Raphael Elile Ayika, popularly known as Ra-fa-el, one of the most promising hip-hop and RnB artiste from Nigeria, hails from Ebu, Delta State. He was born and brought up in the multi- cultural ghetto, Sabon Gari, Kano State, where he had his elementary and first-half of his secondary education before moving to Lagos in 2002 to complete his studies. He was admitted into Delta State University (Del
su), Abraka, in 2006 and graduated in 2010 with a B.A [hons] degree in music, specializing in Music Composition. Ra-fa-el delved into music professionally in 2009 after releasing his debut single "Stay With Me", while still an undergraduate in Delsu. He composed and performed different genres of music in the Music Department and also performed in most of the major shows organized by the Student Union Government and other individual bodies in and outside of Delta State. He, along side, Owhere Kefe, organized "NIGHT OF EMOTIONZ", one of the biggest music concerts ever in Delsu. Ra-fa-el was the regular Guest Analyst on "Music Nigeriana with Dr Cyril Okeke", a music program on ABS 90.7 fm Onitsha, from August 2011 to June 2012. He composed the theme music of "Corpers Forum", an NYSC program on ABS Radio 2, Onitsha. He also taught music at the prestigious Dennis Memorial Grammar School (D.M.G.S), Onitsha, during his service year as a corps member. Ra-fa-el released four hot singles "Na Papa God" (http://snd.sc/ZTsiZK), which was rated 8/10 in terms of the total pakage by #1 Hit Music Station, Cool fm 96.9 on Jan.9th 2013, "Fire Burn Dem" (http://snd.sc/10jaQOE), which earned him the accolade "Badt Guy" after it was released on MUSIC212.COM on March 12th 2012, "In Your Arms" (http://snd.sc/YHVqGB) and "Take Something". He is still working on his debut album "Strong Feelingz". Due to his passionate and breath-taking performances while serving in Anambra State, Ra-fa-el was approached by "The Nation" news paper and he granted them an interview which was published on Oct. 27th, 2011. He embarked on a national tour immediately after Youth Service, courtesy of Mopo-G and ELs Records, performing in different places and distributing his promo CDs (of four hit singles). Ra-fa-el ascribes his talents, knowledge of the rudiment and theory of music and his successful advent in the music industry to God Almighty. "Na Papa God", as he would say.
