livespot, he has been involved in major entertainment events featuring Nigerian, African and international artistes.
He was also involved in the production and creative direction of the Livespot X Festival, which was held in Lagos and Accra in 2019 and featured American artiste Cardi B as a headline performer.
Love Like A Movie
One of Darey's most notable entertainment projects is Darey Presents: Love Like A Movie, a major Valentine's Day concert series.
The first edition took place in 2013 and featured American television personality Kim Kardashian. Subsequent editions featured international artistes including Kelly Rowland and Ciara.
The concert series became one of Darey's notable contributions to Nigeria's live entertainment industry.
Other Major Projects
Darey served as creative director and performer at the Born in Africa Festival (BAFEST) in 2018 and 2019.
He has also performed at major concerts and events in Nigeria and other African countries.
In 2010, he performed at Nigeria's 50th Independence anniversary celebrations at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he performed with his 15-piece band before African presidents and other dignitaries.
He has also hosted major entertainment events including Gulder Ultimate Search and Glo Naija Sings.
Achievements
Darey has received numerous awards and nominations throughout his career.
Among his notable awards are:
- Best R&B Video — Channel O Music Video Awards, 2006, for Escalade
- Best Picture/Musical Video — A.M.E.N Awards, for Escalade
- Best Male Video — Channel O Music Video Awards, 2009, for Not The Girl
- Best R&B Video — Channel O Music Video Awards, 2009, for Not The Girl
- Best R&B — Nigerian Music Video Awards, 2009
- Best Use of Costume — Nigerian Music Video Awards, 2009, for More
- Video of the Year — Nigerian Music Video Awards, 2009, for More
- Best Music Video of the Year — Nigerian Entertainment Awards, 2009, for Not The Girl
- Recording of the Year — The Headies, 2011, for The Way You Are
- Best R&B Single of the Year — The Headies, 2011, for The Way You Are
- Best Male Artiste: Inspirational — All Africa Music Awards, 2015, for Pray For Me
He has also received numerous nominations at major Nigerian and African music awards.
Philanthropy and Social Impact
Darey has participated in humanitarian and philanthropic activities throughout his career. His public work has included supporting charitable causes and using his entertainment platforms to draw attention to social issues.
During the 2019 Livespot X Festival, for example, he was involved in a philanthropic visit to an orphanage with international artiste Cardi B.
Tribe
Okun
Religion
Christianity
Local Government Area
Categories
Profession
Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, Television Personality, Entrepreneur
Family
Darey is married to Deola Art Alade, a Nigerian entrepreneur, media personality and cultural curator.
The couple work together on creative and entrepreneurial projects, including activities connected to Livespot360.
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Important Notes
Darey Art Alade is sometimes referred to as Dare Art Alade. His professional name is commonly written simply as Darey.
He should not be confused with his father, Art Alade, the late Nigerian jazz musician and television personality. Darey's musical career was strongly influenced by his father's work and his family's long-standing connection to music.
His career spans music, television, live entertainment, creative direction, entrepreneurship and philanthropy, making him one of the prominent entertainers with ancestral ties to Kogi State.
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