Jidenna Theodore Mobisson, known professionally as Jidenna, is a Nigerian-American recording artist signed to Wondaland Records.
Background
Jidenna was born in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin to Tama Mobisson, an accountant, and Oliver Mobisson, a Nigerian Igbo academic. Jidenna grew up partially in Nigeria, where his father was a professor of computer science at Enugu State University.
Education
Jidenna graduated from Milton Academy in Milton, Massachusetts, in 2003. Jidenna attended Stanford University, first studying sound engineering but eventually switching his major to "ritualistic arts" After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2008, he pursued his music career full-time, moving between Los Angeles, Oakland, Brooklyn and Atlanta.
Career
Jidenna"s name in the Igbo language means to "embrace the father." The family moved to Boston, Massachusetts in 1995. He founded a rap group while in high school when he began producing, arranging and writing. Jidenna is signed to Janelle Monáe"s Wondaland Records label and distributed through Epic Records.
He has collaborated with numerous artists, including Roman GianArthur, Saint Beauty, Deep Cotton and Janelle Monáe herself, recording a five-song compilation European Parliament titled The Eephus.
In February 2015, he released his first single, "Classic Manitoba", featuring Roman GianArthur, another artist signed to Wondaland Records. The song has been played in heavy rotation throughout the United States and debuted at number 49 on Billboard Hot Rhythm & Blues/Hip-Hop Airplay chart.
His song "Classic Manitoba" was nominated for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the 58th Grammy Awards. The society, reminiscent of the social aid and pleasure clubs of New Orleans, is an international collective of entrepreneurs, activists, educators, scientists, and artists who host soirees, dinner parties, and demonstrations.
Jidenna currently resides in East Flatbush, Brooklyn.
Grammy Soul Train Music.
Membership
Jidenna is a founding member of Fear & Fancy, a social club that began in California in 2006.