Jidenna Theodore Mobisson, known by only his first name, is a popular American rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer. Born AQto Nigerian father and American mother, he spent the first six years of his life in Nigeria where his father was a professor. They returned to the US after they were abducted at gunpoint while traveling in a bus in Nigeria. Showing an early interest in music, Jidenna decided to become a rapper in the seventh grade, but continued his studies. He joined the Stanford University at the age 18 to study sound engineering. Later he switched his major and eventually earned his BA degree in ritualistic arts at the age of 23. Thereafter, he moved to New York City to start a career in music, but lack of funds forced him to take up a teaching job. He released his first song, ‘Classic Man,’ when he was 29 years old, and his debut album, ‘The Chief’, two years later. He is also socially very conscious, being actively involved in the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement. Proud of his Nigerian heritage, he returns to his father’s country now and then, contributing to its development.
