Early life and background:
I was born and raised in the vibrant town of Ogoja and moved to Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. I emerged from a childhood marked by struggle, bad influences, and family turbulence. But where pain grew, passion grew louder. Music became my escape, my fight, and my light.
At just 13, while most were sleeping, I was sneaking out at night to hit the studio, recording tracks in secret because my parents didn’t support my dream. Fueled by the raw emotion of 2Pac, the boldness of Eminem, the soul of Wizkid, and the fire of Burna Boy and Rema, I carved my voice into the sound of Afrobeat fused with emotion, often sad, always real.
My name, Shadow Rex, reflects my unshakable belief in myself: even in the shadows, I reign. “Rex” means king, and I wear that crown with quiet confidence—using my voice not to boast but to heal. My breakout moment came with my first studio session in 2015, where nerves shook me, but passion carried me through. The crowd saw it, and so did the world when my first viral track, “Linda,” took off.
Today, Shadow Rex is more than an artist—he’s a healer. Every lyric is a remedy, every beat a heartbeat. My mission is clear: to turn heartbreak into hope and transform silence into strength. Because from the shadows, kings rise.
My full name and my stage name:
My full name is IDAJOR MICHEAL IDAJOR with the Stage name: SHADOW REX
I was born and raised in the town of Ogoja, Bekwarra Local Government Area.
I was born on 3 September 2001
How did your upbringing influence my music passion?
My upbringing, though marked by struggle and hardship, was the fire that lit my passion for music. Growing up in OGOJA, Cross River State, Nigeria, surrounded by family issues and negative influences, music became my escape and my therapy. While the world around me was chaotic, I found clarity in rhythm and lyrics.
What are the key moments or experiences that led you to pursue music seriously?
One key moment was my first studio session at age 13. I was nervous, shaking, and unsure—but the moment I stepped into the booth, something clicked. Despite the fear, I delivered. That experience gave me a glimpse of who I could become and ignited a hunger to keep going.
Another defining experience was when I won my first music audition award. Performing in front of a large crowd for the first time, I felt the rush of connecting with people through my music. That recognition, despite the odds stacked against me, proved I had something real.
And when my first viral song “Linda” gained attention, it was the confirmation I needed that my voice could move people, heal them, and inspire them. These moments—mixed with personal pain and passion—cemented my purpose as an artist.
Music, career, and growth
When did you officially start your music career?
I officially began my music career in 2015, the year I recorded my first studio track and performed in my first music audition. Though I had been writing and experimenting with music even earlier, 2015 marked the turning point where I faced a crowd, pushed through my fear, and found my confidence as an artist. That year was the true beginning of my journey from passion to profession.
What genres best describe your sound?
My sound is best described as a fusion of Afrobeats, Soul, and Emo-Afrofusion. My music blends the rhythmic energy and cultural depth of Afrobeats with the emotional storytelling and vulnerability of soul and R&B.
Who is your biggest musical influence?
My biggest music influences span across both African and international legends, each shaping their sound, mindset, and message in powerful ways:
•Wizkid – For his smooth Afrobeat flow and global success, showing what’s possible from Nigeria.
•2Baba (2Face Idibia) – For his timeless soul and emotional storytelling.
•Burna Boy – For his fusion of Afrobeat with raw emotion and bold energy.
•Rema – For his creativity, versatility, and ability to bend genres.
•Rihanna – For her emotional honesty, resilience, and global appeal.
•Justin Bieber – For his evolution and emotional expression through pop and R&B.
•2Pac – For his poetic truth, depth, and fearless voice for the unheard.
•Jay-Z – For his business acumen, confidence, and lyrical power.
•Eminem – For his intensity, pain-driven lyrics, and technical mastery.
How could you describe your artistic style and creative process?
Artistic Style:
My style is a soulful blend of Afrobeat and emotional storytelling. I call it healing music—because it’s not just about sound, it’s about feeling. Whether it’s heartbreak, struggle, or hope, I put my truth into every lyric. My voice carries pain, but also strength. I want people to listen and feel like someone understands them. I don’t just sing—I connect.
Creative Process:
My creative process is deeply personal. It starts with emotion—what I’m feeling or what someone around me is going through. I might start humming a melody when I’m walking alone or late at night when the world is quiet. Sometimes, it’s a beat that speaks first. Other times, it’s the words that come out like a confession. I don’t force it—I let the story write itself. I write, record, rewrite, and let my soul guide me. It’s never just music. It’s healing, from me to the world.
What challenges have you faced in your journey as an artist, and how have you overcome them?
Challenges:
My journey as an artist has been anything but easy. I faced a lack of support from my family, especially in the early days. They didn’t believe music could be a real path for me. I had to sneak out at night just to record songs. Financial struggles made studio time hard to afford. I also dealt with self-doubt, rejection, and pressure from people who didn’t understand my vision.
Overcoming Them:
But I never gave up. I kept pushing—because music wasn’t just something I wanted to do; it was something I had to do. I stayed consistent, I believed in myself even when nobody else did. I let the pain and challenges fuel my lyrics. Winning my first audition, recording my first song, and seeing “Linda” go viral showed me that faith, hard work, and patience will always pay off. Every challenge became a part of my story, and made me stronger, both as a man and as an artist.
Depressed concept and creation.
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