Pepenazi is the stage name of Opeyemi Gbenga Kayode, a talented Nigerian musician and lyricist born on April 16, 1988.
Profile Summary
| Full Name: | Opeyemi Gbenga Kayode |
| Date Of Birth: | April 16, 1988 |
| Place Of Birth: | Lagos, Nigeria |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Marital Status: | Married |
| Occupation: | Rapper, Songwriter |
| Labels: | Elecftic Entertainment |
| Net Worth: | $200,000 – $500,000 |
Early Life And Education
Pepenazi was born and raised in Lagos, where he was exposed to a diverse range of music influences such as Ebenezer Obey, King Sunny Adé, The Beatles, I. K. Dairo, and Fela Kuti.
His early education took place at Kemeesther Nursery and Primary School in Aguda, Surulere, Lagos, before continuing his studies at Mayflower School in Ikenne, Ogun State.
It was during his time at Mayflower School that his passion for rap music started to blossom, with artists like Wyclef Jean, the Notorious B.I.G, P. Diddy, and Fat Joe inspiring him.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Technology degree in Estate Management from the Federal University of Technology in Akure, Ondo State, Pepenazi ventured further into music, recording his first single during his time there.
He also delved into student leadership as the Director of Socials for the Student Union and contributed to an album titled “Futa’s Finest.”
Career
Pepenazi burst onto the Nigerian music scene in 2012 with his rap track “Arose,” produced by Bam Toons. He took a break to focus on his studies and participated in the NYSC, winning the Airtel NYSC Lagos Camp Freestyle Competition in 2013.
Pepenazi collaborated with Olamide on hits like “Illegal.” His energetic performances earned him recognition, winning awards like Most Promising Artist of the Year at the 2015 Scream Awards.
Following performances at popular clubs Harem and Moloko in South Africa, Pepenazi released music videos for “I Ain’t Gat No Time (Male Remix)” with Reminisce and Falz, as well as a female remix version featuring Lucy Q, Phlow, and Mz Kiss.
On May 15th, he dropped the track “Ase” featuring Tiwa Savage and Masterkraft, along with a music video and the launch of his website on June 5th. He later released the dancehall single “Jabo” on August 2nd. Pepenazi continues to release music, collaborating with various artists and producers.
Personal Life
In terms of his personal life, Pepenazi is the younger sibling of the well-known radio personality Do2dtun.
Pepenazi is a married man. He got married to his partner Janine on October 30th, 2020. The couple celebrated their union at the Ikoyi registry in Lagos, surrounded by their loved ones. This joyous occasion came after Pepenazi proposed to Janine in February 2020.
Pepenazi Net Worth
It is estimated that Pepenazi’s net worth falls between $200,000 and $500,000.
Awards And Nominations
2015
- Scream Awards: Most Promising Artist of the Year – Won
- MoreKlue All Youths Awards (MAYA): Revelation / Industry’s Cynosure of the Year – Won
- The Headies: Rookie of the Year – Nominated
Discography
- Necessary (featuring Shizzo)
- Jabo
- Ase (featuring Tiwa Savage, Masterkraft)
- I Ain’t Gat No Time Remix (featuring Mz Kiss, Lucy Q, Phlow)
- High Go
- I Ain’t Gat No Time Remix (featuring Reminisce, Falz)
- I Ain’t Gat No Time
- Iwo Na (featuring Lil Kesh) – 2016
- One For The Road
- Illegal (Featuring Olamide)
- Fifemayo
- Adam (featuring Olamide)
- Low
- Born You
- Arose
