Darey

On request of the President of Nigeria, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, he was invited to perform at the presidential villa in a dinner to commemorate the Country's 50th independence Anniversary.

At the event, which was broadcast live to over 200 million viewers across the world, he performed a medley of 50 songs with his 15-piece band, "Soul band" to a room filled with several African presidents and past world leaders.

Dare Art Alade (born February 9, 1982), popularly known as Darey, is a Nigerian multi-platinum Afro R&B singer, songwriter, record producer, philanthropist, humanitarian and entrepreneur.

He is also the son of the African jazz musician and entertainer Art Alade and the creative director of Livespot360.

Dare (pronounced Da-Ray) Art Alade was born in Lagos to Nigerian jazz pioneer Art Alade and Olapeju Alade, the last of five children.Dare As a child he used to rummage through his father's extensive jazz collection and go with him to his concerts.

Dare sang with several choirs, including the National Troupe of Nigeria Choir and then the Cathedral Choir.

From the age 15, he began performing in clubs around Lagos, Ibadan and other cities in Nigeria.

It was during one of those late night sessions he met an executive at Cool FM, a Radio station.

The teenager began shuttling between Cool FM and the University of Lagos where he was studying for a degree in Music, and sang with the a cappella group The Chordwebs.

During his time at Cool FM, he had the opportunity to acquire the basic knowledge of radio production and marketing.

Darey has also worked as a radio and TV personality, appearing as a coach, judge and host on several TV shows, including Project Fame West Africa, Nigerian Idol, and The Voice Nigeria.

He is also a Master of Ceremonies, voice over artist and philanthropist.

Darey is the co-founder of Livespot360, a creative agency.

Under his creative direction, Livespot360 has organised several concerts and festivals in Nigeria, which have featured appearances from African and international superstars alike, including Grammy award winners Kelly Rowland, Ciara, Cardi B and global super influencer and TV personality, Kim Kardashian.

Darey came third in the 2004 edition of Project Fame Academy.

After a record deal with Sony BMG Africa, his debut album 'From Me 2 U' was launched on Storm Records.

It included singles such as 'Fuji' and 'Escalade' which enjoyed airplay in the Nigerian and international media.

The album also included the song, 'Original Naija' which was used as the theme song for the first ever edition of Big Brother Nigeria.

Darey's album, 'From Me 2 U' won several awards including the Awards for Musical excellence in Nigeria (A.M.E.N) and the 2006 Channel O Music Video Awards for best R&B Video in Africa.

In 2008, Darey spent several months as the host of a music based reality show 'Project Fame West Africa'.

Two years after the release of his debut album, Darey released his follow up entitled 'unDAREYted', on the new start up label, Soul Muzik.

The album sold over 150,000 copies across Nigeria in just two months.

The album features appearances by Darey's contemporaries and friends: Cobhams Asuquo (Aṣa's producer), 2face Idibia, Naeto C, 9ice, Tee-Y Mix and the up-and-coming R&B crooner, Pheel, to mention a few.

The work features the smash hit ballad "Not The Girl," which has been nominated for several awards and won video of the year at the 2009 Nigerian Entertainment Awards held in Washington DC.

unDAREYted caught the attention of Dick Griffey, who is credited with discovering and influencing the music careers of artists such as Shalamar, The Whispers, Babyface, L.A. Reid and Dr. Dre.

Dick Griffey offered to executive-produce Darey's third album which was to break Darey further into the U.S and international markets but Griffey died before the project could be completed.

In 2010, Darey performed at shows in many cities across the World including Nairobi, Johannesburg, Abuja, Lagos and other major African cities, including a special concert with R&B legend R. Kelly in South Africa and the This Day Peace Concert

Tour in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, which had 50 Cent and Ciara as headliners.

Darey was the main host of both the Gulder Ultimate Search and Glo Naija Sings reality shows in 2011 and in February 2013, put together alongside his Soul Muzik team one of the biggest shows Nigeria has ever seen, Darey Presents: Love Like A Movie in February 2013 which had the red carpet hosted by Kim Kardashian as well as the release of the music video, "Asiko" featuring Jozi and Ice Prince.

In May 2013, Darey released a new single, Special Fever, produced by internationally acclaimed producer Harmony.

In June 2013, hosted the launch of media mogul Mo Abudu's multi-broadcast network Ebony Life TV alongside Dolapo Oni and most recently signed on as an ambassador to Unilever's popular beverage drink – Lipton.

Darey also became a judge on Nigerian Idol, replacing Jeffrey Daniel.

Love Like A Movie is a concert for Valentines Day held annually by Darey.

The first edition of the show was held in 2013.

The show was tagged "The Flight of Love" and featured a special appearance from American reality TV star Kim Kardashian.

The second edition of Love Like A Movie was held in 2014.

and featured a special performance by Kelly Rowland.

October 2015, Darey released his fifth studio album titled Naked.

The 13-track album made up of afrobeat, soul and R&B features collaborations with Asa, YBNL Nation rapper Olamide and multiple Grammy award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir.

The third edition of Love Like A Movie was held in 2016 and saw the energetic Ciara take to the stage and also lit up the streets of Lagos with an impromptu dance off.