Ric Hassani
{{short description|Nigerian singer}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Ric Hassani
| birth_name = Ikechukwu Eric Ahiauzu
| alias = Rico Slim
| image = Ric Hassani at LOS.jpg
| image_size =
| landscape =
| caption = Hassani performing at Lake of Stars in Malawi
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1989|01|06}}
| birth_place = Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
| occupation = {{hlist|Singer|songwriter}}
| website = {{URL|richassani.com}}
| associated_acts = Kranium, Chiké
}}
Ikechukwu Eric Ahiauzu (born 6 January 1989) better known as Ric Hassani, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and musician born in Port Harcourt.{{Cite news|url=https://guardian.ng/life/on-the-cover/africas-rising-star-ric-hassani/|title=Africa's Rising Star: Ric Hassani|newspaper=The Guardian|date=December 20, 2016|accessdate=July 14, 2018}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.naija.ng/1147833-ric-hassani-biography.html#1147833|title=Ric Hassani bio and interesting facts|last=Agu|first=Zain|work=Naija.ng - Nigeria news|date=February 14, 2018|accessdate=July 14, 2018}}
Education
Hassani graduated from Covenant University in Nigeria.{{Cite web|date=2018-01-27|title=SPOTLIGHT: Simi, Bez... five alternative artistes that are Covenant University alumni|url=https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/covenant-university-artistes/|access-date=2021-03-27|website=TheCable Lifestyle|language=en-US}} He attended the University of Surrey, where he earned a Master's degree in Energy Economics.{{Cite news|url=http://www.tribuneonlineng.com/105198/|title=Artiste of the week: Ric Hassani|newspaper=Nigerian Tribune|date=August 4, 2017|accessdate=July 14, 2018}}
Career
Hassani released his debut album The African Gentleman in 2016. He is said to have a dress style that is influenced by his self-acclaimed stance as a gentleman.{{Cite web|first=Emeka|last=Nwankwo|url=https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/ric-hassani-port-harcourt-gentleman/|title=FACE-TO-FACE: How the nerdy Port Harcourt boy — Ric Hassani — lost and found himself|work=TheCable Lifestyle|date=November 25, 2017|accessdate=July 14, 2018}} In April 2023, he released on the same day, his first set of official singles of the year, "Amina" and "The One".{{Cite web |last=Legend |first=Sola |date=2023-04-25 |title=Ric Hassani – The One |url=https://naijabeat.com/ric-hassani-the-one/ |access-date=2023-04-25 |website=Naijabeat |language=en-US}}
In April, 2024 Ric Hassani was announced as one of the judges for Nigerian Idol S9 alongside Omawumi and 9ice.{{cite web|url= https://thenationonlineng.net/omawumi-ric-hassani-9ice-replace-simi-dbanj-asika-as-nigerian-idol-judges/amp/ |title= Omawumi, Ric Hassani, 9ice replace Simi, DBanj, Asika as Nigerian Idol judges |access-date=7 April 2024 |website=The Nation}}{{cite web|url= https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/music/711218-nigerian-idol-mira-clear-evicted-as-ric-hassani-makes-tough-decision.html |title= Nigerian Idol: Mira Clear evicted as Ric Hassani makes tough decision |access-date=7 April 2024 |website=Premium Times }}
Awards and nominations
Hassani was nominated in three categories at the 2016 All Africa Music Awards: Best Artiste in African R&B and Soul, Video of the Year, and Most Promising Artiste.{{cite web |first=Abiola |last=Solanke |title=Wizkid, Tekno, Brymo lead regional nominees list |url=https://www.pulse.ng/buzz/afrima-2016-wizkid-tekno-brymo-lead-regional-nominees-list-id5416687.html |website=Pulse.ng |date=August 24, 2016 |accessdate=July 20, 2018}} He also received two nominations at The Headies 2016, including Best Alternative Song for "Gentleman".{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/news/weekend-mag/why-i-prefer-to-sing-love-songs-ric-hassani/208693.html|title=Why I prefer to sing love songs – Ric Hassani|last=Bivan|first=Nathaniel|date=August 5, 2017|website=The Daily Trust|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=July 16, 2018}}
In December 2018, the Falz and Olamide-assisted "Believe" won Best Collaboration at the Galaxy Music Awards.{{cite web |first=Gist |last=Always |title= GMA2018: Full list of winners at Galaxy Music Awards, facial reactions and more |url= https://gistalways.ng/gma2018-full-list-of-winners-at-galaxy-music-awards-facial-reactions-and-more |website=Gist Always |date=December 3, 2018 |accessdate=December 3, 2018}}
Discography
=Studio albums=
- The African Gentleman (2016)
- The Prince I Became (2021)
- Afro Love (2023)
- Hassani Workout (2024)
References
{{Reflist}}
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Category:Alumni of the University of Surrey
Category:Singers from Port Harcourt
Category:Songwriters from Rivers State