Laycon
Laycon at iCONs FEST
Born
Olamilekan Massoud Al-Khalifah Agbeleshebioba

(1993-11-08) 8 November 1993
Lagos, Nigeria
Alma materUniversity of Lagos, University of Portsmouth
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • Singer
  • Songwriter
  • Media personality
  • Reality TV Star
Musical career
Genres
Instrument(s)Vocals, Guitar
Years active2016–present
LabelsFierce Nation
Websitehttps://itslaycon.com/

Olamilekan Massoud Al-Khalifah Agbeleshebioba (born 8 November 1993) known professionally as Laycon, is a Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter and media personality. He was the winner of Big Brother Naija season 5 and is currently the youth ambassador of Ogun State, Nigeria since 6 October 2020. In October 2022, he became a member of the Grammys Recording Academy voting committee.[1][2]

Early life and education

Olamilekan Massoud Al-Khalifah Agbeleshebioba was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria[3][4] but is a native of Odeda, Ogun State.[5][6] He attended Lagos State Model College Merian, Nigeria. In 2012, he got admitted to study Philosophy in the University of Lagos and graduated in 2016 with a Second Class Upper degree.[7][8][9] In April 2023, he graduated with a Master of Arts (MA) in International Relations from the University of Portsmouth, England.[10]

Career

Laycon started his career interning as the personal assistant to the MD and CEO of Latjum Global Nigeria Limited when he was still an undergraduate in University of Lagos. He moved to Bestman Games, Ikoyi, Lagos where he worked as a sales and business development personnel after graduating from the university. Two months later, he became the personal assistant to the assistant director of welfare in administration and human resources at Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy. During the course of his career, he worked as a freelance writer for different companies and establishments.[3][11] On 6 October 2020, Laycon was appointed the youth ambassador by the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun.[12]

On 3 January 2021, Laycon received a chieftaincy title from the Onipokia of Ipokia, Ogun State, Yisa Adesola Olaniyan as the Akeweje of Ipokia Kingdom, Ogun State at the 2021 Opo Day celebration.[13][14]

Music career

Laycon began rapping and writing songs at a tender age.[11][15] In 2014, he was among the ten artistes that performed at the 2014 Coke Studio University of Lagos event. He was also part of the top ten finalists of the 2017 MTV Base LSB challenge.[16] In 2019, Laycon was signed into Olugbenga Jackson's record label "Fierce Nation". On 21 February 2019, he released a track, "Fierce" with Chinko Ekun and Reminisce from his second EP "Who Is Laycon?".[17][18] He released another single "Senseless" on 28 August 2020.[19]

In October 2020, the remix of "Nobody" by DJ Neptune was released. His verse in the remix of the song titled "Nobody iCONs Remix" was recorded two days after he left the Big Brother Naija Reality TV Show.[20] Mr. Real featured him in the remix of his song "Baba Fela". The remix was released on 30 January 2021.[21]

On 10 March 2021, Laycon released two singles - Wagwan and Fall For Me (ft YKB). Wagwan debuted at number five on billboard's top ten global triller chart. On 1 April 2021, Laycon announced that he will be dropping his first album on 30 April 2021. On 30 April 2021, Laycon's Album Shall We Begin was released and the album peaked at number two in Nigeria top album chart, and number one on the Nigeria iTunes album chart. The album went on to chart in over 30 countries and counting. In September 2021, Laycon release the original soundtrack album to his reality show I Am Laycon which was also titled I Am Laycon. This was his second project of the year 2021 and it peaked at number nine on Nigeria album chart. This made it Laycon's third project to hit the top 10 charts in two years. Also, he was featured on "Enter My Head" by fellow former BBNaija housemate Veeiye, on her debut EP Young & Reckless..[22]

In July 2021, Laycon performed "All Over Me" for the Grammy Press Play.[23] In December 2021, he headlined and sold out his first-ever concert tagged iCONs FEST at the 6000 capacity Eko Convention Center, Eko Hotel, Lagos. In October 2022, he became a member of the Grammys Recording Academy voting committee. [24]

In July 2023, Laycon debuted his third album "Bioba" comprising 13 tracks. He also released two singles titled "Shine" and "LOL" [25]

Big Brother Naija season 5

Laycon entered the show as the number nineteenth contestant on 19 July 2020 and soon established himself as a fan favorite.[26][27][28] He became the first housemate of the season to be verified on Instagram on 22 July 2020.[29][30] He also broke a record, becoming the first housemate in the show's history to reach 1 million followers on Instagram while still in the house on 19 September 2020.[31]

During the finale of the show on 27 September 2020, he was declared the winner scoring a record 60% of the total votes cast and went home with the ₦85 million grand prize.[32][33]

Discography

Mixtapes

  • Any Given Monday (The Playlist) (2019)
  • Any Given Monday II (2019)

EPs

  • Young Black and Gifted (2016)
  • Who is Laycon? (2020)

Albums

  • Shall We Begin (2021)
  • I am Laycon (The Original Soundtrack) (2021)
  • Bioba (2023)

Singles

  • Fierce (2019)
  • Senseless (2020)
  • HipHop (2020)
  • Fall for me ft YKB (2021)
  • Wagwan (2021)
  • New Dimension (2022)
  • 2000 (2022)
  • Shine (2023)
  • LOL (2023)

Filmography

Television

Year Title Role Notes Ref
2020 Big Brother season 5 Himself Reality show [34]
2021 I Am Laycon[35] Himself Showmax original which premiered on 11 February 2021 [36][37]

Philanthropy

In June 2021, the Sickle Cell Foundation of Nigeria appointed Laycon as the global advocate and ambassador for people living with Sickle Cell.[38][39] He also founded "Laycon Cares Foundation", a humanitarian organization that focuses on education, governance and climate action. In March 2023, his foundation became a partner with the Wild Africa Fund (WAF) to raise awareness about poaching and preservation of the natural habitat [40][41]

Accolades

Year Awards ceremony Award description(s) Recipient Results Ref
2020 City People Music Awards Special Recognition Award Himself Won [42]
African Entertainment Awards USA Best New Artist Won [43]
Naijatraffic Awards Artist Of The Year Won [44]
Naijatraffic Awards EP/Album Of The Year "Who Is Laycon" Won [44]
2021 Net Honours Most Popular BBNaija Star Himself Nominated [45]

References

  1. ↑ Adebiyi, Adeayo (19 October 2022). "Laycon becomes member of Grammy voting committee". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 25 September 2023.
  2. ↑ Alake, Olumide (30 June 2022). "Congratulations pour as Laycon becomes voting member of Grammy Recording Academy". Legit.ng - Nigeria news. Retrieved 25 September 2023.
  3. 1 2 Zawadi, Lucy (28 September 2020). "Olamilekan "Laycon" Agbeleshe bio: BBNaija 2020 contestant profile". Legit.ng. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  4. ↑ Olukoya, Samed (26 September 2020). "Laycon Bbnaija Biography, Career and Health Issue". Investors King. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  5. ↑ Ogunnaike, James (24 September 2020). "BBNAIJA: Ogun youths march for Laycon, give out airtime for voting". Vanguard Newspaper. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  6. ↑ Agbana, Rotimi (25 September 2020). "BBNAIJA: Ogun Youths Drum Support For Laycon". The Independent Newspaper. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  7. ↑ Adekanye, Modupeoluwa (20 July 2020). "Who is Laycon, BBNaija's Diamond in the Rough?". The Guardian Newspaper. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  8. ↑ Motolani, Alake (21 July 2020). "BBNaija 2020: Who is Laycon?". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  9. ↑ Preye, Campbell (26 September 2020). "Big Brother Naija: Icons Emerge". P.M. News. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  10. ↑ "Laycon bags master's degree from UK varsity". TheCable Lifestyle. 22 April 2023. Retrieved 3 September 2023.
  11. 1 2 "Why LAYCON Of BBN Is The Most Talked About Housemate". City People Magazine. 9 September 2020. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  12. ↑ "Ogun Governor Appoints BBN Laycon As Youth Ambassador". Channels TV. 6 October 2020. Retrieved 6 October 2020.
  13. ↑ "Laycon conferred with chieftaincy title in Ogun". TheCable Lifestyle. 4 January 2021. Retrieved 4 January 2021.
  14. ↑ "BBNaija's Laycon conferred with chieftaincy title in Ogun state". Pulse Nigeria. 4 January 2021. Retrieved 4 January 2021.
  15. ↑ Alao, Abiodun (22 September 2020). "Will Laycon win Big Brother Naija 2020?". The Nation Newspaper. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  16. ↑ Onikoyi, Ayo (13 April 2019). "Fierce Nation signs two new artistes 'Runnjozzy and Laycon'". Vanguard Newspaper. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  17. ↑ Motolani, Alake (27 July 2020). "Temi Gomez: How we manage BBNaija 2020 Laycon's affairs in the real world [Inside by Pulse]". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  18. ↑ Ige, Tofarati (27 September 2020). "BBN: Celebs, fans back Laycon for N85m prize". The Punch Newspaper. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  19. ↑ "Listen To BBNaija's Laycon New Track "Senseless"". The Guardian Newspaper. 28 August 2020. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  20. ↑ Osazuwa, Irobosa (8 November 2021). "It's World Laycon's Day, BBNaija star gushes as he turns 28". WuzupNigeria. Retrieved 21 June 2022.
  21. ↑ "Mr Real – "Baba Fela Remix" ft. Laycon x Zlatan (Song) « tooXclusive". 20 June 2022. Retrieved 21 June 2022.
  22. ↑ "DOWNLOAD : Veeiye – Young & Reckless (EP) Mp3 Download". Wadupnaija. 7 October 2021. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
  23. ↑ Olowolagba, Fikayo (3 July 2021). "Nigerians celebrate as Laycon performs for Grammy". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 25 September 2023.
  24. ↑ "Press Play At Home: Watch Laycon Perform An Earthy Version Of "All Over Me"". www.grammy.com. Retrieved 25 September 2023.
  25. ↑ Nigeria, Guardian (29 April 2023). "Laycon makes comeback with Shine, LOL". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  26. ↑ Enengedi, Victor (27 September 2020). "Laycon wins Big Brother Naija, to go home with N85 million worth of prizes". Nairametrics. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  27. ↑ Ososanya, Tunde (19 July 2020). "BBNaija season 5 kicks off as 20 housemates battle for N85m grand prize". Legit.ng. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  28. ↑ "Check out full profile of season 5 BBNaija housemates". P.M. News. 20 July 2020. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  29. ↑ Oamen, Samuel (6 August 2020). "Five #BBNaija 2020 Housemates verified on Instagram". The Nation Newspaper. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  30. ↑ "Video: BBNaija Laycon becomes first housemate to be verified on Instagram". Vanguard Newspaper. 13 September 2020. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  31. ↑ Royal, David (20 September 2020). "BBNaija 2020: Laycon becomes first housemate ever to hit 1 million followers on Instagram while still in the house". Vanguard Newspaper. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  32. ↑ "BBNaija 2020 Winner: Laycon, Olamilekan Agbeleshe na im win Big Brother Naija season 5 reality TV show". BBC News Pidgin. 27 September 2020. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  33. ↑ Olonilua, Ademola (27 September 2020). "BREAKING: Laycon wins Big Brother Naija, clinches N85m prize". The Punch Newspaper. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  34. ↑ "Laycon Wins 2020 Big Brother Naija Show | Sahara Reporters". saharareporters.com. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  35. ↑ "BBNaija winner Laycon set to star in Showmax's first Nigerian original series". Showmax Stories. 24 November 2020. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  36. ↑ "BBNaija Winner, Laycon, to Star in Showmax First Nigerian Original Series - THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  37. ↑ I am Laycon | Coming Soon on 11 February | Showmax Naija, retrieved 5 November 2023
  38. ↑ Nigeria, Guardian (9 January 2021). "Foundation decorates Laycon with global advocate ambassador". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 25 September 2023.
  39. ↑ Nigeria, Guardian (21 June 2023). "Indomie, Laycon support Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria's "Red Umbrella Walk"". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 25 September 2023.
  40. ↑ "Laycon Cares Foundation partners with Wild Africa Fund to combat wildlife crimes". TheCable. 24 March 2023. Retrieved 25 September 2023.
  41. ↑ Okeh, Amarachi (24 March 2023). "Wild Africa Fund partners Laycon to raise awareness on illegal bushmeatLayc". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 25 September 2023.
  42. ↑ "WINNERS EMERGE AT 2020 CITY PEOPLE MUSIC AWARDS [FULL LIST]". City People Magazine. 7 December 2020. Retrieved 25 July 2021.
  43. ↑ "Sauti Sol, Diamond, Eric Omondi & Nandy win big at 2020 AEAUSA Awards (Full List)". Pulse Kenya. 21 December 2020. Retrieved 25 July 2021.
  44. 1 2 "Naijatraffic Awards (1st Edition 2020) – winners list: Laycon, King Bernard, Martinfeelz, Hbee, Justnaija and more have bagged wins at this year". naijatraffic.ng. 6 July 2021. Archived from the original on 16 April 2022. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  45. ↑ "Net Honours - The Class of 2021". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Retrieved 25 July 2021.
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