Kizz Daniel is a Nigerian recording artist and a performer who became prominent in 2013 following the release of his hit singles Yeba and Woju. Daniel’s chart-topping song Woju was regarded as one of the best Nigerian songs of the year and was nominated in the Hottest Single category in 2015. Besides that, the young artist has gathered many other awards since the start of his music career. He took home six prestigious awards in 2016; City People Music Award, The Headies and Nigeria Entertainment Award, and others.
Profile Summary of Kizz Daniel
- Full name: Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe
- Date of Birth: 1st May 1994
- Age: 29 years old
- Place of Birth: Abeokuta
- Ethnicity: Yoruba
- State of origin: Ogun State
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Education: Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta
- Occupation: Singer, songwriter
- Years Active: 2013-present
Kiss Daniel Hails From Abeokuta, Ogun State
Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe, professionally known as Kizz Daniel, was born on the 1st day of May 1994, in Ogun State, Nigeria. He is originally from Abeokuta North local government area, and besides this fact, no detail of his family and upbringing has surfaced. However, he was raised by his parents alongside his siblings; three younger brothers and a sister. He had also once shared a glimpse of his childhood memory on Instagram, telling what it was like growing up in a rat-infested house in KUTO, ABK (Abeokuta).
Kizz has a younger brother named Anidugbe Mofoluwato Uthman, who is reported to be the CEO of Omg Fashion house. The singer lost his dad, Kola Anidugbe, on May 29, 2015. He had once shared a photo of himself and his parents on social media before the older man’s demise.
Despite the controversy surrounding his absence from his father’s burial, Daniel later shared an emotional tribute on his later father’s birthday on June 17, 2015. In the written speech, the singer described himself as the Stupid son for not being there for the older man, loving the fame above his family, and believing that the ailment (typhoid) that took his father’s life wasn’t serious. The artiste regrets not having his father around long enough to fulfill his promise to gift him a car on his birthday.
Kizz is a Graduate of the Federal University of Agriculture in Abeokuta
Kizz Daniel attended Abeokuta Grammar School, where he obtained his Senior School Certificate Examination. He then proceeded to the Federal University of Agriculture in Abeokuta and graduated in 2013 with a degree in Water Resource Management/Agrometeorology. At the university that he developed an interest in music and decided to pursue it as a career. Kizz’s course of study in the university did not link to his musical career; rather, he developed a passion for music, nursed it, and today, he is living it.
He Kicked Off His Musical Career in 2013
Kiss Daniel began his music career in 2013, fresh out of the university, and came across Emperor Geezy, the CEO of G-World Entertainment, who signed him to his record label. Through the label, he released his first single titled Shoye in 2014, along with the music video some weeks after.
Shortly in September 2014, he dropped his second single, Woju. The song became a high-life hit song on the top 10 on the MTV Base Official Naija, where it stayed for 11 weeks and later climbed and remain at number 1 for another six weeks. The song describes the attitude of a typical African lady to compliments of a gentleman. In 2015, he released the remix of Woju featuring Davido and Tiwa Savage. It further topped number 1 and 2 on the MTV Base Official Naija Top 10.
On his birthday in 2015, Daniel released his third single titled Laye, and two weeks later, the video was shot and directed by Aje Films at some locations in East Africa. Daniel released his first studio album titled New Era on May 14, 2016. The four-track album produced by DJ Coublon, Jay Sleek, Masterkraft, Kimzbeatz, and Young John made it to number 8 on the US Billboard World Album Chart. The song, which is a combination of hip-pop and Afropop, featured Sugarboy.
His Controversial Split From G-World Entertainment
While his contract with G-World Entertainment seemed to be going smoothly, trouble was brewing in the background. Trouble ensued after the Afro-pop singer decided to cut ties with the label. Accusations began to fly and making waves on news headlines. First, it was alleged that Daniel received N30,000 as a monthly salary from G-World at the beginning of their deal. In their counteract statement, the label said it had paid over N120 million to the singer since signing him.
Nevertheless, both parties parted ways, but not without few legal battles in a law court in which Daniel emerged as a winner. In an official statement, his Solicitors L & A-Legal Consultants said the Lagos Federal High Court has clearly denied the entertainment company’s application to restrain Daniel from performing, recording, or using the stage name ‘Kiss Daniel’ – a name the singer has reportedly used way before his commitment to the label.
According to the Solicitors, Kiss Daniel formally canceled the deal with G-Worldwide Entertainment via a letter on October 30, 2017 – which was under the provisions of the Recording Contract between the parties. Pushing forward with his dreams, with support from fellow stars like Davido, Wizkid, and others, Daniel launched his very own Label, Flyboy INC (FBI), in November 2017 and changed his brand name from Kiss to Kizz Daniel. Active eight years in the music industry, the singer has released numerous hit singles and 3 studio albums.
Some of His Most Popular and Famous Songs
- Shoye (2014)
- Woju (2015)
- Laye (2015)
- Upon Me (2016)
- Mama (2016)
- Yeba (2017)
- Sofa (2017)
- Bad (2018)
- Ayee (2018)
- Time No Dey (2018)
- Somebody Dey (2018)
- Kojo (2018)
- Tobi (2018)
- Ghetto (2018)
- For You (2018)
- Eko (2019)
- Park n Go (2019)
- Elo Baby (2019)
Albums
- New Era (2016)
- No Bad Songz (2018)
- King of Love (2020)
Kizz Daniel’s Awards So Far
- 2015- Best New Act to Watch, Nigeria Entertainment Awards
- 2016- Best R&B Pop Album, The Headies Award
- 2016- Hip Hop World Revelation of the Year, The Headies
- Album of the Year, ‘New era,’ The Headies Award, 2016
- 2016- Afropop Artist of the Year, Nigeria Entertainment Award
- Hottest Single of the Year, Nigeria Entertainment Award, 2016
- 2016- Music Artist of the Year (Male), City People Music Award
Other Interesting Facts About Kizz Daniel
- Kiss Daniel revealed that his biggest challenge towards stardom was the financial means, hence the need to depend on the patience and hard work.
- The nickname Kiss Daniel was given to him by a girl (name withheld).
- He mentioned 9nice and 2Face as his sound influencers.
- Besides singing, Daniel plays the keyboard and guitar and has a keen interest in comedy.
- The singer plans on investing in his profession as a Water Engineer and establish a sachet and bottled water company.
- Getting personal with his preferences in women, Kiss Daniel said he like an ambitious woman who can drown him in her thoughts. He has even been matched with music star Chidimma Ekile since the pair have been spotted today on several occasions, including on social media.
- On his income stream, Kizz Daniel disclosed in an interview with Buzz Nigeria that he gets paid millions every weekend to perform at events, and he performs at about five or more weddings per month.