Laycon

Laycon, born Olamilekan Massoud Al-Khalifah Agbeleshebioba, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, rapper, and media personality who gained widespread national and continental fame after winning the fifth season of the reality television show, Big Brother Naija (BBNaija), in 2020. He is widely recognized for his intellectual approach to music, his blend of trap, Afrobeats, and hip-hop genres, and his significant impact on youth culture. Early Life and Education Laycon was born on November 8, 1993, in Lagos State, Nigeria. He is a native of Ogun State. He displayed a passion for music and literature from a young age. For his tertiary education, Laycon attended the University of Lagos (UNILAG), where he graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy. During his time at the university, he actively participated in music and recorded several tracks, setting the foundation for his professional career. Career Progression Laycon officially started his music career as an underground rapper. Before his breakthrough, he was signed to Fierce Nation Entertainment, under which he released his debut EP, *Young Black and Gifted (YBG)* in 2019. However, his career trajectory fundamentally changed in July 2020 when he entered the Big Brother Naija house as a contestant for the fifth season, themed "Lockdown." His engaging personality, intellectual depth, and musical talent quickly made him a fan favorite. After spending 71 days in the house, Laycon emerged as the winner, securing a significant prize and catapulting him into mainstream celebrity status. Following his BBNaija victory, he became a Youth Ambassador to the Governor of Ogun State. Major Achievements and Notable Works In the music industry, Laycon is known for singles like "Fierce," "Senseless," and "Wagwan." His post-BBNaija musical success includes the release of his second EP, *Who Is Laycon?*, which peaked at number three on the Apple Music charts. In 2021, he released his debut studio album, *Shall We Begin*, which featured collaborations with prominent Nigerian artists. Beyond music, Laycon starred in his own reality television series, *I Am Laycon*, which premiered in 2021. He has won several awards, including the Headies Award for Best New Artist. Current Status Laycon remains active in the Nigerian music and entertainment industries, continuously releasing new music and performing across Africa and internationally. He is a prominent social media influencer with millions of followers across platforms, and he leverages his platform for youth advocacy and mental health awareness. As of 2024, he continues to evolve his sound, solidifying his position as one of the influential figures in the Afrobeats and Nigerian hip-hop scene.