Daniel Oluwatobiloba Anidugbe, professionally known as Kizz Daniel (formerly Kiss Daniel), is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. Born on 1 May 1994 in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, he has become one of the leading voices in Afrobeats and Afro-pop.
Kizz Daniel rose to prominence in 2014 with his breakout single “Woju,” which gained massive airplay and a popular remix featuring Tiwa Savage and Davido. He signed with G-Worldwide Entertainment early in his career but later parted ways amid a public contract dispute, founding his own label, Flyboy I.N.C (also referred to as Flyboy Empire), in 2017. His silky vocals, catchy melodies, and relatable lyrics about love, success, and everyday life have earned him a loyal fanbase across Africa and the diaspora. He continues to release consistent hits while balancing music with family priorities.
Kizz Daniel Early Life and Background
Daniel Oluwatobiloba Anidugbe was born on 1 May 1994 in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, specifically in the Abeokuta North local government area. He grew up in a middle-class Yoruba family as the second of five children, with three younger brothers and one older sister. His father, Kola Anidugbe (also known as Kolawole Uthman Anidugbe), was a lecturer and veteran musician whose record collection, including influences like Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson, along with local Fuji, Apala, and Juju sounds, played a key role in shaping Daniel’s musical interests.
Daniel discovered his singing talent early, serving as a chorister in his local church from around age seven. He attended Ogun International Montessori Nursery and Primary School before proceeding to Abeokuta Grammar School for secondary education. His family supported his early creative pursuits, though he balanced them with academics.
Kizz Daniel Education
Kizz Daniel pursued higher education at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB). He graduated in 2013 with a degree in Water Resources Management and Agrometeorology (often described as Water Engineering). While at university, he continued writing songs and recording demos, deciding to pursue music full-time after graduation. He recorded early material with producer Jahbless during this period.
Kizz Daniel Career Beginnings
Kizz Daniel began writing songs around age 11. After university, he moved toward Lagos to focus on music. He signed with G-Worldwide Entertainment in 2013 under the stage name Kiss Daniel. His debut single “Shoye” arrived in May 2014, followed by the breakthrough “Woju” in September 2014. The song’s success, boosted by the remix with Tiwa Savage and Davido, established him as a rising star.
Subsequent releases like “Laye” (2015) and others built momentum. His debut studio album, New Era (2016), featured hits such as “Mama” and solidified his place in the industry. The album topped Billboard’s World Albums chart at number eight and won multiple awards.
Kizz Daniel Label Dispute and Rebranding
In 2017, Kizz Daniel exited G-Worldwide amid a publicized contract dispute and legal battle over creative control and ownership. He founded Flyboy I.N.C in November 2017, granting him independence. He rebranded from Kiss Daniel to Kizz Daniel in May 2018. The transition allowed greater artistic freedom, though it involved court cases and public statements from both sides.
Kizz Daniel Major Albums and Discography
Kizz Daniel has released several studio albums and EPs that showcase his evolution:
- New Era (2016) — His debut under G-Worldwide, praised for breezy pop tunes.
- No Bad Songz (2018) — First independent project with 20 tracks, featuring collaborations with Davido, Diamond Platnumz, and Sarkodie.
- King of Love (2020).
- Maverick (2023) — Included major hits like “Buga” and “Cough.”
- EPs include Barnabas (2021), TZA (2024, marking his 10th anniversary with tracks like “Twe Twe”), and Uncle K: Lemon Chase (2025).
Notable singles include “Woju,” “Laye,” “Yeba,” “One Ticket” (with Davido), “Madu,” “Buga” (with Tekno), “Cough (Odo),” “Twe Twe” (with Davido), “Shu-Peru,” and others. His music blends Afrobeats, pop, and R&B with infectious rhythms and danceable beats.
Kizz Daniel Achievements and Awards
Kizz Daniel has earned recognition for his contributions to Nigerian music. Key highlights include:
- Album of the Year and Best R&B/Pop Album for New Era at The Headies 2016.
- Best New Act to Watch at Nigeria Entertainment Awards (2015).
- Afropop Artist of the Year and other wins at Nigeria Entertainment Awards.
- Song of the Year for “Buga” at Soundcity MVP Awards (2023).
- “Twe Twe” recognized as No. 1 Song at TurnTable Music Awards (2024).
He was named among Audiomack’s top trending and most-streamed artists in 2023 alongside Asake and others. His songs have amassed hundreds of millions of streams and views, with “Buga” becoming a global dance challenge performed at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Kizz Daniel Tours and Performances
Kizz Daniel has headlined tours including the Kiss Daniel UK Tour (2015), USA Tour (2016), New Era Europe Summer Tour (2017), and NBS Concert Tour (2019). He maintains an active performance schedule across Africa and beyond.
Kizz Daniel Personal Life
Kizz Daniel keeps much of his personal life private but has shared details about his family. He is married to Mjay Anidugbe (also referred to as MJ), with whom he has maintained a relatively low-profile relationship. They reportedly married around 2020.
On 1 May 2021, he welcomed triplets: Jamal, Jalil, and Jelani. Tragically, Jamal passed away four days after birth. Kizz Daniel has spoken publicly about the loss and his commitment to being a dedicated father to the surviving twins, purchasing properties in their names. He has expressed gratitude for his family and taken breaks from music to focus on them, including an announcement in 2025.
His father passed away in May 2015, an event that deeply affected him. Kizz Daniel has referenced family responsibilities, including supporting relatives, as a guiding force in his life.
Kizz Daniel Philanthropy and Other Ventures
Beyond music, Kizz Daniel has engaged in philanthropy, supporting educational initiatives in Ogun State and community projects. He has invested in real estate, including luxury properties in Lagos. He owns a record label that has signed artists and continues to explore business opportunities.
Kizz Daniel Challenges and Resilience
Kizz Daniel has navigated label disputes, personal losses, and public scrutiny, including a 2022 arrest in Tanzania over a performance issue (later resolved). He has openly discussed struggles with grief and the pressures of fame while maintaining a focus on growth and family. In 2025, he announced a temporary break from new music recordings to prioritize personal life.
Conclusion
Kizz Daniel’s journey from a university student in Abeokuta to a global Afrobeats figure reflects talent, determination, and adaptability. Through hits, independence, and personal milestones, he has built a lasting career centered on authentic expression and connection with fans. As he continues to evolve, his influence in African music remains strong.
FAQs
What is Kizz Daniel’s real name?
His full name is Daniel Oluwatobiloba Anidugbe.
When and where was Kizz Daniel born?
He was born on 1 May 1994 in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.
What is Kizz Daniel’s educational background?
He graduated from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) in 2013 with a degree in Water Resources Management and Agrometeorology.
What are some of Kizz Daniel’s most popular songs?
Popular tracks include “Woju,” “Buga” (featuring Tekno), “Cough (Odo),” “Twe Twe” (featuring Davido), “Yeba,” and “One Ticket.”
What record label does Kizz Daniel own?
He founded and runs Flyboy I.N.C (Flyboy Empire).
Does Kizz Daniel have children?
Yes, he has twin sons, Jalil and Jelani. He lost one of his triplets, Jamal, shortly after birth in 2021.
Is Kizz Daniel married?
He is married to Mjay Anidugbe.
What awards has Kizz Daniel won?
He has won multiple awards, including Album of the Year at The Headies for New Era and Song of the Year for “Buga” at Soundcity MVP Awards.