Nonso Bassey

Chukwunonso Bassey, popularly known as Nonso Bassey, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, actor and model. He finished as a top 8 finalist in the maiden edition of The Voice Nigeria and is signed to Universal Music Group Nigeria.[1][2] He is also a major cast member on Africa Magic TV's telenovella, Battleground.[3]

Nonso Bassey
Birth nameChukwunonso Bassey
BornCalabar, Cross River State
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • actor
  • model
Instruments
  • Vocals
Years active2015–present
Associated acts
  • VJ Adams
  • MI

Early life

Bassey was born in Calabar to an Ibo father from Imo and an Efik mother from Cross River State.[4] He is the second child of 6 children. He is the only son. And has 5 sisters.

He attended Madonna Montessori school and then moved to Calabar Preparatory International School. And then to Nigerian Navy Primary School.

In 2000, he gained admission to the University of Calabar International Secondary School, Calabar and graduated in 2006. He attended Covenant University,[5] from where he graduated with a second class upper degree in English and Literary Studies after which he performed his National Youth Service (NYSC) as a Civil Servant in the Aviation Sector in Imo State.[6]

Career

Bassey began his professional music career when he was featured on a song, My Dream with VJ Adams and rapper MI in 2015.[7] In 2016 he auditioned for the first season of The Voice Nigeria, and made it to the live shows,[8] where he finished as a top 8 finalist[9] and was subsequently signed by Universal Music Group.[10]

In 2017 he was cast in the role of Dr Emeka Kalu on Africa Magic's telenovela, Battleground where his on-screen chemistry with actress Ini Dima-Okojie enjoyed positive reviews from critics.[11] In April 2017, he opened for Aṣa at her concert in Lagos.[12] In the same year, Bassey starred in the movie Wurukum Roundabout alongside several notable African actors, including Juliet Ibrahim, Gbenro Ajibade, Susan Peters and Keppy Young.[13]

In February 2018, Nonso Bassey released his official debut single 411, produced by Johny Drille.[14] The song was well received and Native Magazine's reviewer, Edwin Okolo summarized his review of the single saying, "Only a handful of Nigerian musicians have created ballads so powerful that they were able to steal us away from the hypnotic thump of our incessant Afrobeat march, and with “411", Nonso Bassey seems poised to join those elite ranks."[15][16]

In April 2019, Nonso Bassey released his sophomore single under Universal Music Group Nigeria, a soulful track For You produced by Yekini 'Tiwezi' Temitayo with the video directed by Adesua Okosun.[17]

Awards and recognition

In October 2019, Nonso Bassey was nominated for the award for Best Vocal Performance (Male) for his debut single, 411 at the 13th edition of the Headies Award.[18] He was nominated alongside Johnny Drille, Wurld, Funbi and Tay Iwar.[19][20]

References
  1. "Nonso Bassey Releases Debut Single "411"". Guardian Newspaper. 2 February 2018. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
  2. "Boomplay partners Universal Music on distribution". Guardian Newspaper. 10 November 2018. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
  3. "Why i titled my single '411'- Nonso Bassey". Galaxy TV. 10 November 2018. Retrieved 10 October 2019.
  4. "SPOTLIGHT! – NONSO BASSEY CHATS WITH GLANCE ONLINE!". Glance Nigeria. 30 November 2018. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
  5. "Eagles On A Mission; Beacon Set 5 Years Anniversary – #CFSlocal in Nigeria". Change for Society. 22 July 2016. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
  6. "#TheVoiceNigeria: 40 things to know about the 8 finalists". Ynaija. 31 July 2016. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
  7. "WHERE ARE THE TOP 8 FROM THE VOICE NIGERIA 2016". The Native Magazine. 13 July 2017. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
  8. ""The Voice Nigeria blind audition was the most nerve-wracking experience of my life"". Pulse Nigeria. 23 August 2016. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
  9. "Not just amazing vocalists". Africa Magic. 8 May 2017. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
  10. "Universal Music Partners With Nigerian Streaming Service uduX". Variety Magazine. 8 April 2019. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
  11. "Actor talks about "Battleground," favourite Tenka moment, upcoming projects". Pulse Nigeria. 9 December 2017. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
  12. "Singer holds second edition of her live concert". Pulse Nigeria. 30 April 2017. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
  13. "Wurukum Roundabout (2017) Full Cast & Crew". IMDB. 30 April 2017. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
  14. "VIDEO: Nonso Bassey – 411". Talk Media Africa. 9 February 2018. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
  15. "NONSO BASSEY COMPELS YOU TO LOVE HIM WITH "411"". The Native Magazine. 5 February 2018. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
  16. "Nonso Bassey – 411". Africa Magic. 29 April 2018. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
  17. "Nonso Bassey – For You". Youtube. 29 April 2019. Retrieved 24 September 2019.
  18. "Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Others Battle for Biggest Awards at the Headies". PM News. 19 October 2019. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
  19. "Headies 2019: Here is Pulse's full list of predictions". PulseNG. 18 October 2019. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
  20. "Naira Marley: Why im name no dey Headies 2019 nominee list". BBC. 2 October 2019. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
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