Willie XO
Background information
Birth nameJocey Joseph -Ekwuazi
Also known asBIG TIME
BornLondon
OriginEnugu "Igbo"
GenresAfrobeats
OccupationsSongwriter, singer
Instrument(s)Vocals
Years active2016–present
LabelsSBMG
Websitewilliexo.com

Jocey Joseph Ekwuazi, known professionally as Willie XO, is a Nigerian singer/songwriter based in the United Kingdom.[1][2] He rose to prominence with the release of the song "comfort you", which gained him over 20 millions on views on YouTube.

Early life

Willie XO was born in London but spent his early childhood in Nigeria. He had a keen interest in Afrobeat music from a young age. As a child, his favourite musicians included Fela Kuti and Bob Marley. His first successful single, "Kraze", was released in 2017.[3][4] and in other African and Caribbean countries.[5]

Career

In 2018, Willie XO collaborated with Tory Lanez and Popcaan on a commercially successful single, "Comfort You",[6] which he advertised on billboards in London.[7] In 2019 Willie XO released the song titled Early In The Morning, featuring Ashanti[8]

He is currently working through his own label SBMG Entertainment.[9] In August 2021, willie xo announced the release of his new single featuring british rapper, singer-songwriter, record producer Dappy through his instagram page after recently inking a deal with major label Atlantic Records.[10]

Projects

Willie XO has set up a charity with the purpose of helping young people to start their own businesses.[11] He has said that he wants to impact the lives of millions of people. He was introduced to the scene by Nigerian hip-hop recording artist, CEO of the talent managing outfit known as 'The Goretti Company',[12] responsible for launching the careers of Phyno and Chidinma among others.

Controversy

On April 19, 2021, willie xo was reported to have been involved in a collision with Runtown and accused him of owing him an undisclosed amount of money.[13] In a viral video, willie xo was seen taking exception to runtown the singer made sure to tag the official Instagram handle of Runtown while telling him to pay up what he owes .

Discography

Singles

Title Artistes Year
All Night Willie XO 2017
kraze [14] Willie XO 2018
Slow [15] Willie XO 2018
Comfort You [16] Willie XO (ft tory lanez and popcaan) 2018
Early In The Morning [17] Willie XO (ft ashanti) 2019
Yanga Willie XO 2019
Money Love Willie XO (ft Zlatan Ibile) 2019
Money Love (Remix) Willie XO (ft Slimcase) 2020
Good Life Willie XO (ft Dappy) 2021

Music videos

SongYearDirector
"Kraze"2017Daps (Director)
"Slow"2018Daps (Director)
"Comfort You "(ft tory lanez and popcaan)2018Live Rich Media
"Early In The Morning"(ft ashanti)2019Live Rich Media

References

  1. Abiola, Pulseng (4 July 2017). "Meet Nigerian artist doing charitable things". Pulse. Retrieved 16 June 2017.
  2. Our, Reporter (6 July 2019). "Ashanti grooves to Willie XO's Kraze". Pulse. Retrieved 21 December 2017.
  3. Uche, Atuma (28 June 2019). "Willie XO rocks N43 million accessories in Kraze video". Sunnewsonline. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
  4. Iyabo, Aina (30 January 2018). "Willie xo rocks 40m Patek watch on arrival to nigeria". vanguardngr. Retrieved 23 December 2017.
  5. Vanguard (1 March 2019). "Willie Xo Drops New Single Video "Comfort You" Featuring Tory Lanez, Popcaan". allafrica. Retrieved 24 October 2018.
  6. Okogba, emmanuel (15 May 2019). "Willie Xo Drops New Single Video "Comfort You" Featuring Tory Lanez, Popcaan". vanguardngr. Retrieved 24 October 2018.
  7. Ray, Newton (3 April 2019). "Willie XO's Comfort You Appears In London Billboards". tribuneonline. Retrieved 27 October 2018.
  8. Shanku (25 June 2019). "[Music] Willie X.O & Ashanti – 'Early in the Morning'". Wadupnaija. Retrieved 20 May 2019.
  9. Hazeez Balogun (7 July 2019). "Meet Lavish Willie XO". independentNG. Retrieved 28 September 2018.
  10. "UK-based Afrobeats star Willie X.O releases 'Good Times' - P.M. News". pmnewsnigeria.com. Retrieved 2021-08-31.
  11. abiola (1 July 2019). "Meet Nigerian artist doing charitable things". PulseNG. Retrieved 16 June 2017.
  12. Bellanaija (4 November 2018). "Willie X.O. of The Goretti Company Embarks on Projects to Give Back to Less Privileged Communities in Lagos". BellaNaija. Retrieved 16 May 2017.
  13. ""I Don't Even Know You" - Runtown Fires Back At Willie XO For Alleged Debt". NotjustOk. 2021-04-19. Retrieved 2021-08-28.
  14. Jim, Donnett (4 January 2018). "Willie X.O – Kraze (Dir. by DAPS)". Tooxclusive. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
  15. Somto, Umeaku (17 July 2019). "Willie XO returns with slow". guardian. Retrieved 1 September 2018.
  16. Shanku Boy (23 April 2019). "[Music] Willie X.O ft. Tory Lanez & Popcaan – Comfort You". Wadupnaija. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
  17. 9jabreed (14 June 2019). "New Video: Willie X.O & Ashanti – 'Early in the Morning'". 9jabreed. Retrieved 14 May 2019.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
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