Serena Bassey

Serena Bassey
Name	Serena Bassey
Birth name	Serena Bassey
Birth date	1978
Birth place	Lagos, Nigeria
Nationality	Nigerian
Occupation	Singer, songwriter, actress
Years active	1998–present
Spouse	Kunle Remi (m. 2020)

Serena Bassey is a celebrated Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress renowned for her powerful vocal range and dynamic stage presence. Emerging in the late 1990s, she has become a prominent figure in the Afrobeats and Nigerian hip hop scenes, known for blending traditional African music with contemporary R&B and pop music. Her work in Nollywood has further cemented her status as a versatile entertainer, earning her critical acclaim and a loyal international following.

Early life and education

Born in 1978 in Lagos, she was raised in a musically inclined family; her father was a choir master at a local Anglican church. She attended Holy Child College for her secondary education, where she actively participated in the school's music and drama societies. For her tertiary education, she studied Mass Communication at the University of Lagos, performing regularly at campus events and forming her first band, which played at venues across Victoria Island. During this period, she was influenced by the sounds of Onyeka Onwenu, Miriam Makeba, and international stars like Whitney Houston.

Career

Her professional career began in 1998 when she was discovered by producer Cobhams Asuquo after a performance at the National Theatre. She released her debut album, *Dawn*, in 2001 under the Kennis Music label, featuring the hit single "Echoes" which received heavy rotation on AIT and MTV Base. She transitioned into acting in 2005, making her Nollywood debut in the film *Silent Tears* alongside Richard Mofe-Damijo. Throughout the 2010s, she collaborated with major artists like 2Baba, Tiwa Savage, and Burna Boy on tracks such as "African Queen (remix)" and "Jaiye". She has performed at major events including the Headies Awards, the AFRIMMA, and the Glo Mega Music Tour.

Personal life

She married actor Kunle Remi in a private ceremony in Abuja in 2020, and the couple has two children. She is a devoted Christian and is actively involved in philanthropic work, serving as an ambassador for the UNICEF campaign against malaria in Nigeria. She maintains a residence in Lekki and is an avid supporter of the Super Falcons, Nigeria's national women's football team. Her interests include Yoruba culinary arts and contemporary African art.

Awards and recognition

Her accolades include winning the Nigeria Entertainment Award for Best Female Vocalist in 2007 and the City People Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in 2012 for her performance in *Broken Chord*. She received a nomination for Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards in 2015. In 2019, she was honored with a MON national honor by the Federal Government of Nigeria for her contributions to the arts. She has been featured on the cover of Vanguard's *Allure* magazine and was listed among Forbes Africa's "50 Most Influential Women in Entertainment" in 2021.

Discography

* *Dawn* (2001, Kennis Music) * *Metamorphosis* (2006, Storm Records) * *Rhythm & Soul* (2012, Mavin Records) * *Rebirth* (2018, Universal Music Nigeria) Notable singles include "Echoes" (2001), "Jọra" (featuring Wizkid, 2014), and "Ojú Òrun" (2020).

Filmography

* *Silent Tears* (2005) * *Broken Chord* (2011) * *The Governor* (2016) – Africa Magic series * *Shadow Party* (2019) * *Echoes of the Motherland* (2023)

Category:1978 births Category:Nigerian singers Category:Nigerian actresses Category:21st-century Nigerian women singers