TL;DR: Ned-Boii, an emerging artist from Lagos, shifted from a flourishing banking career to follow his musical passion. With a genuine and unrefined sound drawn from distinguished Nigerian musicians, he seeks to connect intimately with his audience through personal narratives. His inaugural single “On Rolling” acts as a precursor to his forthcoming EP, “Ajonwa’s Return,” highlighting his distinctive path and commitment to his art.
Ned-Boii’s Path: From Finance to Music
In the lively city of Lagos, where dreams can either thrive or dwindle, a fresh musical voice is rising. Ohazurume Chinedu Belonwu, known as Ned-Boii, exemplifies resilience and passion, having moved from a secure position in banking and fintech to chase his genuine interest in music. Born in Lagos on October 22, 1999, and rooted in Imo State, Ned-Boii is poised to make a significant impact on the Nigerian music scene.
Foundations and Academia
Ned-Boii’s early education commenced at Mea Mater Elizabeth High School in Enugu, providing a strong base for his future pursuits. He progressed to the University of Ghana, where he earned a degree in Political Science and Archaeology in 2019. However, instead of diving straight into music, Ned-Boii dedicated five years to establishing a professional foothold in banking.
A Thriving Corporate Career
His corporate journey began at Polaris Bank, where he served as an Asset & Liability Manager in the Treasury Department. His hard work and skills propelled him to Wema Bank as a Treasury Sales Specialist, and eventually to Fincra Technologies Ltd as an FX Sales Expert. During his time in the corporate sector, he garnered recognition for his efforts and received favorable treatment. Nonetheless, amidst this success, he felt a continual pull towards music.
“I was welcomed positively at every company I joined. But a person must pursue what they cherish,” Ned-Boii contemplates. This epiphany ignited his enthusiasm for music, which has always been a vital aspect of his identity.
Fully Committing to His Passion: Music
Ned-Boii’s entry into the music world culminated in the launch of his debut single, “On Rolling,” in December 2024. The song swiftly attracted attention throughout Lagos Island, showcasing his unrefined and genuine viewpoint as a street artist. “I narrate my life — the peaks, the valleys. That’s where my truth resides,” he remarks. This sincerity resonates with audiences, establishing the backdrop for his artistic persona.
Influences and Musical Style
Informed by prominent Nigerian artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, Shallipopi, Olamide, Phyno, and Jeriq, Ned-Boii’s music merges street storytelling with soulful beats. His tracks address the tangible experiences and realities of life, enabling audiences to engage on a deeper level. Now affiliated with Too Clean Records, he is preparing for the launch of his debut EP, “Ajonwa’s Return,” expected to be released later this year or early next.
“On Rolling was an introduction,” he shares. “Ajonwa’s Return is a proclamation.” This new project is set to solidify his standing in the industry and further articulate his unique narrative.
Ned-Boii’s Influence on the Music Industry
Ned-Boii exemplifies a new wave of artists who refuse to adhere to conventional routes. His transition from banking to street sounds illustrates that success doesn’t have to follow a conventional path; it merely needs to be genuine. He represents the notion that one can chase their passion without letting go of their accomplishments.
As he continues to establish his unique niche in the competitive music arena, Ned-Boii’s commitment to authenticity and narrative is bound to resonate with fans. His style captures the essence of urban life, echoing the challenges and victories that many can understand.
From Boardrooms to Beats: Professionals Redefining the Afrobeats Journey
Ned-Boii’s leap from finance into Afrobeats reflects a broader trend of professionals who’ve boldly swapped boardrooms for beats—and found success doing so. Take DJ Cuppy, for example, who graduated from King’s College London and earned a Master’s in Music Business from NYU before diving into DJing and producing tracks with Fireboy DML and Rema. Falz, a trained lawyer and son of renowned human rights activist Femi Falana, became a cultural force with his witty, socially conscious music, amassing over 200 million YouTube views and a BET Award. Maleek Berry, a software engineer-turned-superproducer, built his name crafting hits for Wizkid and Davido before stepping into the spotlight with “Kontrol,” which raked in over 60 million streams across platforms. Even Don Jazzy, one of the most influential figures in Afrobeats, studied business management and co-founded Mo’ Hits Records, launching the careers of artists like D’banj and Tiwa Savage. Beyond the studio, these figures influence fashion and lifestyle—Don Jazzy’s “Mavin drip,” Falz’s satirical skits, and Cuppy’s DJ sets at fashion events blur the lines between music, pop culture, and entrepreneurial identity. Their journeys underscore what Ned-Boii now represents: a generation unafraid to trade security for significance, using their backstories to fuel compelling musical narratives.
Listen and Connect with Ned-Boii
Those eager to dive into Ned-Boii’s music can listen to his debut single “On Rolling” here. To stay updated on his journey and new releases, follow him on Instagram and other social platforms.
As he gets ready to launch “Ajonwa’s Return,” both fans and newcomers are excited for what promises to be a compelling statement from this emerging talent. Ned-Boii is not merely sharing music; he is offering a glimpse into his life—one that celebrates the genuine, the raw, and the unyielding chase of passion.
Ned-Boii: The Ex-Banker Revolutionizing Nigerian Music
