Lojay Biography: Age, Songs, Career and Musical Journey

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Lojay is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and recording artist known for his smooth vocals, expressive songwriting and genre-blending approach to Afrobeats. He gained widespread recognition through his collaboration with producer Sarz on the LV N ATTN EP, which introduced international audiences to songs such as “Monalisa” and “Tonongo.”

Since then, he has worked with prominent African and international artists, including Wizkid, Davido, Chris Brown, Tyla and Fireboy DML. His debut album, XOXO, released in 2025, marked another important stage in his musical development. In October 2026, he appeared on Fireboy DML’s fifth studio album, ZUKO!, further extending his catalogue of collaborations.

Lojay Quick Facts

• Real Name: Lekan Osifeso Junior
• Stage Name: Lojay
• Year of Birth: 1996
• Age: 30 years old (2026)
• Place of Birth: Lagos State, Nigeria
• Nationality: Nigerian
• Profession: Singer and songwriter
• Genres: Afrobeats, Afropop, R&B and Amapiano
• Education: University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom
• Years Active: 2010s to present
• Debut EP: Midnight Vibes (2017)
• Breakthrough Project: LV N ATTN (2021), with Sarz
• Debut Album: XOXO (2025)
• Popular Songs: “Monalisa,” “Tonongo,” “MOTO,” “Arizona” and “Sensational”

Early Life and Education

Lojay was born Lekan Osifeso Junior in 1996 in Lagos, Nigeria. He grew up in a family where music played an important role, particularly through his mother’s involvement in church. His mother was a pastor, and gospel music formed part of his early exposure to singing and musical performance.

He developed an interest in music as a child. He enjoyed singing and dancing, often imitating performers he watched on television. Artists such as Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars and Wizkid influenced his early musical interests.

Lojay grew up in Lagos, spending time in areas including Ikorodu and Victoria Island. His experiences in the city exposed him to different musical and cultural environments. During his secondary school years, he joined a local rap group called Dkoy, where he began developing his songwriting and performance skills.

He later attended the University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom. While studying, he continued working on music and released his first EP, Midnight Vibes, in 2017. He graduated in 2018 and subsequently focused more seriously on building his career as a recording artist.

How Lojay Started His Music Career

Lojay began pursuing music professionally while still developing his education and creative interests. His early releases included songs such as “Kilode,” “Atarodo” and “Alomo.” These recordings helped him gain experience and establish a foundation before his major breakthrough.

In 2017, he released Midnight Vibes, a five-track EP that introduced his early sound. The project combined melodic songwriting with contemporary African pop influences.

He continued releasing independent music, including “Ariel” in 2019 and “Ogogoro” in 2020. Although these songs did not bring him the same level of attention as his later hits, they helped him refine his style and attract interest from other music professionals.

His major opportunity came through Nigerian producer Sarz. Their creative partnership eventually produced LV N ATTN, the collaborative EP that changed the direction of his career.

Breakthrough with Sarz and LV N ATTN

Lojay’s breakthrough came in 2021 when he collaborated with Sarz on the five-track EP LV N ATTN, a title derived from the phrase “Love and Attention.” Released in June 2021, the project introduced a distinctive combination of Afrobeats, alternative R&B and melodic pop.

The EP contained songs such as “Tonongo,” “Monalisa,” “Panty!” and “LV N ATTN,” featuring Wizkid. Its reception helped Lojay reach a wider audience, and the project topped Nigeria’s Apple Music Albums Chart.

“Monalisa” became one of the defining songs of his career. Its catchy melody, smooth vocals and romantic lyrics made it popular across African music markets. The song later received a remix featuring American singer Chris Brown, which expanded its international reach.

The success of LV N ATTN also brought award recognition. Lojay received nominations at the 2022 Headies, including in the Next Rated category. The project established him as one of the emerging Nigerian artists attracting attention beyond the country’s music industry.

Gangster Romantic and International Recognition

In March 2023, Lojay released Gangster Romantic, his second solo EP. The seven-track project explored love, heartbreak, attraction and emotional vulnerability while retaining his melodic approach to Afrobeats.

The EP included songs such as “MOTO,” “LEADER!,” “AVAILABU” and “Ova.” It also featured South African producers DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small, reflecting his growing interest in sounds from other African music markets.

His international profile expanded further through collaborations with established artists. In 2023, he appeared alongside Davido on Chris Brown’s song “Sensational.” The track became a significant career milestone, reaching the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a nomination for Best African Music Performance at the 2025 Grammy Awards.

Lojay also appeared on “Wish U Well,” a collaboration involving French Montana, Swae Lee and British singer Jess Glynne. These releases introduced his voice to audiences outside the traditional Afrobeats market.

Lojay’s Debut Album XOXO

Lojay released his first studio album, XOXO, on October 10, 2025. The 14-track project marked his transition from an artist known mainly for successful singles and EPs to a recording artist with a full-length album.

The album explored love, desire, emotional uncertainty and personal growth. It also demonstrated his willingness to experiment with different sounds, blending Afrobeats with R&B and contemporary pop.

XOXO featured collaborations with several international and African artists, including Odeal, Feid, Tyla and Victony. Some of its songs include:

• “Salê”
• “Tenner”
• “Mwah!”
• “Shiver”
• “Body” featuring Feid
• “Memories” featuring Tyla
• “Sawa” featuring Victony
• “Somebody Like You”
• “Suru”

The album expanded his musical catalogue and showed how his songwriting and production choices had developed since his early releases.

Lojay’s 2026 Releases and Fireboy DML Collaboration

Lojay remained active in 2026, releasing new music and collaborating with other artists. His releases during the year included “Gorgeous,” “Speak Up,” “TATTUU” and “Money Lingo,” which arrived on September 30, 2026.

One of his notable 2026 appearances came through Fireboy DML’s fifth studio album, ZUKO!, released on October 16. Lojay features on “GODDESS,” the fourth track on the 13-song project.

The collaboration continued a musical relationship that had already produced “Letting Go” in 2024. On “GODDESS,” both singers combine their melodic styles on a smooth Afropop record.

His appearance on ZUKO! also places him among the Nigerian and international artists contributing to Fireboy’s latest album. The project includes other collaborations with Judah Earl, Masicka, JAZZWRLD and Thukuthela.

Popular Lojay Songs

Lojay’s music catalogue includes solo releases, collaborative records and international features. Some of his recognised songs include:

• “Monalisa”: His breakthrough collaboration with Sarz, which became an international Afrobeats favourite.
• “Tonongo”: A popular track from the LV N ATTN EP.
• “LV N ATTN”: A collaboration with Sarz featuring Wizkid.
• “MOTO”: One of the standout songs from Gangster Romantic.
• “Arizona”: A 2023 single that added to his growing catalogue.
• “Sensational”: A collaboration with Chris Brown and Davido that earned a Grammy nomination.
• “Memories”: A collaboration with Tyla on his XOXO album.
• “Bobo”: A collaboration with Adekunle Gold and Shoday.
• “GODDESS”: His October 2026 collaboration with Fireboy DML.

Awards and Achievements

Lojay has received recognition through award nominations, international chart appearances and collaborations with established musicians. His achievements reflect the growth of his career from independent releases to international music projects.

Some of his major milestones include:

• Reaching the top of Nigeria’s Apple Music Albums Chart with LV N ATTN alongside Sarz.
• Receiving nominations at the 2022 Headies, including Next Rated.
• Gaining international attention through “Monalisa” and its remix featuring Chris Brown.
• Appearing on Chris Brown’s “Sensational” with Davido, which reached the Billboard Hot 100.
• Receiving a Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance through “Sensational.”
• Being selected for Apple Music’s Africa Rising artist development programme in 2023.
• Releasing his debut studio album, XOXO, in 2025.
• Collaborating with Fireboy DML on “GODDESS” in 2026.

Although he has received major award nominations, his Grammy recognition came through a nomination rather than a win.

Lojay’s Musical Style and Influence

Lojay’s music draws from Afrobeats, R&B, Afropop and Amapiano. His sound relies heavily on melodic vocals, layered production and lyrics that explore romance, attraction, heartbreak and personal relationships.

He has also shown an interest in experimenting with different musical styles rather than limiting himself to one genre. His collaborations with artists from Nigeria, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States reflect this openness.

His partnership with Sarz played a major role in shaping his public identity. However, his later solo projects, particularly Gangster Romantic and XOXO, have helped establish his own creative direction.

Through his music and collaborations, Lojay has become part of the generation of Nigerian artists expanding Afrobeats’ international reach. His career demonstrates how independent releases, strong producer partnerships and cross-border collaborations can help an emerging musician build a global audience.

Conclusion

Lojay’s musical journey began with early experiments in songwriting and independent releases before his partnership with Sarz brought him widespread recognition. The success of LV N ATTN and “Monalisa” gave him an international platform, while collaborations with Chris Brown, Davido, Tyla and other artists expanded his reach.

His debut album, XOXO, demonstrated his growth as a recording artist, and his 2026 releases have kept him active in the Nigerian music scene. With his appearance on Fireboy DML’s ZUKO! album, Lojay continues to build a career defined by melodic songwriting, musical experimentation and international collaboration.