This biography contains the following:
a. Background
b. Career
c. Real Name
d. Town, State & Country
e. Age
f. Networth
g. Marital Status
h. Associates
Background
In Nigeria, the history of R&B genre of music could be said to officially evolve and take effect late 1990s which saw the rise of R&B and soul singers. Styl Plus was among the first R&B music singers in Nigeria just like Westlife, others. Furthermore, music of the R&B, or Rhythm and Blues, is a style of popular music that emerged in the 1940s through the black Americans. It combines elements of blues, jazz, and gospel music, often with a strong focus on soulful vocals and catchy rhythms. The genre is known for its smooth, melodic sound and heartfelt lyrics, and has influenced a wide range of genres including hip hop, pop, and electronic music. Think artists like Usher, Boyz II Men, and Toni Braxton.
Moreover, "Soul music" is another popular genre that metamorphosed from R&B and has many similar characteristics. However, soul is often considered a more "pure" and emotional form of music, with a heavy emphasis on powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics. The genre is known for its expressive style, and many soul artists are considered to be some of the greatest singers of all time. Think Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, and Aretha Franklin. Soul music has also had a significant influence on other genres, including funk, disco, and even rock and roll.
Career
The group Styl-Plus (originally known as STYL) is a Nigerian R&B and pop musical group. The founding members were Shifi Emoefe, Tunde Akinsanmi, Yemi Akinwonmi, and Lanre Faneyi, the name STYL being an abbreviation of the founders' first names.
In 1998 Lanre Faneyi died, and Zeal Onyecheme joined the group. This led to the group being renamed Styl-Plus, the "Plus" meaning addition of new members to the group.
In 2002 Yemi Akinwonmi left the group unofficially to pursue solo career and the musical band became a trio without adding a new member. However, begining from 2003, the group officially had its own record label, STYL-PLUS. On Thursday November 15, 2018, it was reported that Tunde Akinsanmi left the group and adopted a new stage name "Tunde Tdot", leaving Shifi and Zeal who currently act as the flag bearers of the group.
Where Was The Group Formed?
STYL music group was formed in 1997 in Akure, Nigeria and initially comprised four members. In 2001, the group sang mainly pop and love songs. In 1999, after Lanre Faneyi's death, and the addition of Zeal Onyecheme, the name of the group was changed to Styl-Plus, the suffix 'Plus' was to indicate addition of new members without having to alter the original name - "Styl". In 2002 Yemi Akinwonmi left the group to pursue another career.
All The members of the group attended the Federal University of Technology in Akure. However, Styl-Plus has been dubbed Africa's "Boyz II Men" due to their ability to deliver heartfelt emotional ballads. The successful group of talented artists with their vocal harmonies, catchy tunes, melodies, R&B style, combined with meaningful and storytelling lyrics are a union between English and their native tongue Yoruba, spoken in Nigeria.
Songs Released:
In late October 2003, under their old management (Joey & T-Jazz), they debuted two singles to radio stations.
In February 2006, they released their highly expected 11 track debut album "Expressions". The fantastic album launch in Abuja and Lagos was reported to have cost over N10 million (about $75,000) making it the most expensive album launch in Nigerian history.
In August 2012, the group released "Alive" featuring rapper, Sunky as a tribute to their deceased member, Lenre Faneyi.
Their singles "Olufunmi" and "Runaway" were amongst the most requested love songs on all the major Nigerian R&B radio stations between 2004 and 2005. "Imagine That" is the lead single from their official debut album, Expressions. It has also been a massive chart topper, and has been used in numerous shows, including the pioneer edition of Big Brother Nigeria.
Other songs like "Four Years" and " Iya Basira" were campus hits at the time of their release. Most graduating students still play "Four Years" at their send off party at various universities all over Nigeria.
In December 2016, Shifi and Zeal was signed up by Eskimo Records and shortly released a new single "Aso Ibora" (meaning 'blanket') a day before Valentine in 2017.
Furthermore, the group has received numerous Nigerian National awards as well as International awards by Channel O, Amen Awards and Kora Award nominees. In 2005, Call My Name won best R&B video award by Channel O South African music station.
Official website: https://www.styl-plus.com/
Short Biography of members: Such As Town, State & Country, Age, Networth, Marital Status:
1. Shifi Emoefe:
a. Native of Ughelli town in Ughelli North LGA, Delta State, he resides in Abuja.
b. He attended secondary school at Baptist High School Jos, Graduated 1994.
c. He attended Federal University of Technology, Akure. Graduated 2001
d. Born 1975
e. Married with kids
2. Tunde Akinsanmi:
a. Akintunde Akinsanmi hails from Ile-Oluji, Ondo State, Nigeria. He was born in the city of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, where he spent most of his childhood. He's from a family of seven, inclusive of his parents, Dr Francis Akinsanmi of blessed memories and Dr (Mrs) Temilola Akinsanmi.
b. He's Managing director at BAT media and Communications Abuja till present
c. Official website: http://www.tundestyl-plus.com/
d. He's Audio Virtual Editor, Performer At BAT media and Communications, Abuja
e. He Studied Agricultural Economics and Extension at Federal University of Technology, Akure. Graduated 2002.
More Elaborated Details About Tunde Akinsanmi:
Tunde is one of Nigeria greatest singers and performers. Tunde is a music artiste, singer, songwriter, blogger, sound engineer, producer, CEO BAT Records.
Born into a family of Seven in Ondo city Nigeria, he had his early musical influences from both Local and International artistes some of which are Boyz II men, Stevie Wonder, Usher, Bob Marley, King Sunny Ade, Fela Anikulapo Kuti and many others.
Tunde is a graduate of Federal University of Technology, Akure. In 1997 he teamed up with Shifi, Yemi and Lanre to form the group “STYL” which later evolved to the award winning group “Styl-Plus” with the addition of Zeal. Styl-Plus have performed worldwide including USA, UK, Ireland, South Africa, Nigeria & more. The Group preformed with a number of artists including P-Square and 2Face and opened concerts for Wyclef Jean, Boyz II Men and Yvonne Chaka Chaka.
The group has received numerous Nigerian National awards as well as International awards by Channel O, Amen Awards and Kora Award nominees.
In 2005, “Call My Name” won best R&B video award by Channel O South African music station. Tunde is still considered the favourite band member of Styl-Plus due to his amazing vocals, his charm, personality and the glue that kept the band together for all those years. Tunde, now a former member of the Styl-Plus group is pursuing his musical path in a different direction as a solo artist and is adored by millions of fans around the world.
In 2008 Tunde Akinsanmi founded BAT Records (Beatz and Techniques) and has worked with various artistes in music production some of which are Styl-Plus with “Imagine that” and “Jekaserelo”.
Tunde is the observer who blogs about his experiences and perceptions via www.tundeakinsanmi.wordpress.com and who tries to make positive change through enlightenment and inductive reasoning.
In 2009, he was bestowed the prestigious “Youth Ambassador For Peace Award” by World Youth Federation For World Peace due to his efforts at promoting peaceful coexistence amongst people of diverse backgrounds in Northern Nigeria.
Tunde Akinsanmi in a few words is an enigma in creativity. He is presently working on his Production album which promises to feature both established and non-established artists to further break new grounds in the music microcosm.
Tunde’s debut single “In Your Eyes” is becoming a trending Electronica/pop track online & on radio stations worldwide.
f. Went to International School Ibadan. Graduated 1995.
g. Native Of Ondo and reside in Abuja
h. In 2018, Tunde Styl Plus goes solo, picks new stage name. Read more at: Vanguard News
i. Born 1976
j. Married with kids: He got married to his dearest, Joke Ige, on May 22nd 2010 at St James Catholic Church, Ijan, in Ekiti State. The newly married couple met in Jan 2009.
Moreover, Joke Ige works with NTA Abuja as a producer. She studied Theatre Arts at University of Ilorin, Kwara State.
3. Yemi Akinwonmi:
a. Native of Ibadan
b. Left the music group unofficially as at 2002 to pursue a solo career.
c. Went to Federal University of Technology, Akure.
d. Born 1978
4. Lanre Faneyi:
a. Native of Lagos
b. Died August 1998 of Pneumonia (Unconfirmed)
c. Went to Federal University of Technology, Akure.
d. Year of birth: Unknown
5. Zeal Onyecheme:
a. Hails from Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
b. He was said to be a passionate lover of music and still stood with Shifi as the flag bearer of the music group, Styl Plus.
c. He was known for his phrase appreciating Shifi and Tunde Akinsanmi
`where would i be without Shifi and Tunde maybe i for wound ehh eh ehhhhhhhhhhhhhhh'
Conclusion:
Stylplus made a historic landmark impact in the industry. Their works effects successful evolution of R&B and Soul genre of music in Nigeria. Despite all the challenges they encountered, they still stood strong as an entity.
Furthermore, the boys are really industrious and reported to have established a pure water factory which we can't tell how far.
What killed lenre ? Rumours had it that what killed Lenre Faneyi is pneumonia but we can't really verify this fact.
How Is Styl Plus Today ?
Based on former members, Lenre is late; Yemi left 2002; Tunde left 2018; Styl Plus as a music group now remain only Shifi and Zeal. They only go music concert and shows.
Associates:
Sunky, BigLo, Mekoyo, Chics, MTN Nigeria, etc
Source: www.throwbacktimes.com.ng
