AP Breakthrough Entertainer: Tobe Nwigwe lives with purpose
NEW YORK (AP) — Tobe Nwigwe didn’t expect to be nominated for best new artist after he submitted his music to the Grammys, but he’s learned to embrace the unexpected.
“I felt like it was going to add to our underdog story,” explained the Houston emcee. But bringing his index finger and thumb closely together, he added, “That underdog story’s about that small now.”
Nwigwe has become one of music’s most buzz-worthy rappers despite no major label, booking agent or marketing machine. He has already performed at the BET Awards, headed an NPR Tiny Desk concert with more than 4 million views, was featured on the “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” soundtrack, and whose “I’m Dope” song earned a spot on Michelle Obama’s 2020 workout playlist.
The first-generation Nigerian American, whose latest release is the EP “moMINTs,” is a breath of fresh air to hip-hop, welcomed by celebrity admirers like Beyoncé, Dave Chappelle, Erykah Badu and Jill Scott, who called him a “genius.”
“My purpose specifically is to be a conduit to the realization of purpose in other people’s lives, in whatever vehicle God would have in me," he says. He adds he could be an Uber driver and still be on top. "The what I do ain’t as important as who I am.”
Nwigwe has been named among The Associated Press’ Breakthrough Entertainers of 2022, joining other honorees like Iman Vellani, Tenoch Huerta, Stephanie Hsu, Danielle Deadwyler and others.
Lauded for his creative rhyming styles, Nwigwe built his following through social media with virtually no radio play. His #getTWISTEDsundays campaign gained attention by delivering stunning visual content, including music videos with gorgeous cinematography and syncopated choreography.
Songs like “ FYE FYE” featuring his wife,...