Flavour

Biography

Chinedu Okoli (; born 23 November 1983), better known by his stage name Flavour N'abania or simply Flavour, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He began his musical career as a drummer for a local church. His popular releases include "Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix)", "Ada Ada" and "Time to Party." He is currently signed to 2nite Entertainment.
In 2008, he released his self-titled debut album N'abania. In 2010, Flavour released his second studio album, Uplifted×Uplifted20 July 2010 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 18 tracks1Oyi (I Dey Catch Cold)2:452Adamma3:223Skit 10:114Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix), Pt. 14:225Pant No n'iro3:536Skit 20:327Alcohol4:248My Woman Is Gone5:009Skit 30:4210Ukwu3:4511Kwarikwa4:1812Asanwa4:1513Turn Me On3:5314Chinedum3:3415Odiro Easy4:1016Kiumanjo4:0717My Baby4:2518Ashawo (Ghana Remix), Pt. 24:38. It was supported by the singles "Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix)", "Adamma", and "Oyi Remix". The album's success made Flavour one of Africa's most sought out artists. He was booked to perform at numerous concerts and social events following Uplifted's release.

Early life and career beginnings

Flavour, who sings fluently in the Igbo language, was born in Enugu State, Nigeria. His family is originally from Umunze, a place in Orumba South, Anambra State. Flavour began his music career at the age of 13 when he started playing the drums for his church choir in Enugu, in Enugu State. The resident pastor at his church introduced him to a friend, Chris I. Ordor, the CEO of Soundcity Communications. In 1996, Flavour was invited to join the company on an educational scholarship to study music. After three years of playing the drums, he started playing the keyboard. He also used to provide back-up vocals for other musicians at SoundCity.
At age 19, Flavour emerged into Nigeria's musical scene as a drummer and pianist for a local band in Enugu. After learning to play drums professionally, Flavour received an offer to perform at City Centre, Enugu. The massive crowd there inspired him to gain new grounds and reach great heights. Flavour's educational background in music enabled him to learn music production from Dekumzy, Isi Charles and Nnachie.

2008–2012: N'abania, Uplifted, and Blessed

In 2008, Flavour released his debut album N'abania through Obaino Music. The album's success was relative and limited to Eastern Nigeria, particularly Enugu State. Flavour collaborated with Mr Raw on the album's lead single titled "N'abania". The song was recorded at Kingsley Ogoro's music studio in Lagos, Nigeria. Following the relative success of his debut album, Flavour released Uplifted×Uplifted20 July 2010 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 18 tracks1Oyi (I Dey Catch Cold)2:452Adamma3:223Skit 10:114Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix), Pt. 14:225Pant No n'iro3:536Skit 20:327Alcohol4:248My Woman Is Gone5:009Skit 30:4210Ukwu3:4511Kwarikwa4:1812Asanwa4:1513Turn Me On3:5314Chinedum3:3415Odiro Easy4:1016Kiumanjo4:0717My Baby4:2518Ashawo (Ghana Remix), Pt. 24:38 in 2010. The album broke national barriers. Lolhiphop Records, an established record label in South Africa, released the album after popular demand. The album's top singles include "Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix)", "Adamma", and Oyi Remix" (featuring Tiwa Savage).
Flavour's third album, Blessed×Blessed18 October 2012 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 18 tracks1Baby Oku3:562Ikwokrikwo3:483Chinny Baby4:044Skit0:115Shake3:566To Be A Man4:527Ada Ada3:538Destiny3:599Black Is Beautiful3:4010Skit1:3711Ifem N'eli3:2712Sweet Tomatoes3:2913I Don't Care3:2614Chewe Kwem3:5115Carolina3:3616Baby Oku (Dance)3:4317Ikwarikwa3:4418Beverly1:42, was released on 18 October 2012 through 2nite Entertainment and iROKING LTD. The album is the successor to Uplifted. It is arguably Flavour's biggest album to date due to the number of producers who worked on it. It was launched on the same day of Flavour's 2nite Club grand opening. In an interview with iROKOTV, Flavour said: "I think I'm growing. This is my third album... Now it's time to give them the music, like define myself. I have to be more mature with my music, lyrics and instrumentation wise. I worked with tons of producers and the whole production process made sense."

2014–2020: Thankful, Ijele – The Traveler, and Flavour of Africa

His fourth full-length album, Thankful×Thankful14 November 2014 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 21 tracks1Keneya4:062Ololufe3:183Dance3:234Orinado4:165Wake Up3:456Golibe3:587Wiser4:068Nwayo Nwayo4:109Skit1:3310Sexy Rosey4:1211Nwanyi Mbaise3:4412Special One3:5213Ife Adigomma4:5314Mmege3:3515Skit 21:2816Uru Dia (Shake 2)3:4817Inasonki4:2418Believe4:1519Munachi3:5020Igbo Amaka3:5821Pick up Your Phone2:04, was released in December 2014. The album consists of 22 tracks and runs for one hour seventeen minutes. Receiving generally positive reviews from music critics, it sold thousands of copies. The album features hit tracks such as the love ballad "Ololufe" featuring Chidinma and the fast-tempo Afro-pop song "Wake Up" feat. Wande Coal.
Ijele – The Traveller was released in 2017. The album contains 17 tracks, including one featuring Flavour's adopted son Semah G Weifur, a blind Liberian child who was spotted singing alone in a classroom. On December 4, 2020, Flavour released his seventh studio album, titled Flavour of Africa, which has 16 tracks.

2021–2023: Miscellaneous Singles and African Royalty

In 2021 and 2022, he released two non-album singles, "Levels" and "My Sweetie," respectively. Produced by Masterkraft, "My Sweetie" contains an interpolation of Bunny Mack's, 1981 afro-disco hit, "Let Me Love You".
On December 2, 2022, he debuted the single, "Game Changer (Dike)," which would later appear on his seventh full-length effort, African Royalty. He would drop the LP's lead single, "Big Baller," on November 22, 2023, and its accompanying visuals on January 26, 2024. African Royalty was unveiled on December 1, 2023, with guest appearances from The Cavemen., Ejyk Nwamba, and Efya. It was supported by a European tour, including a stop at the OVO Wembley Arena.

2024–present: Flavour Experience (Love Songs) Vol.1 and Afroculture

Following the rollout of African Royalty, Flavour released, Flavour Experience (Love Songs) Vol 1., acoustic re-recordings of his popular ballads on July 19, 2024.
In October 2025, Flavour began teasing a collaboration with Senegalese singer, Baaba Maal. The song, "Afroculture×Afroculture8 November 2025 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 13 tracks1Afroculture2Bam Bam3The Eagle Has Landed4I'm On Fire5Pansa Pansa6Ada Bekee7Orente8Big Masquerade9War Ready10Isabella11Jidenna12Big Moves Only13Ife Di Mma" and its video was made available on October 29, instigating a new album cycle. The Afroculture album was later announced on Flavour's Instagram and officially disseminated on November 28, 2025. Featuring Waga G, Qing Madi, Pheelz, Kizz Daniel, Azzy, and Odumeje, Afroculture was met with critical acclaim. Yinoluwa Olowofoyeku of Afrocritik, described it as "a highly enjoyable, strongly repeatable, energetic, charismatic, culturally rich, sonically diverse, and technically assured body of work."

Controversy

On 29 August 2012, Nigerian Entertainment Today reported that Flavour was involved in a legal battle with Ghanaian duo Wutah, over the alleged theft of "Kwarikwa". According to the article, "Kwarikwa" is an exact replica of "Kotosa", a song made by the aforementioned duo. The singing duo accused Flavour of stealing their song's rhythm, chorus, and tempo.