Barry Jhay Biography
Barry Jhay, born Oluwakayode Junior Balogun on February 13, 1993, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, is a Nigerian Afrobeats musician known for his Afro-Fuji Pop style.
He was raised in Lagos and comes from a legendary music family; his father, Sikiru Ololade Ayinde Barrister, is the pioneer of Fuji music, and his grandfather, I.K. Dairo, was a renowned Juju musician.
Barry began music at age 5, inspired by his father’s performances. His big break came in 2018 with the hit single “Aiye”, followed by his debut album “Barry Back” in 2020, featuring songs like “Ashe She” and “Ma So Pe”, and a collaboration with Davido.
He later signed with Cash Nation Entertainment and worked with artists like Bad Boy Timz, Lyta, and Jawton.
His music explores themes of destiny (Ori), compassion, courage, and spiritual reflection. Barry sees music as soul nourishment, aiming to create timeless and meaningful songs.
Barry Jhay remains a powerful voice in Nigerian music, blending cultural depth with modern sound.
Barry Jhay Wikipedia
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Oluwakayode Junior Balogun |
| Stage Name | Barry Jhay |
| Date of Birth | February 13, 1993 |
| Age | 32 years old (as of 2025) |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Place of Birth | Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Ethnicity | Yoruba |
| Height | 5′ 4″ (165 cm) |
| Weight | 187 lbs (85 kg) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Profession | Musician, Songwriter, Sound Engineer |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $500,000 (as of 2025) |
| Instagram Handle | @therealbarryjhay |
| Twitter Handle | @therealbarryjhay |
| Facebook Handle | Barry Jhay Official Fans Club |
| Music Style | Afrobeat, Fuji, Afro-Fuji Pop |
| Debut Song | “Aiye” |
| First Album | Barry Back (2020) |
| Record Label | Cash Nation Entertainment |
| Popular Singles | “Aiye,” “Ashe She,” “Kabiyesi,” “Ori” |
| Awards | 2018 City People Music Award (Best New Act), 2019 The Headies (Rookie of the Year) |
| Clothing Line | xvi. xii.x (Online Clothing Brand) |
Barry Jhay’s Early Life and Education
Barry Jhay, born Oluwakayode Junior Balogun, was born on February 13, 1993, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
He hails from a prestigious Yoruba musical family. His father, the legendary Fuji pioneer Ayinde Barrister, and his grandfather, I.K. Dairo, a celebrated Juju musician, deeply influenced his musical upbringing.
Growing up in such a musically rich environment, Barry developed a passion for music from a very young age.
He began recording songs at just 5 years old, often inspired by watching his father’s live performances and rehearsals.
Though specific details about his formal education are not widely publicized, it is clear that Barry’s musical journey started early, shaped more by experience and heritage than by conventional music schooling.
Barry Jhay Career
Barry Jhay began his music career at a very young age, influenced by his father, Ayinde Barrister, and the rich musical culture of his family.
His musical style blends traditional Fuji elements with modern Afrobeat, creating a unique sound known as Afro-Fuji Pop.
Breakthrough:
Barry Jhay gained recognition in 2018 with his hit single, “Aiye,” which resonated deeply with listeners.
The song’s themes of destiny and the cyclical nature of life were influenced by the Yoruba concept of Ori.
It was this hit that marked the beginning of his rise in the music industry.
Career Milestones:
In 2020, Barry Jhay released his debut EP, “Barry Back,” under Cash Nation Entertainment.
The project featured popular tracks like “Ashe She” and “Ma So Pe”, along with a collaboration with Davido, one of Nigeria’s top musicians.
Barry’s musical journey has been marked by several successful releases, including songs like “Olodo,” “Normal Level,” “Money,” “Only You,” and “Kabiyesi”.
His songs often carry deep messages and reflections on life, spirituality, and socio-political issues.
As he grew in popularity, Barry Jhay collaborated with several renowned artists such as Bad Boy Timz, Lyta, and Jawton.
Awards and Recognition:
Barry has received numerous accolades, including:
2018 City People Music Awards: Best New Act of the Year
2018 City People Music Awards: Most Promising Act of the Year
2019 The Headies: Rookie of the Year
2019 The Headies: Best Street-Hop Artist
Entrepreneurship:
Aside from music, Barry Jhay also runs his clothing line called xvi.xii.x, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and desire to expand his brand.
Current Status:
Barry Jhay is still a dominant force in the Nigerian music scene, signed under Cash Nation Entertainment, and continues to evolve as an artist with new projects and collaborations.
Barry Jhay’s Personal Life
Barry Jhay, born Oluwakayode Junior Balogun on February 13, 1993, hails from Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. He was raised in Lagos, Nigeria, and belongs to the Yoruba ethnic group.
He is the son of the late Sikiru Ololade Ayinde Balogun, a renowned Fuji musician, popularly known as Ayinde Barrister.
Growing up in such a musically rich environment, Barry Jhay developed a passion for music from a very young age.
Family and Influence:
Barry’s family played a significant role in his musical career. His father, Ayinde Barrister, was a famous Fuji music icon and is considered a pioneer of the genre.
Barry was deeply influenced by his father’s music, and he often watched him perform, which motivated him to pursue music professionally after his father’s passing.
The loss of his father at a young age deeply affected him but also inspired him to continue the legacy of his family in the music industry.
Though there is limited public information about his personal relationships, Barry Jhay’s family continues to be a source of inspiration in his music.
His personal life is generally kept private, and he tends to focus more on his music career and public appearances.
Entrepreneurship:
In addition to his music career, Barry Jhay is an entrepreneur. He owns an online clothing line called xvi.xii.x, showcasing his desire to diversify his brand and business ventures beyond music.
Current Residence:
Barry Jhay is currently based in Lagos, Nigeria, where he continues to build his career and expand his influence in both music and business.
Barry Jhay’s Net Worth
As of 2025, Nigerian musician Barry Jhay has an estimated net worth of $500,000.
His income primarily stems from his music career, including revenue from streaming platforms, music sales, and performances at concerts and festivals.
Additionally, Barry Jhay has ventured into entrepreneurship with his online clothing line, xvi.xii.x, contributing to his overall net worth.
Barry Jhay Discography
Here’s a comprehensive overview of Barry Jhay’s discography, highlighting his notable singles, albums, and EPs:
Singles:
“Aiye”
“Ashe She”
“Kabiyesi”
“Muje”
“Only You” (featuring Davido)
“Mo Le Jo”
“Eleduwa”
“My Father My Father”
“Lost”
“Mo”
“Time Zone”
“Ayewada”
“Story”
“Destiny”
“Reminder”
Albums and EPs:
“Barry Back” (2020)
“Son of God” (2022)
“Barry Back 2” (2023)
“Party Boy Barry” (2023)
“Barrystar Vol. 1” (2025)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HF7wjN9BAI
Barry Jhay Awards and Nominations
1. 2018 City People Music Awards
- Best New Act of the Year: Barry Jhay was honored with this award, marking his emergence as a significant talent in the Nigerian music industry.
- Most Promising Act of the Year: He received a nomination in this category, further highlighting his potential.
2. 2019 The Headies
- Rookie of the Year: Barry Jhay won this award, recognizing his outstanding debut and contributions to the music industry.
- Best Street-Hop Artist: He was nominated for this category, acknowledging his influence in the street-hop genre.
Barry Jhay Social Media
Instagram: @therealbarryjhay
Twitter: @therealbarryjhay
Facebook: Barry Jhay Official Fans Club
FAQs
1: Who is Barry Jhay?
Barry Jhay, whose real name is Oluwakayode Junior Balogun, is a popular Nigerian musician, songwriter, and sound engineer.
He is known for his Afrobeat and Fuji-influenced music style, blending traditional Fuji elements with contemporary Afrobeat sounds.
2: When was Barry Jhay born?
Barry Jhay was born on February 13, 1993, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
3: What is Barry Jhay’s ethnicity?
Barry Jhay is of Yoruba ethnicity, one of the major ethnic groups in Nigeria.
4: Who is Barry Jhay’s father?
Barry Jhay’s father is the late Siriku Ololade Ayinde Balogun, a legendary Fuji musician widely regarded as the King of Fuji music. His father’s influence played a key role in shaping Barry Jhay’s musical career.
5: What made Barry Jhay famous?
Barry Jhay became famous with his breakout single “Aiye,” which was released in 2018.
His music, which blends Afrobeat with Fuji influences, quickly garnered attention, establishing him as one of the rising stars in the Nigerian music scene.
6: What are some of Barry Jhay’s popular songs?
“Aiye”
“Ashe She”
“Kabiyesi”
“Ori”
“Only You” (featuring Davido)
“Muje”
“Sokale”
7: What is the name of Barry Jhay’s debut album?
Barry Jhay’s debut album is titled “Barry Back,” released in 2020.
8: What awards has Barry Jhay won?
City People Music Award (2018): Best New Act of the Year
The Headies (2019): Rookie of the Year
9: Where is Barry Jhay currently based?
Barry Jhay currently resides in Lagos, Nigeria.
10: Does Barry Jhay have a clothing line?
Yes, Barry Jhay owns an online clothing brand called xvi.xii.x.
11: What is Barry Jhay’s net worth?
Barry Jhay’s estimated net worth is $500,000 as of 2025. He earns from music sales, concerts, and his clothing line.
12: What is Barry Jhay’s musical style?
Barry Jhay’s music combines Afrobeat with elements of Fuji and Afro-Fuji Pop. His songs often reflect on themes of destiny (Ori), spirituality, and the challenges of life.
13: What are Barry Jhay’s social media handles?
Instagram: @therealbarryjhay
Twitter: @therealbarryjhay
Facebook: Barry Jhay Official Fans Club
Conclusion:
Barry Jhay is a talented Nigerian musician known for his unique blend of Afrobeat and Fuji music, creating a distinct Afro-Fuji Pop sound.
Born Oluwakayode Junior Balogun on February 13, 1993, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Barry’s musical journey was heavily influenced by his father, the legendary Ayinde Barrister, who was a prominent figure in Fuji music.
Barry gained widespread recognition with his hit single “Aiye” in 2018, and his debut album “Barry Back” in 2020 solidified his place in the music industry.
Over the years, he has won notable awards such as the City People Music Award (2018) and The Headies Rookie of the Year (2019).
Beyond his music, Barry Jhay is also an entrepreneur, running an online clothing line called xvi.xii.x.
With an estimated net worth of $500,000, Barry continues to inspire with his soulful and meaningful music, which often touches on themes of spirituality, destiny, and life’s challenges.
Barry Jhay’s story is one of talent, resilience, and legacy, shaped by his rich musical heritage and his ability to carve out his own identity in the competitive Nigerian music scene.
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