Viva BashBaby, born Gift Fidelis Ejenike on 7 March 1996, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter whose music spans Afrobeats, reggae and dancehall. She is known for songs including “Painkilla,” “Black Queen,” “Time” and “Big Booty Geng.”
Born in Cross River State, Nigeria, Viva BashBaby spent part of her early childhood in Gboko, Benue State, before growing up largely in Calabar, Cross River State. She comes from a close-knit family with an interest in music and the arts. Her uncle played records for her during childhood and encouraged her musical interests after recognising her ability to sing at an early age. She has recalled being able to sing Phil Collins’ “Another Day in Paradise” by the age of three.
Viva BashBaby attended Mater Dei International Nursery and Primary School and Mary Immaculate Girls Juniorate, both in Cross River State. She later studied Law at the University of Calabar but paused her studies following the death of her mother to help care for her younger brother. She subsequently transferred to the university’s Department of Social Work, where she completed her bachelor’s degree.
She participated in church choir activities and school music and entertainment programmes. Her involvement in school activities also led to her appointment as social prefect.
MUSIC CAREER
Viva BashBaby began pursuing music professionally around 2017–2018. Although she recorded her first song, “On a Low,” early in her career, she waited several years before releasing her music publicly. She has said that her hesitation came from doubts about whether her recordings were good enough, but the response to her eventual releases encouraged her to continue.
Her music incorporates Afrobeats, reggae and dancehall, with a sound that she describes as continually evolving while remaining relatable. Her songwriting explores subjects such as love, inspiration, passion, sexuality, corruption, pain and hope. She aims to create music that allows listeners to connect with different emotions and experiences.
In September 2025, she released her five-track EP Emergence. The project features “Time,” “Painkilla,” “On a Low,” “Big Booty Geng” and “Black Queen.” The project includes collaborations with Young Bone and Patpeaz.
Among her best-known songs are “Painkilla,” “Black Queen,” “Time” and “Big Booty Geng.” “Black Queen” is particularly personal to her because of its message of appreciating African identity, heritage and skin colour. “Time” reflects on her delayed decision to release music and encourages listeners to pursue their goals without waiting for a supposedly perfect moment.
PERFORMANCES AND RECOGNITION
Viva BashBaby has performed at several events, including Bole Rave in Port Harcourt in 2025. She also performed as the opening act for Tiwa Savage at the Calabar Carnival stadium event in 2025. In 2026, she performed at Eddy Montana Live in Concert in Gboko and at a two-day reggae concert held in May to commemorate the 45th remembrance of Bob Marley.
At the Bob Marley remembrance concert, she won the award for Best Original Reggae Song.
She has worked with music producers Dangerozbeats and Patmagic Sound, both of whom she describes as multiple award-winning producers.
UPCOMING PROJECTS
Viva BashBaby is working on new singles and a second extended play project titled Breaking Borders. She has also indicated plans for collaborations with Nigerian and international artists.
She hopes to develop Viva BashBaby into an influential music brand and a recognised voice within her industry and generation.
STREAMING PLATFORM LINKS
These are the artist's identified streaming pages:
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6005hbXDDXhvp2XlAV40y5
• Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/viva-bashbaby/1839083366
• Audiomack: https://audiomack.com/viva-bashbaby/album/emergence
• All streaming platforms: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/vivabashbaby/emergence-2
SOCIAL MEDIA
• Tiktok: @viva.bash
• Instagram: @vivabash
CONTACT AND MANAGEMENT
Management: Kelvinlee Concept
Booking Contact: +234 814 597 8559
Business Inquiries: Vivabash@gmail.com