2Shotz
2Shotz | |
|---|---|
| Born | William Orioha March 3, 1979 Surulere, Lagos State, Nigeria |
| Occupation(s) | Rapper, singer-songwriter, photographer, filmmaker |
| Years active | 1999–2016 (music) |
| Known for | Nigerian hip hop music in English, Nigerian Pidgin, and Igbo languages; Best Collaboration award at The Headies 2006 |
William Orioha (born 3 March 1979), professionally recognized as 2Shotz, is a former Nigerian rapper and singer-songwriter who has transitioned into a career as a photographer and filmmaker based in the United States. He earned the Best Collaboration accolade at The Headies 2006. His first studio album, Pirated Copy, debuted in 2004 and included tracks such as "Carry Am Go", "Odeshi", and "Delicious".
Following his initial success, 2Shotz released several albums: Original Copy (2005), Commercial Avenue (2007), Music Business (2008), I am William (2010), and Loud Silence (2016). His hip hop performances incorporate English, Nigerian Pidgin, and Igbo languages.
Early life and education
Born in Surulere, Lagos State, in southwestern Nigeria, 2Shotz grew up in a family of three. His roots trace back to Umuahia, the capital city of Abia State in southeastern Nigeria. He completed his secondary education at Government College Umuahia and later obtained a degree in industrial relations and personnel management from Lagos State University (LASU).
Music career
2Shotz began his musical journey during his secondary school years and continued to develop his craft prior to attending LASU. In 1999, he co-founded the group Foremen with 2Ply, which signed with eLDee's Trybesmen collective in 2000. The group released the album Men at Work, featuring the single "For the Men." After Foremen disbanded, he pursued a solo contract with Trybe Records and became part of The Trybe, contributing to the 2001 release "Oya." In 2005, he established his own record label, Umunnamu Music. Although he briefly affiliated with Obi Asika's Storm Records in 2006, he soon departed to concentrate on his label. In 2016, feeling under-recognized within Nigeria's music industry, he shifted his focus entirely to photography and filmmaking.
Personal life
On 12 April 2013, 2Shotz married his partner, whom he met through Twitter, at the Ikoyi Marriage Registry. They welcomed a daughter born in Ireland on 12 March 2015. The couple separated in December 2015 amid allegations of domestic abuse.
Studio albums
- Pirated Copy (2004)
- Original Copy (2005)
- Commercial Avenue (2007)
- Music Business (2008)
- I AM William (2011)
- Loud Silence (2016)
Singles
- "Delicious" (2004)
- "Odeshi" (2004)
- "Carry Am Go" (2004)
- "Make Dem Talk" (2006)
- "Which Level" (2007)
- "Incase U Never Know" (2008)
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Recipient | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | The Headies | Best Rap Album | I Am William | Template:NomTemplate:Fix/category[citation needed] |
| 2009 | Song of the Year | "Incase U Never Know" (featuring Timaya) |
Template:NomTemplate:Fix/category[citation needed] | |
| 2006 | Best Collaboration | "Delicious" (featuring Big Lo) |
Template:WonTemplate:Fix/category[citation needed] |