Johnny Drille

Born John Ighodaro in Edo State, Nigeria, Johnny Drille first developed his musical practice in church before gaining wider recognition during Season 6 of Project Fame West Africa in 2013. He established himself with songwriting focused on the intimate, blending folk, soul, alternative pop and touches of afropop, often in an acoustic or spare format that foregrounds voice and melody. In 2015, his cover of Di’Ja's "Awww" attracted Don Jazzy's attention and preceded the release of "Wait for Me", his first single to mark him on the Nigerian scene. Signed to Mavin Records in 2017, Johnny Drille gradually expanded his range while retaining his folk and alternative base, notably through songs like "Romeo & Juliet" and "Halleluya" with Simi, as well as collaborations with Niniola, Ladipoe and Don Jazzy. His discography grew with the album "Before We Fall Asleep" in 2021 and the EP "Home" in 2022. In 2024 Johnny Drille released the joint project "Hard Guy Confessions" with Don Jazzy, which continues his taste for sentimental songs with soul, funk and contemporary pop arrangements.