Introduction
Ugbekile David Osemeke (born 10 May 2001), known mononymously as Boy Spyce, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Lagos Nigeria, currently signed to Mavin Records. He received wider recognition with the release of the song "Folake" in 2023, which earned chart entry on Nigeria Apple Music chart at number three on 29 January 2023.
Early life
Boy Spyce was born in Isolo, Lagos State, but hails from Edo State. He grew up leaving in Jakande Estate, Isolo in Lagos, Nigeria. For his secondary education, he attended Model College, in Kankon, and he is the last born in the family of seven.
Career
2019–present: Career beginnings, record deal and Boy Spyce
He started his music career posting song covers on social media platforms in 2019. In 2021, he gained recognition after posting a cover of "Essence" by Wizkid featuring Tems. The cover caught the attention of Don Jazzy of Mavin Records who offered him a recording deal and introduced him to the public on 14 April 2022. He went on to release his debut EP "Boy Spyce" on 15 April 2022, which peaked at number 1 on Nigeria Apple Music. Reviewing for The Native, Emmanuel Esomnofu called the EP “A collage of vibrant sounds and tradition and generated fair buzz to the young”. On 7 May 2022, Boy Spyce lead Pulse Nigeria Future Sounds Vol.6 playlist with his single "Bad Things".
On May 13, 2022, Boy Spyce was featured on Mavin's hit song "Overdose" alongside Crayon and Ayra Starr. On 28 May 2022, "Overdose" ranked at number 1 on TheCable's list of 10 TCL radio pick of the week.
On 29 May 2022, Boy Spyce revealed how a DM from Don Jazzy changed his life. He said it happened in 2019 when he got a text message from Don Jazzy on Christmas day. He revealed during an interview with Nigerian Tribune. On 30 May 2022, Spyce performed with Glitch Africa Choir for his song "Nobody".
In November 2022, he performed alongside Rema, Ayra Starr, Magixx, Ladipoe, Crayon, Johnny Drille, Bayanni, and Don Jazzy on Mavin's hit single "Wan Da Mo," which earned him his second appearance on TurnTable charts.
On January 2023, he released his first single "Folake", after his debut ep which peaked at number 5 on Nigeria TurnTable chart. "Folake" was produced bySparrq Beatz. Its accompanying music video was directed by Ahmed Moss and currently has 5 million views on YouTube, as of January 2024. On 24 January 2023, OkayAfrica cited him as one of the emerging artistes to watch in 2023, alongside Khaid and Odumodublvck. On 7 December 2023, he released "Pepe".
On 12 January 2024, Pepe peaked at number 23 on TurnTable Nigeria Top 100, and also debuted at number 13 on the Top Streaming Songs on 18 January 2024.
Discography
EPs
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Boy Spyce |
|
As lead artist
| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NG |
NGAfropop | SA |
UK |
UKAfrobeats | USAfrobeats | |||
| "Dreams" | 2022 | — | — | — | — | — | — | Boy Spyce |
| "Bad Things" | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| "Wayo" | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| "Nobody" | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| "Destiny" | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||