Chibuzor Oji, born in 1977, better known as Faze, is a popular Nigerian musician and actor. He belonged to the disbanded Nigerian hip-hop group Plantashun Boiz, alongside BlackFace Naija and 2face Idibia. The group parted ways in 2004, and each member has since pursued individual solo careers.
Profile Summary
| Full Name: | Chibuzor Oji |
| Date of Birth: | 1977 |
| Place of Birth: | Festac Town, Lagos |
| State of Origin: | Lagos State |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Occupation: | Singer, songwriter |
| Net Worth: | $5 million |
| Wife: | Married |
Early Life and Education
Born in 1977 in Festac Town, Lagos, Chibuzor Oji is the fourth child in a sizable family of nine siblings. The entire family is known for their adept singing abilities, developed through prolonged sessions of singing praises during prayers.
Faze initiated his quest for recognition by winning the 1994 DBN Karaoke contest. Initially performing as a rap artist under the name Lyrical Orge, he later joined the Plantashun Boiz. In the latter part of 2004, Faze embarked on his solo career, unveiling his debut solo album, “Faze Alone.”
This album featured hit tracks like “Faze Alone,” “Angel Gabriella,” “Miss U,” and “Na True,” all of which claimed top positions on various music charts. Faze’s musical style, coined “universal flavor,” represents a seamless fusion of R&B, Reggae, Pop, Dancehall, Ragga, and Soul, all infused with an African undertone.
Career
In 2006, Faze unveiled his second album, “Independent.” Two years later, in 2008, he released his third studio album, featuring the lead single “Originality,” which also served as the album’s title. Notable hits from this album included “Am In Love” and “Spend My Money.”
Expanding his musical portfolio, Faze launched his fourth album, “REFAZED,” in 2012. The lead single, “Am In The Mood,” gained significant airplay on radio and TV stations. In 2013, he introduced two additional hit singles, “Ifeoma” and “Lambo,” accompanied by music videos for each track.
Faze has shared the stage with internationally acclaimed artists such as Beenie Man and Wyclef Jean, with whom he collaborated on the song “Proud To Be African.” He has also performed alongside Akon.
Through his music, Faze has lent support to well-respected brands like Star, Globacom, Guinness, and Sprite, contributing to events such as the annual Star Trek Event, National Globacom Campus Storm, Guinness Extra Smooth Discovery Shows, and Sprite’s talent grooming event for youths, Spriteball.
Plantashun Boyz
Upon joining Plantashun Boyz as the third member alongside BlackFace Naija and Tuface (2face Idibia), he adopted the stage name Faze.
During this period, the group released two albums: “Body and Soul” in 2000 and “Sold Out” in 2003. However, internal conflicts, particularly the “Faze versus 2Face” dispute, emerged, leading to the eventual disbandment in 2004.
In 2007, a brief reunion occurred for the release of one more album, “Plan B,” managed by Plantashun Entertainment, a management company formed by Tuface’s former manager Nathaniel Akinwale Owoyemi and his brother and manager Ifeanyi Oji.
In 2014, Independent Entertainment partnered with Valanchy Records under the new Plantashun Management, marking a new chapter in their collaboration.
Solo Career
Following the Plantashun Boyz split in 2004, Faze inked a deal with Solomon Arueya’s Westside Music Label in Lagos, Nigeria, to craft his debut solo album, “Faze Alone.” This album swiftly attained platinum status, selling 1.2 million units within its first month.
The track “Faze Alone” soared to the top of Nigerian music charts, claiming the number 1 spot on prominent radio stations like Rhythm FM, Cool FM, and Ray Power FM.
Other singles from the album, including “Miss U” and “Angel Gabriella,” were also warmly received. Notably, “Faze Alone” showcased Faze’s distinctive vocals, featuring his ability to reach the highest notes among male artists in the Nigerian music industry.
In 2006, he earned the Hip-Hop World award for Best Vocalist. Faze, who owns the record label Independent Entertainment, consistently releases his material through this platform.
His second album, “Independent,” dropped in 2006, featuring hits like “Kpo Kpo Di Kpo,” “Letter to my Brother,” “Tattoo Girls,” “Need Somebody,” and “Kolomental,” the latter becoming a club and party anthem across Nigeria.
Taking a creative hiatus for a few years, Faze returned to the music scene in August 2014 with the release of the single “Your Daughter,” garnering widespread airplay. He followed this up with another song, ‘Tonite,’ featuring Nigerian dancehall artiste Patoranking.
Faze Net Worth
Estimated to be around $5 million, Faze’s net worth is believed to have been accumulated through endorsement deals and music royalties.
Personal Life
Faze is said to be married, but there are no publicly disclosed details about his marital life. However he has not publicly opened up about his relationship.
