Jhene Aiko Efuru Chilombo (born on March 16, 1988) is a prominent American R&B singer and songwriter widely known as Jhené Aiko. Her journey to fame commenced as a vocalist in the R&B group B2K, marking the initiation of her musical career. Jhené Aiko garnered significant attention with her 2011 mixtape, ‘Sailing Soul(s),’ a project that pivotally elevates her presence in the limelight.
Early Life
Born on March 16, 1988, in Los Angeles, California, Jhene Aiko hails from a family of four siblings. Among them are her sisters, Jamila Akiko Mila Chilombo and Miyoko Chilombo, and her brothers, Miyagi Hasani Ayo Chilombo (deceased) and Jahi Chilombo.
Jhene’s formative years were marked by poignant memories of the 1992 Los Angeles Riots, a tumultuous event that resulted in over 50 deaths and 2000 injuries. Raised in a musical environment, her elder sisters, Jamila and Miyoko, played significant roles as vocalists in the R&B group ‘Gyrl.’ Their involvement paved the way for Jhene to showcase her vocal talents to producer Chris Stokes at five.
Jhene began writing rap songs at seven years old, demonstrating an early inclination toward music. By age eight, she made waves by dissecting the meaning behind Lil’ Kim’s bold album ‘Hardcore.’ However, her childhood was not without challenges. Following her parents’ separation, she relocated to live with her mother and siblings. Dio Chilombo, Kareena Chilombo, and Marcia Chilombo are her three half-siblings from her father’s side.
Due to instances of bullying related to her mixed ancestry, Jhene opted for homeschooling during her formative years, seeking an environment more conducive to her personal and educational well-being.
Career
Jhené Aiko embarked on her musical journey at twelve as a member of the renowned girls’ band B2K. Her solo career took flight when she signed with Epic Music, culminating in the release of her solo album, “My Name Is Jhenè.” Initially wavering on the decision regarding her education, she eventually recommitted to her musical path.
Her mixtape featured reimaginings of songs by notable artists such as Drake, Kanye West, and Miguel. Making a significant mark on the UK R&B chart, her EP soared to number seven in 2013. The following year witnessed the release of her debut studio album, “Sold Out,” claiming the top spot on the US Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart in 2014.
In 2016, Jhené co-founded the hip-hop subgroup Twenty88 with American rapper Big Sean, achieving notable success and securing fifth place on the US Billboard 200 chart. The momentum continued with her second studio album, ‘Trip,’ in 2017, featuring collaborations with acclaimed artists like Big Sean and Chris Brown. The album attained gold status, solidifying its place in contemporary music history with over half a million copies sold.
Notably, in 2019, Jhené Aiko released the impactful “Triggered Freestyle,” the first track from her eagerly anticipated album for the year. The launch of her third album succeeded this, “”. The debut album, “Chilombo,” received critical acclaim and made a resounding entry onto the Billboard 200. Her versatility was further showcased when she performed a stirring rendition of ‘America the Beautiful’ at the opening ceremony for Super Bowl LVI earlier in the year, highlighting her continued success and influence in the music industry.
Discography
- Souled Out
- Trip
- Chilombo
Awards & Nominations
- BET Awards
- GRAMMY Awards
- NAACP Image Awards
Personal Life
Jhené Aiko was romantically involved with O’Ryan from 2005 until 2008, a singer from B2K and a celebrated music producer. During these three years, Jhené became a mother. In 2011, she made a musical comeback with the track “Nami Ko Luv.”
Subsequent reports suggest that she entered a relationship with music executive Dot Da Genius, leading to a secret marriage in 2015. The couple officially tied the knot in March 2016. However, in August of the same year, Dot Da Genius filed for divorce. Jhené then found companionship with Big Sean, and they officially became a couple on October 20, 2016. Their first child, Noah Hassani, was born on November 3, 2022.
Jhené has faced personal challenges, notably experiencing depression since the passing of her brother, Miyagi, who succumbed to brain cancer in 2012. Before his demise, Miyagi gifted her a poignant song titled “For My Brother” as a touching farewell.
Beyond her musical career, Jhené Aiko is a vegetarian and strongly advocates for animal rights. She actively supports PETA and, in December 2016, made a bold statement by posing nude in support of the organization’s cause.
Social Media
- Instagram: @jheneaiko
- Twitter: @jheneaiko
Net Worth
Jhené Aiko is an outstanding American singer-songwriter with an estimated net worth of US$6 million.