Efemena Mukoro, professionally known as Blackmagic, is a Nigerian rapper, singer and songwriter.[2] He is known for his unique musical style and is considered a pioneer of the Nigerian alternative scene.[3]
Blackmagic | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Efemena Mukoro |
| Born | April 21 Delta State, Nigeria |
| Genres |
|
| Occupation | Musician |
| Years active | 2010–present |
Early life and education
editMukoro is a native of Delta State but was born and raised in Lagos.[2][3] He attended King's College, Lagos for his secondary education and studied computer science from the University of Benin.
Career
editMukoro dropped out of school to pursue his music career and started out under the stage name, Ejay. He was signed to Lynxxx's Syndik8 records in 2010 as a Soul and Afrobeat musician. He went on to release multiple singles and his debut album titled Blackmagic 1.0 in 2011; he gained popularity with his single titled Confam, which featured Sasha P.[4]
He was briefly part of the Three Wise Men band under Syndik8 records, alongside 'Ikon' and 'Third Wiseman'. The group released the single Bastard in 2012.[5] On leaving Syndik8 records, he achieved further success with his single, Repete in 2013.[6] Repete is described as one of the Nigerian songs with the most critical acclaim.[1]
Mukoro changed his stage name over time to "Ejay Blackmagic" and to simply "Blackmagic" upon his exit from Syndik8 records.[2] He went on to launch his own record label, Based on Belief in 2013.[7]
Discography
editSingles
edit- Tomorrow (2010)
- Rainbow (2011)
- Fantasy (2012)
- Repete (2012)
- Foreigner featuring Saeon
- Black Friday featuring Kid Konnect (2015)
- Wonder featuring Fetty Wap (2016)
- No need[8] (2018)
- Anything for Love[3] (2019)
With Three Wise Men
edit- Bastard (2012)
EPs
edit- BM[9] (2019 )
Albums
edit- Version 1.0 (2011)
- Version 2.0 (2013)
- Black Friday (2015)
- Version 3.0 (2020)[3]
Awards and nominations
edit| Year | Award | Category | Nominee | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | The Headies | Best Alternative Song | "Repete" | Won | [1] |
References
edit- ^ a b c "BlackMagic". Music in Africa. 2015-06-09. Retrieved 2021-06-01.
- ^ a b c Thomas, Fred. "Blackmagic | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved 2021-05-30.
- ^ a b c d Ihekire, Chinonso (2020-02-22). "Version 3.0… Rebirth of blackmagic". The Guardian (Nigeria). Archived from the original on 2020-02-22. Retrieved 2024-06-15.
- ^ Omotolani (2017-04-21). "Blackmagic, Shan George, Nkiru Sylvanus are a year older today". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 2021-05-30.
- ^ "Three Wise Men – Bastard". All Africa. 28 May 2013. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
- ^ Abba, Immaculata. "Blackmagic". Nataal. Archived from the original on 2021-06-02. Retrieved 2021-05-31.
- ^ Abimboye, Michael (2013-05-20). "Rapper Blackmagic part ways with Lynxxx's Syndik8 Records | Premium Times Nigeria". Premium Times. Retrieved 2021-05-30.
- ^ Ndeche, Chidirim (2018-02-10). "Blackmagic Is Back With "No Need"". The Guardian (Nigeria). Retrieved 2021-05-31.
- ^ Bamidele, Michael (2019-09-10). "Blackmagic Releases New EP "BM"". The Guardian (Nigeria). Retrieved 2021-05-31.