Limoblaze

{{Short description|Nigerian gospel singer (born 1995)}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2019}}

{{Infobox musical artist

| name = Limoblaze

| background = person

| birth_name = Samuel Onwubiko

| alias = Limoblaze

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1995|10|25}}

| birth_place = Abia State, Nigeria

| label = {{hlist|Reach Records|Oneskirpt Ltd}}

| genre = {{hlist|Afro gospel|afrobeat|hip hop}}

| occupations = {{hlist|Singer-songwriter|rapper}}

| instrument = Vocals

| years_active = 2014–present

| website = {{URL|limoblaze.com}}

}}

Samuel Onwubiko (born 25 October 1995), known by his stage name Limoblaze, is a Nigerian gospel singer-songwriter and rapper.{{Cite web |last= |title=10 Afro-Gospel Songs You Should Know - Okayplayer |url=https://www.okayafrica.com/african-gospel-music-afro-songs/ |access-date=2023-07-13 |website=www.okayafrica.com |language=en}} He is well known for the hit song "Jireh (My Provider)" with Lecrae and Happi, a reworking of "Jireh" by Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music; the song made it to the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs of 2022, Official Charts No. 15, and won several other nominations including The Headies and The Stellar Awards.{{Cite web |last=Dennis |first=O'Neil |date=2022-09-18 |title='Jireh (My Provider)' by Limoblaze, Lecrae & Happi hits 2 million streams in 1+ month |url=https://astepfwd.com/jireh-my-provider-by-limoblaze-lecrae-happi-hits-2-million-streams-in-1-months/ |access-date=2023-07-13 |website=Step FWD UK Christian Chart |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |date=2022-09-20 |title=Limoblaze takes the gospel to everybody with 'Jireh (My Provider)' |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/limoblaze-takes-the-gospel-to-everybody-with-jireh-my-provider/8g25101 |access-date=2023-07-13 |website=Pulse Nigeria |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Jireh (My Provider) Official Afrobeats Charts |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/limoblazelecraehappi-jireh-my-provider |website=Official Charts}}

Biography

= Early life and education =

He is one of eight children born to Samuel and Nkechi Onwubiko{{Cite web|last=Melissa|first=Paula|date=2019-09-20|title=LIMOBLAZE INTERVIEW WITH PAULA MELISSA (AUDIO)|url=https://paulamelissa.com/limoblaze-interview/|access-date=2020-11-23|website=Paula Melissa|language=en-US}} in Abia State, Nigeria, and was brought up in Makurdi-Benue state. Aged 8 years, he discovered the songs of popular rappers such as Tupac, Eminem and 50 Cent and later came across Christian rappers such as Lecrae, the Ambassador, Andy Mineo, Da' T.R.U.T.H. and Tedashii.{{Cite web |title=About Limoblaze - Reach Records |url=http://www.reachrecords.com/artists/limoblaze/ |access-date=2023-07-13}} This influenced him to become an Afro gospel, Afrobeat and Hip-hop gospel singer, songwriter, recording and performing artist.{{Cite web |last=Sande |first=Shirquille |date=2021-01-12 |title=Testimony: A Musician's Story - Limoblaze's Interview - Holy Culture |url=https://holyculture.net/testimonyamusicianstory_limoblaze_interview/ |access-date=2023-07-13 |website=holyculture.net |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Sseruyigo |first=Aaron |date=2022-08-06 |title=Pompi, Limoblaze expected in Kampala this month |url=https://www.ugchristiannews.com/pompi-limoblaze-expected-in-kampala-this-month/ |access-date=2023-07-13 |website=Breaking news on Christianity in Uganda and World |language=en-US}} He studied Biochemistry at the Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi, Nigeria during which he joined the Day Star Church{{Cite web|last=Maurice|first=Samuel|date=2020-10-16|title=EndSARS: How Christian Rapper Limoblaze Ignited Widespread Prayer Walk|url=https://premium9ja.com/endsars-how-christian-rapper-limoblaze-ignited-widespread-prayer-walk/|access-date=2020-11-23|website=Premium9ja|language=en-US}} where his professional gospel musical career began.{{Citation |title=My Music Is More Of A Service And Ministry - Limoblaze {{!}} Sunrise |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZA9_RdJ1DQ0 |access-date=2021-04-06 |language=en}}{{unreliable source?|date=May 2021}}{{Cite web |title=Sunrise – Channels Television |url=https://www.channelstv.com/programmes/sunrise/ |access-date=2021-04-06}}{{unreliable source?|date=May 2021}}

He currently lives in the United Kingdom.

Musical career

He started his career officially as an independent and unsigned music recording artist and started with his first song titled "Memories" which he dedicated to his classmates after graduating from high school. After his first song, he went on to record other songs titled Grace, Unconditional, Wrong Ways, For the King which features an American rapper Los of (HGA), and So on.{{Cite web|last=Premier|date=2020-07-10|title="Men NEED Re-educatiing" Says Limoblaze|url=https://www.premiergospel.org.uk/Shows/Weekdays/Evenings-with-Cass/Videos/Men-NEED-Re-educatiing-Says-Limoblaze|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2020-11-22|website=Premier Gospel|language=en-GB}} He likewise made some collaborations with gospel artists such as Ada Ehi,{{Cite web|last=Ibe|first=Olaedo|date=2020-09-23|title=Afrobeats artist Limoblaze teams up with Ada Ehi for hit single 'Okay'|url=https://astepfwd.com/afrobeats-artist-limoblaze-teams-up-with-ada-ehi-for-hit-single-okay/|access-date=2020-11-22|website=Step FWD UK Christian Chart|language=en-GB}} Travis Greene, Da' T.R.U.T.H. as well as many others with various freestyle sessions.{{Cite web |date=2022-11-29 |title=Lecrae, Ada Ehi, Mercy Chinwo, Frank Edwards, Limoblaze to headline RockFest 2.0 in Lagos |url=https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/events/lecrae-ada-ehi-mercy-chinwo-frank-edwards-limoblaze-to-headline-lagos-rockfest-20/1mydjt4 |access-date=2023-07-13 |website=Pulse Nigeria |language=en}} His Debut Album Blind was released in 2016 while his second album Before Now, was released in 2018, followed by Afrobeats Raps & Jesus released 2019,{{Cite web|date=2019-12-15|title=LIMOBLAZE DROPS "AFROBEATS, RAP & JESUS"|url=https://africangospelcharts.com/limoblaze-drops-afrobeats-rap-jesus/|access-date=2020-11-22|website=AGMC|language=en-US}} The Wait E.P in 2020 and he released his fourth studio joint album featuring Da' T.R.U.T.H. titled Bridges,{{Cite web|last=Longs|first=Herb|title=Da' T.R.U.T.H. & Limoblaze Team Up To Release 'Bridges' Album|url=https://www.thechristianbeat.org/index.php/new-music/8950-da-t-r-u-t-h-limoblaze-team-up-to-release-bridges-album|access-date=2021-02-09|website=TheChristianBeat.org|date=November 14, 2020|language=en-gb}} on 20 November 2020, which charted on trending spots on both local and international digital stores.{{citation needed|date=May 2021}}

In July 2022, he released the hit single "Jireh (My Provider)" featuring Lecrae and Happi.{{Cite web |last=Sarachik |first=Justin |date=2022-10-29 |title=Nigerian Afrobeats Singer & Songwriter, LIMOBLAZE Signs With Reach Records & Releases New EP 'Sunday In Lagos' |url=https://rapzilla.com/2022-10-nigerian-afrobeats-limoblaze-signs-reach-records-sunday-in-lagos/ |access-date=2023-07-13 |website=Rapzilla |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=vinepulse |date=2023-06-08 |title=Limoblaze Receives Stellar Award Nomination for "Rap/Hip Hop Song of the Year" with "Jireh" |url=https://vinepulse.com/limoblaze-receives-stellar-award-nomination-for-rap-hip-hop-song-of-the-year-with-jireh/ |access-date=2023-07-13 |website=Vine Pulse |language=en-US}} The song made it to Billboard Year-End U.S. Afrobeats Songs of 2022{{Cite magazine |last=Cusson |first=Michael |date=2022-12-01 |title=Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/billboard-u-s-afrobeats-songs/ |access-date=2023-07-13 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}

In October 2022, Christian Hip Hop label Reach Records announced Limoblaze to their roster, making him the first signee to be based outside of America. https://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/news/2022/10/28.ReachRecordsAnnouncesNewArtistLimoblazewithReleaseofSundayInLagos.asp

On 2023 he won the ABGMA Best Afrobeat Award of the year.{{Cite web |title=ABGMA 2023 Winners |url=https://www.soarisemusic.com/uploads/1/7/6/9/17692349/abgma_2023_winners_-_music_-_abgma_2023_official.pdf |website=ABGMA}}

Discography

= Studio albums =

  • Blind (2016)
  • Before Now (2018)
  • Afrobeats Raps & Jesus (2019)
  • Bridges (2020)
  • God's Favourite Baby (2021)
  • Young & Chosen (2024)

= EP(s) =

  • The Wait (2020){{Cite web |title=The Wait EP by Limoblaze {{!}} Album |url=https://www.afrocharts.com/album?id=7f7a3b2393 |access-date=2023-07-13 |website=Afrocharts |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Admin |date=2020-03-27 |title=Limoblaze drops brand new EP 'The Wait' - available now |url=https://worshippersgh.com/limoblaze-drops-brand-new-ep-the-wait-available-now/ |access-date=2023-07-13 |website=WorshippersGh |language=en-US}}
  • Sunday in Lagos{{Cite web |last=Clarks |first=Jessie |date=2022-10-28 |title=Reach Records' Newest Artist Limoblaze Drops 'Sunday In Lagos' |url=https://www.thechristianbeat.org/reach-records-newest-artist-limoblaze-drops-sunday-in-lagos/ |access-date=2023-07-13 |website=TCB |language=en-US}}
  • Gold Remix Pack {{Citation |last= |title=Gold (Remix Pack) - EP by Limoblaze |date=2023-02-03 |url=https://music.apple.com/bj/album/gold-remix-pack-ep/1668478192 |access-date=2023-07-13 |language=en-GB}}

= Selected singles =

class="wikitable sortable"

!Single

!Year Released

My Story ft Da' T.R.U.T.H.

|2018

Blow My Mind

| rowspan="3" |2020

Okay ft Ada Ehi
Sound of Victory ft Da' T.R.U.T.H. & Travis Greene
Mind

| rowspan="2" |2021

This Loving ft Johnny Drille
Ife Wami

| rowspan="4" |2022

Gold ft Ada Ehi
Desire
Jireh ft Happi and Lecrae
Put It On God ft Annatoria{{Cite web |last=Longs |first=Herb |date=2023-04-06 |title=Limoblaze "Put It On God" Out Now After Trending On Social Media |url=https://www.thechristianbeat.org/limoblaze-put-it-on-god-out-now-after-trending-on-social-media/ |access-date=2023-07-13 |website=TCB |language=en-US}}

| rowspan="5" |2023

Desire Pt. 2 ft Caleb Gordon{{Cite web |last=Dennis |first=O'Neil |date=2023-07-09 |title=Limoblaze releases new single 'Desire Pt. 2' feat. Caleb Gordon |url=https://astepfwd.com/limoblaze-releases-new-single-desire-pt-2-feat-caleb-gordon/ |access-date=2023-07-13 |website=Step FWD UK Christian Chart |language=en-GB}}
Pretty Day ft Madison Ryann Ward
My Matter ft Victor Thompson and Becca Folkes
Talk & Do ft Ada Ehi
Good God II ft Naomi Raine

| rowspan="4" |2024

One Day ft KB
Freedom ft Annatoria and Oneskript
Holy Father
No Greater Love ft Joe L Barnes

= Other appearances =

Awards and recognition

He received Crystal award nominations in three categories in 2015.{{Cite web|title=Crystal Awards 2015: And The Nominees Are…|url=https://www.praiseworldradio.com/crystal-awards-2015-and-the-nominees-are/|access-date=2020-11-22|website=Praiseworld Radio {{!}} Africa's #1 Online Gospel Radio Station {{!}} Nigeria|language=en-US}} In 2019, Limoblaze was nominated (alongside Tim Godfrey, Todd Dulaney, Osby Berry, Jonathan McReynolds, Chevelle Franklyn, Phil Thompson, Tasha Cobbs, Joe Mettle, and Koyrn Hawthorne) in the Premier Gospel Awards for Best International Act and on 11 May 2019 in London he was announced as winner.{{Cite web|date=2019-05-15|title=BREAKING NEWS: Limoblaze Won new Award at Premier Gospel Awards as Best International Act In London|url=https://winnaijatv.com/breaking-news-limoblaze-won-new-award-at-premier-gospel-awards-as-best-international-act-in-london/|access-date=2020-11-22|website=Winnaijatv|language=en-GB}}{{Cite web|last=Premier|date=2019-05-10|title=Premier Gospel Awards 2019 Winners|url=https://www.premiergospel.org.uk/News-Reviews/News/Premier-Gospel-Awards-2019-Winners|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2020-11-22|website=Premier Gospel|language=en-GB}}{{Cite web|last=MistaBolu|date=2019-05-12|title=Nigerian Rapper, Limoblaze Wins Premier Gospel Awards' "Best International Act" In London|url=https://www.pricherman116.com/2019/05/limoblaze-wins-best-international-act/|access-date=2020-11-22|website=Pricherman116 Media|language=en-US}} Limoblaze was also Afro Rap Artiste of Excellence in the 2019 African Gospel Music and Media Awards.{{Cite web|title=AGMMA {{!}} African Gospel Music and Media Awards|url=https://africangospelmusicawards.com/winners.html|access-date=2020-11-22|website=africangospelmusicawards.com}}{{Cite web|title=AGMMA 2019 {{!}}{{!}} African Gospel Music and Media Awards 2019|url=https://www.africangospelmusicawards.com/categories.html|access-date=2020-11-22|website=www.africangospelmusicawards.com}} He has been "Artist of the Week" on Nigeria's Channels TV.

class="wikitable"

!Year

!Award

!Category

!Result

!Ref.

rowspan="3" |2015

|The Crystal Awards

|Best New Artiste

|{{Nominated|Nominated|align=center}}

|

The Crystal Awards

|Best Collaboration

|{{Nominated|Nominated|align=center}}

|

The Crystal Awards

|Best Rap/Hip-Hop

|{{Nominated|Nominated|align=center}}

|

rowspan="2" |2019

|Premier Gospel Awards

|Best International Act

|{{Won|Won|align=center}}

|

African Gospel Music and Media Awards (AGMMA)

|Afro Rap Artiste of Excellence

|{{Won|Won|align=center}}

|

rowspan="2" |2022

|Step FWD Awards

|International Artist of the Year

|{{won}}

|{{Cite web |title=Awards 2022 {{!}} Step FWD Awards |url=https://stepfwdawards.com/awards-2022/ |access-date=2023-07-13 |website=stepfwdawards.com}}

Premier Gospel Awards

|Best International Act

|{{won}}

|{{Cite web |title=Premier Gospel Award 2022 winners announced - Premier Christian News {{!}} Headlines, Breaking News, Comment & Analysis |url=https://premierchristian.news/en/news/article/premier-gospel-award-winners-2022-announced |access-date=2023-07-13 |website=premierchristian.news |language=en}}

rowspan="6" |2023

|The Headies

|Best Inspirational Song

|{{pending}}

|{{Cite web |date=2023-07-12 |title=Burna Boy, Rema, Ruger, Asake lead 2023 Headies nomination list [Full Nomination List] |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/the-full-nomination-list-for-the-2023-headies-awards/5r1yw44 |access-date=2023-07-13 |website=Pulse Nigeria |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2023-07-12 |title=Headies Award 2023 nominees list: Asake, Limoblaze, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage plus odas wey make di list |url=https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/articles/c06e8prrgm2o |access-date=2023-07-13 |website=BBC News}}

The Stellar Awards

|Rap/Hip-Hop Song of the Year

|{{pending}}

|{{Cite web |title=The Stellar Awards {{!}} 2023 Stellar Award Nominees |url=https://www.thestellarawards.com/2023nominees.html |access-date=2023-07-13 |website=www.thestellarawards.com}}{{Cite magazine |last=Grein |first=Paul |date=2023-05-12 |title=Pastor Mike, Limoblaze, Jr. & Tye Tribbett Lead 2023 Stellar Gospel Music Awards Nominations (Full List) |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/2023-stellar-gospel-music-awards-nominations-full-list-pastor-mike-jr-1235328604/ |access-date=2023-07-13 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}

Vine Awards

|African Song of the Year

|{{won}}

|{{Cite web |date=2022-05-11 |title=Limoblaze Bags "African Act of the Year" Award at Vine Awards 2022 {{!}} GMusicPlus.com |url=https://www.gmusicplus.com/limoblaze-bags-african-act-of-the-year-award-at-vine-awards-2022/ |access-date=2023-07-13 |language=en-US}}

Vine Awards

|African Act of the Year

|{{won}}

|

Premier Gospel Awards

|Best Male Vocalist

|{{won}}

|{{Cite web |date=2023-06-20 |title=The 2023 Premier Gospel Awards - The Winners |url=https://www.hfpmusiccity.com/post/the-2023-premier-gospel-awards-the-winners |access-date=2023-07-13 |website=hfpmusiccity |language=en}}

Premier Gospel Awards

|Best Song of the Year

|{{won}}

|{{Cite web |last=Dennis |first=O'Neil |date=2023-06-16 |title=Highlights from this year's prestigious Premier Gospel Awards |url=https://astepfwd.com/highlights-from-this-years-prestigious-premier-gospel-awards/ |access-date=2023-07-13 |website=Step FWD UK Christian Chart |language=en-GB}}

2024

|MOBO Awards

|Best Gospel Act

|{{won}}

|{{Cite web |last=Acho |first=Affa |date=2023-12-14 |title=[FULL LIST] Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid, Others Make MOBO Awards Shortlist |url=https://leadership.ng/full-list-burna-boy-davido-wizkid-others-make-mobo-awards-shortlist/ |access-date=2024-02-13 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Mobo awards 2024: Central Cee tops winners thanks to megahit Sprinter {{!}} Mobos {{!}} The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/feb/07/mobo-awards-2024-central-cee-tops-winners-thanks-to-megahit-sprinter |access-date=2024-02-13 |website=amp.theguardian.com}}

Personal life

Limoblaze proposed to Favour Emma, his long-term girlfriend in September 2021. They were married on 1 April 2022.{{Cite web |last=ekpenyong |first=Ebenezer |date=2021-09-06 |title=Limoblaze is Getting Married as He Proposes to Favour |url=https://premium9ja.com/limoblaze-is-getting-married-as-he-proposes-to-favour/ |access-date=2023-07-13 |website=Premium9ja |language=en-US}}

See also

References

{{Reflist}}