Artist Focus: Peruzzi, The Urban Afro Vibe Star
Peruzzi is not your average singer.
Real name:Tobechukwu Victor Okoh Stage name:Peruzzi Date of birth:December 5, 1989 State of Origin:Imo Nationality:Nigerian Genre:Afro-Pop
Peruzzi is a fast-rising Nigerian singer, songwriter, stage performer, and recording artist signed toDavido Music Worldwide (DMW) record label. He was born inLagos,Nigeria and was formerly known asTC Peruzzi. His musical venture started when he was just 7 after his dad bought him a keyboard.
He attended Lerato Primary School in Egbeda, Lagos and proceeded to Command Secondary School in Ikeja, Lagos State for his secondary education.
Peruzzi gained admission to study Medicine and Surgery atOdessa National Medical University inUkraine but dropped out to face music instead. His choice angered his parents, especially his dad but after several family meetings, they consented.
The artist got his first studio opportunity in 2007 and has been making music ever since, calling his unique musical style ‘Urban Afro Vibe’.
Peruzzi was previously signed toGoldenBoy Entertainment before he joined DMW in November 2017. He claims the reasonDavido signed him was because he liked his vibe.
“Nobody connected me to David. He had my song playing on his Snapchat last year. I woke up one day to a lot of messages to go and check Davido’s snap that ‘he’s playing your song’. I went there and saw my name on the video he posted.
He was on tour at the time so I chilled for him to get back. When he got back, I linked up with him at the club the night he got back after his US tour.
And then I found my way to him and immediately I met David, the first thing he said to me was ‘I play your song every day in my car’ and he said ‘come to the house tomorrow’ and that was it.
I did not have to pay David any money. We met and then he liked my vibe and that was it. I feel very great. It’s a big deal to me, It’s overwhelming. I can’t feel more blessed”, recalls Peruzzi.
Peruzzi was nominated for Rookie of the Year at the 2018 Headies Awards and has been the subject of criticism from social media users in Nigeria, who say he only does well on featured songs.
He was featured in 2baba’s hit songAmaka in 2018 and collaborated with Davido on the trackSix 30 (2019).
Even though he still has a lot to do to prove himself in the Nigerian music industry, Peruzzi is a genuine artist who doesn’t need the approval of all to keep thriving.