Bouqui

{{Infobox musical artist | honorific_prefix = | name = Bouqui | honorific_suffix = | image = | image_size = | landscape =  | alt = | caption = | birth_name = Bukola Folayan | native_name = | native_name_lang = Yoruba | alias = {{flatlist| *B.O.U.Q.U.I *Rap-evangelist }} | birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1979|02|18}} | birth_place = Ife, Osun State, Nigeria | death_date =  | death_place = | instrument = | origin = Osun, Nigeria | genre = Hip hop | occupation = {{flatlist| *Recording artist *entertainer *fashion designer *on-air personality *author}} | years_active = 1995 – date | associated_acts = {{flatlist| *Midnight Crew *Da' T.R.U.T.H. *Obiwon *Panam Percy Paul *JJC Skillz *Cobhams Asuquo }} | website = {{URL|bouquisplace.com}} }}

'''Bukola Folayan''' (born 18 February 1979),<ref name=nationonline>{{Cite news|author=|url=https://thenationonlineng.net/bouqui-nothing-affects-ones-destiny-like-sex/|title= Bouqui- Nothing affects one's destiny like sex |location=Nigeria|date=1 May 2022 |access-date=7 May 2022|newspaper=The Nation}}</ref> professionally known as '''Bouqui''' or '''B.O.U.Q.U.I''' is a Nigerian-American<ref name=legit>{{cite news|author=Adeyinka Odutoyo|url=https://www.legit.ng/1412056-gospel-music-star-bouqui-officially-a-us-citizen-fellow-nigerians-congratulate-her.html|title= Gospel Music Star Bouqui Officially becomes a US Citizen, Fellow Nigerians Congratulate Her|location=Nigeria|date=19 April 2021 |access-date=22 April 2022|newspaper=Legit.ng}}</ref> rapper, singer, songwriter, on-air personality, fashion designer and author.<ref name=thisday>{{cite news|author=Yinka Olatunbosun|url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/01/13/nigerian-female-rap-artists-as-endangered-species/|title= Nigerian Female Rap Artists as Endangered Species|location=Nigeria|date=13 January 2019 |access-date=22 April 2022|newspaper=This Day}}</ref><ref name=bullet>{{cite web|author=Krystal Onyebuchi|url=https://www.mp3bullet.ng/nigerian-female-rappers-who-once-dominated-the-rap-industry/|title= Nigerian Female Rappers who once dominated the rap industry|location=Nigeria|publisher=Mp3Bullet |date=25 February 2021 |access-date=22 April 2022}}</ref> Her debut, self-titled album, ''B.O.U.Q.U.I'' earned her the Award for Best Female Act at the 2007 Award for Music Excellence in Nigeria (AMEN),<ref name=bounce>{{cite web|author=|url=https://www.bounceradiolive.com/post/highlighting-7-women-in-the-music-industry-who-have-contributed-to-break-the-bias|title= Highlighting 7 Women in The Music Industry Who have Contributed to Break The Bias|location=Nigeria|publisher=Bounce Radio |date=8 March 2022 |access-date=22 April 2022}}</ref> as well as nominations for ''Revelation of the Year'' and ''Best Rap Album'' at The Headies 2007.<ref name=headies/> Her video for the single ''Take You Away'', won the award for ''Best Mainstream Video'' at the 2010 Nigerian Music Video Awards (NMVA).<ref name=NMVA>{{Cite news|author=|url=https://thenet.ng/nmva-comes-of-age/|title= NMVA Comes of Age |location=Nigeria|date=30 November 2010 |access-date=22 April 2022|newspaper=The NET}}</ref>

==Career== ===Early life and career beginnings=== Bouqui was born in Wesley Guild, Ilesha, Osun state to Oba Ololade Folayan I,<ref name=rapqueens>{{cite web|author=|url=https://thewillnigeria.com/news/where-are-these-nigerian-rap-queens/|title= Where are these Nigerian rap queens?|location=Nigeria|publisher=The Will |date=1 November 2021 |access-date=22 April 2022}}</ref> her father, a traditional ruler and professor of biochemistry<ref name=father>{{cite web|author=|url=https://www.modernghana.com/nollywood/5561/bouqui-my-father-objected-to-my-career.html|title= BOUQUI: My Father objected to my career|location=Nigeria|publisher=Modern Ghana |date=4 September 2009 |access-date=22 April 2022}}</ref> and her mother Esther Olufemi, a professional teacher. She grew up alongside her five siblings at the Obafemi Awolowo University staff quarters. While in the university, Bouqui founded an all-girl group, G-vibes.<ref name=punchin>{{Cite news|author=|url=https://punchng.com/10-popular-nigerian-artistes-missing-in-action/|title= 10 popular Nigerian artistes 'missing in action'|location=Nigeria|date=17 April 2021 |access-date=22 April 2022|newspaper=The Punch}}</ref><ref name=father/>

===Solo career and B.O.U.Q.U.I=== She began her solo career in 1999, taking on the moniker, Bouqui, which is an acronym for, ''"Born Once More Unto A Quickened And Unparalleled Image"''. She gained notoriety with the release of the singles, ''Molejo'', ''Vanity'' and ''Get it Started'' off her debut 2007 album, B.O.U.Q.U.I, which featured on charts in the United Kingdom;<ref name=miafrica>{{cite web|author=|url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/directory/bouqui#:~:text=Born%20at%20Ife%2C%20Nigeria%2C%20she,and%20%22Get%20it%20started%22.|title= The Biography of Bouqui |location=|publisher=Music in Africa |date=7 August 2014 |access-date=22 April 2022}}</ref> with the single, ''Get it Started'' debuting at number one on the backyard beats segment of the World Chart Show, hosted by PJ Butta, which was the first by a Nigerian based artiste.<ref name=pwradio>{{cite web|author=|url=https://www.praiseworldradio.com/bouqui-new-single/|title= Excitement For Bouqui Fans As She Announces Release Of New Single "UNDERGROUND" |location=|publisher=Praiseworld Radio |date=18 February 2017 |access-date=22 April 2022}}</ref>

The album, ''B.O.U.Q.U.I'' was nominated for ''Best Rap Album'' at The Headies 2007,<ref name=headies>{{cite web|author= Taiwo Obatusin|url=https://www.modernghana.com/nollywood/838/hip-hop-awards-2007.html|title= HIP HOP AWARDS 2007 |location=Ghana|publisher=MOdernghana |date=26 March 2007 |access-date=22 April 2022}}</ref> as well as Hip Hop World ''Revelation of the Year''. It also won her the award for ''Best Female Act'' at the AMEN Awards, also in 2007.<ref name=bounce/> Bouqui was featured on DJ Jimmy Jatt's track ''Too Much'', which also featured Sasha P, Blaise and Kemistry.

Following her album release, Bouqui embarked on a 15 city tour of the United Kingdom.<ref name=lastfm>{{cite web|author= |url=https://www.last.fm/music/Bouqui/+wiki|title= Bouqui |location=|publisher=Lastfm |date=26 March 2007 |access-date=22 April 2022}}</ref>

===Redefinition=== Ahead of the release of her sophomore album, ''Redefinition'', in 2009, Bouqui released the singles, ''Mo ri le'' and ''Take You Away'' featuring Four Kornerz to critical acclaim, winning the award for ''Best Mainstream Video'' at the 2010 Nigerian Music Video Awards (NMVA) for the video for ''Take You Away''.<ref name=NMVA/> The Redefinition Album was produced, mixed and mastered in the UK by JJC Skillz and Mix Master Jay for her record label, Bouqui's Place Entertainment.<ref name=vang>{{Cite news|author= |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2009/07/rooftop-mcs-mike/|title= Rooftop MCs, Mike others storm Bouqui's album launch|location=|date=10 July 2009 |access-date=22 April 2022|newspaper=Vanguard}}</ref>

Bouqui embarked on the ''Redefinition Tour'', touring cities in the United States<ref name=trendy>{{cite web|author= |url=https://trendyafrica.com/bouqui-the-redefinition-tour-a-trendy-africa-exclusive|title= BOUQUI- The REDEFINITION TOUR. A trendy africa exclusive |location=United States|publisher=Trendy Africa |date=30 October 2009 |access-date=22 April 2022}}</ref> and Canada. She also organized the ''Redefinition Campus Storm'', which took her to various university campuses in Nigeria, including her alma mater, Obafemi Awolowo University, where her concert had a recorded attendance of 15,000.<ref name=howng>{{cite web|author= |url=https://howng.com/about-bouqui-gospel-singer/|title= About Bouqui Gospel Singer|location=|publisher=How.ng |date=26 March 2013 |access-date=22 April 2022}}</ref>

Bouqui won the awards for ''Best Female Act'' and ''Best Video'' at the ''Women in Entertainment and Arts Awards'' in the UK in 2009.<ref name=49thstreet>{{cite web|author= |url=https://the49thstreet.com/female-emcees-in-nigeria/|title= FEMALE EMCEES IN NIGERIA|location= United Kingdom|publisher=49th street |date=26 March 2013 |access-date=22 April 2022}}</ref>

===2011 to present: Double Album and other releases=== In November 2011, Bouqui released ''Igbeyinloju'', a remake of King Sunny Adé's hit song of the same title from the 1980s, produced by Jerry Metz.<ref name=vang2>{{Cite news|author= |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/11/bouqui-returns-with-old-skool-hit/|title= Bouqui returns with old skool hit|location= |date=11 November 2011 |access-date=22 April 2022|newspaper=Vanguard}}</ref>

In February 2013, Bouqui featured American rapper, Da' T.R.U.T.H. on her single, ''Celebrate'', which was ranked #22 on the ''Top Gospel Songs on 2013''.<ref name=top30songs>{{Cite news|author= |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/153512-bouqui-tim-godfrey-flo-make-top-30-gospel-songs-2013.html|title= Bouqui, Tim Godfrey, Flo make Top 30 gospel songs of 2013|location= |date=17 January 2014 |access-date=7 May 2022|newspaper=Premium Times}}</ref> She collaborated with him on his ''Love, Hope and War Tour'' across the United States, and riding on the platform set up by Bouqui's Redefinition Campus Storm, the Love, Hope and War Tour was brought to Nigerian campuses, drawing performances from several notable gospel artistes like, Sammie Okposo, Nikki Laoye, Tim Godfrey and Eben.<ref name=pmnews2>{{Cite news|author= |url=https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2013/02/20/bouqui-kicks-off-gospel-tours/|title= BOUQUI Kicks Off Gospel Tours|location= |date=20 February 2013 |access-date=22 April 2022|newspaper=P.M. News}}</ref>

In March 2013, Bouqui announced in a joint press release by her record label, Bouqui's Place Entertainment and US-based record label Xist Music, that she had been signed as the first African artiste and first female act to Xist Music. Xist Music, which also had Grammy nominated rapper, Da' T.R.U.T.H. on its books also announced that Bouqui would head, Xist Africa, which would be based in Nigeria, and that she would be releasing a double album under the Xist Music imprint tagged ''Marks of a General'' and ''Eve Of Independence''.<ref name=net2>{{Cite news|author= |url=https://thenet.ng/b-o-u-q-u-i-signs-with-us-label-to-release-double-album/|title= B.O.U.Q.U.I signs with US label, to release double album|location= |date=14 March 2013 |access-date=22 April 2022|newspaper=The NET}}</ref><ref name=pmnews>{{Cite news|author= |url=https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2013/03/16/bouqui-strikes-deal-with-xist-music-usa/|title= BOUQUI Strikes Deal With XIST Music USA|location= |date=16 March 2013 |access-date=22 April 2022|newspaper=P.M. News}}</ref>

Bouqui relocated to the United States in February 2014 and in June 2015, she released the single ''Unstoppable'' produced by US-based producer, Dapo Torimiro.<ref name=Jagaja>{{cite web|author= |url=https://jaguda.com/music-mp3/new-music-b-o-u-q-u-i-unstoppable/|title= New Music: B.O.U.Q.U.I – Unstoppable|location= |publisher=Jaguda |date=19 June 2015 |access-date=22 April 2022}}</ref> In collaboration with Dapo Torimiro, she organized the ''Unstoppable Rap Competition'' for aspiring musicians. Gr8man won the competition, with Limoblaze and Angeloh, the 2nd and 1st runners up respectively.<ref name=prws>{{cite web|author= |url=https://www.praiseworldradio.com/and-the-winners-of-the-bouqui-unstoppable-competition-are/|title= And The Winners Of The BOUQUI Unstoppable Competition Are…|location= |publisher=Praiseworld Radio |date=19 August 2015 |access-date=22 April 2022}}</ref> Bouqui would feature Angeloh in her 2018 single, ''King David''.<ref name=connect>{{cite web|author= |url=https://demo1.connectnigeria.com/articles/bouqui-releases-video-for-king-david/|title= Bouqui Releases Video For 'King David'|location= |publisher=Connect Nigeria |date=19 September 2018 |access-date=22 April 2022}}</ref>

In 2017, Bouqui would again collaborate with Dapo Torimiro, to produce the single, ''Underground'', which released ahead of her fifth studio album, titled, ''Bouqui Unstoppable''.<ref name=coprct>{{cite web|author= |url=https://www.praiseworldradio.com/bouqui-underground/|title= MUSIC: BOUQUI – Underground @BouquiUnstoppable|location= |publisher=Praiseworld Radio |date=19 February 2017 |access-date=22 April 2022}}</ref> The album was released in November 2018 with an album listening party in Lagos, Nigeria.<ref name=irap>{{cite web|author= |url=https://www.praiseworldradio.com/music-bouqui-bouqui-unveils-unstoppable-album-cover-releases-new-single-lights-featuring-angeloh-bouquiofficial/|title= BOUQUI Unveils "Unstoppable" Album Cover, Releases New Single "Lights" featuring Angeloh|location= |publisher=Praiseworld Radio |date=25 November 2018 |access-date=22 April 2022}}</ref> All tracks in the EP featured Angeloh and were produced by 'Q' and mixed & mastered by Mix Master Jay.<ref name=ireap>{{cite web|author= |url=https://irapchrist.com/uqui-reveals-album-tracklist-listening-party/|title= Bouqui Reveals Album Tracklist / Listening Party|location= |publisher=irapchrist |date=26 November 2018 |access-date=22 April 2022}}</ref>

In August of 2023, Bouqui released a refix of Chris Falson's 1992 worship anthem, "All Honour", made popular by contemporary Christian artiste, Ron Kenoly. The single was rechristened, "For Fire" and features Chris Falson, the original author of the song.<ref name=thisfalson>{{Cite news|author= |url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2023/08/10/bouqui-breathes-new-life-into-chris-falsons-classic-for-fire|title= BOUQUI BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO CHRIS FALSON’S CLASSIC “FOR FIRE”|location= |date=10 August 2023 |access-date=16 August 2023|newspaper=This Day}}</ref>

==Other endeavors== In March 2019, Bouqui was ordained as a Reverend<ref name=inaijabeats>{{cite web|author= |url=https://naijagospelbeats.com/bouqui-premieres-video-for-victory-song-ft-angeloh/|title= BOUQUI Premieres video for Victory Song Ft. Angeloh|location= |publisher=naijagospelbeats |date=5 July 2019 |access-date=22 April 2022}}</ref> in the United States and is presently the youth pastor of Victory Christian Fellowship in Delaware.<ref name=pastoral>{{cite web|author= |url=https://victoryexperience.com/pastoral-staff/|title= Pastoral Staff|location=United States |publisher=Victoryexperience.com |date=5 July 2019 |access-date=22 April 2022}}</ref><ref name=thispastoral>{{Cite news|author= |url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2022/06/10/gospel-rapper-bouqui-bags-ph-d-in-the-u-s/|title= Gospel Rapper Bouqui Bags Ph.D. in the U.S.|location= |date=10 June 2022 |access-date=14 June 2022|newspaper=This Day}}</ref>

In 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown, Bouqui began hosting an Instagram Live session titled, ''Bouqui's Place'', where she has interviewed notable Nigerian celebrities including MI Abaga, Waje,<ref name=waje>{{cite web|author= |url=https://www.informationng.com/2020/08/i-was-banned-from-singing-in-church-because-i-got-pregnant-waje.html|title= 'I Was Banned From Singing In Church Because I Got Pregnant' – Waje|location= |publisher=informationng |date=15 August 2020 |access-date=22 April 2022}}</ref> Stella Damasus,<ref name=bplace>{{Cite news|author= |url=https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/actress-stella-damasus-reveals-she-was-molested-at-age-of-8/|title= Actress, Stella Damasus, reveals she was molested at age of 8|location= |date=15 May 2021 |access-date=22 April 2022|newspaper=Ripples Nigeria}}</ref> Ruggedman and more.

Bouqui published her first book in April 2022, titled ''My Naked Parts''.<ref name=nakedness>{{Cite news|author= |url=https://independent.ng/i-havent-kissed-or-had-sex-for-almost-a-decade-gospel-musician-bouqui-reveals/|title= I Haven't Kissed Or Had Sex For Almost A Decade -Gospel Musician, Bouqui Reveals|location= |date=17 April 2022 |access-date=22 April 2022|newspaper=Independent}}</ref>

In May 2022, she became the first notable African rapper to obtain an academic doctorate degree, when she graduated with a PhD in Marketing, Advertising and Faith-based Initiative from HBI University, Connecticut.<ref name=phd>{{Cite news|author= |url=https://independent.ng/pioneer-gospel-rapper-bouqui-bags-a-phd-in-the-united-states/|title= Pioneer Gospel Rapper, Bouqui, Bags A PhD In The United States|location= |date=4 June 2022 |access-date=14 June 2022|newspaper=Independent}}</ref> She also obtained a diploma in Leadership Principles from Harvard Business School.<ref name=harcv>{{Cite news|author= |url=https://independent.ng/bouqui-breathes-new-life-into-chris-falsons-classic-all-honour/|title= Pioneer Gospel Rapper, Bouqui Releases New Single |location= |date=12 August 2023 |access-date=16 August 2023|newspaper=Independent}}</ref>

==Awards and recognition== {|class="wikitable" !Year !Event !Prize !Recipient !Result |- |rowspan="3"|2007 |Award for Music Excellence in Nigeria (AMEN).<ref name=bounce/> |Best Female Act |B.O.U.Q.U.I. (Album) |{{won}} |- |The Headies 2007<ref name=headies/> |Best Rap Album |B.O.U.Q.U.I. (Album) |{{nom}} |- |The Headies 2007<ref name=headies/> |Revelation of the Year |Bouqui |{{nom}} |- | rowspan="2"|2009 |Women in Entertainment and Arts Awards, UK |Best Act |Bouqui |{{won}} |- |Women in Entertainment and Arts Awards, UK |Best Video |Take You Away (Video) |{{won}} |- | rowspan="4"|2010 |Nigerian Music Video Awards (NMVA).<ref name=NMVA/> |Best Mainstream Video |Take You Away (Video) |{{won}} |- |Change Agents Awards |Best Change Agent |Bouqui |{{won}} |- |Women in Entertainment and Arts Awards, UK |Best Female Act |Bouqui |{{won}} |- |2010 Nigeria Entertainment Awards<ref name=NeA2010>{{cite web|author= |url=https://www.thenigerianvoice.com/movie/34906/nigerian-entertainment-awards-2010-the-pictures-winners.html|title= Nigerian Entertainment Awards 2010 – The PICTURES + Winners Are|location= |publisher=thenigerianvoice.com |date=20 September 2010 |access-date=24 April 2022}}</ref> |Gospel Artiste of the Year |Bouqui |{{nom}} |- |rowspan="2"|2013 |Crystal Awards.<ref name=NGMVA>{{cite web|author= |url=https://www.praiseworldradio.com/crystal-gospel-awards-2013-and-the-winners-are/|title= Crystal Gospel Awards 2013. And The Winners Are…|location= |publisher=Praiseworld Radio |date=17 December 2013 |access-date=22 April 2022}}</ref> |Best Collaboration |Sokutoyoyo feat. Henrisoul (Single) |{{won}} |- |2013 Nigeria Entertainment Awards<ref name=NeVA>{{cite news|author= |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/06/iyanya-davido-wizkid-others-nominated-for-2013-nigeria-entertainment-awards/|title= Iyanya, Davido, Wizkid others nominated for 2013 Nigeria Entertainment Awards|location= |date=10 June 2013 |access-date=24 April 2022|newspaper=Vanguard}}</ref> |Gospel Artiste/Group of the Year |Bouqui |{{nom}} |- |}

==Discography== ;Studio albums *''B.O.U.Q.U.I'' (2007) *''Redefinition'' (2009) *''Marks of a General'' and ''Eve Of Independence'' (2013) *''Bouqui Unstoppable'' (2018)

;Notable singles *''Molejo'' (2007) *''Vanity'' (2007); produced by ID Cabasa *''Mo ri le'' (2009) *''Take You Away'' (2009) featuring Four Kornerz *''Sokutuyoyo'' (2012) featuring Henrisoul and produced by Sam Klef

;As a featured artiste *''Too Much'' by DJ Jimmy Jatt featuring Bouqui, Blaise, Sasha P and Kemistry<ref name=toomuch>{{cite web|author=Demola Ogundele |url=https://notjustok.com/mp3-songs/dj-jimmy-jatt-ft-sasha-and-all-naija-females-mcs-too-much-video/|title= Dj Jimmy Jatt ft Sasha and all Naija females Mcs - Too Much (Video)|location= |publisher=notjustok |date=12 August 2008 |access-date=7 May 2022}}</ref> *''Alheri (Remix)'' by Solomon Lange featuring Bouqui

==Videography== {| class="wikitable" ! Year ! Title ! Choreographer ! Director |- | | 2006 || "Molejo (Reloaded)" || Bouqui || Tunji Oyewo |- | | 2009 || "Take You Away"|| Bouqui/Four Kornaz || Big Boyz |- | | 2009 || "Morile" || JJC Skillz || JJC Skillz |- | | 2010 || "Oluwa" || Bouqui/Cobhams Asuquo || JJC Skillz |- | | 2010 || "Luv U Forever" || JJC Skillz || JJC Skillz |- | | 2010 || "Celebrate" || Bouqui/Da'T.R.U.T.H. || Akin Alabi |- | | 2018 || "King David" || Clarence Peters || Capital Dreams Pictures |- | | 2018 || "Demo" || Clarence Peters || Capital Dreams Pictures |- | | 2019 || "Victory Song" || Clarence Peters || Capital Dreams Pictures |}

== References ==  {{reflist}}

Category:1979 births Category:Nigerian women rappers Category:Living people Category:21st-century Nigerian musicians Category:Nigerian hip-hop singers Category:21st-century American women musicians Category:Women hip-hop singers Category:21st-century Nigerian women musicians {{DEFAULTSORT:Folayan, Bukola}}

Bouqui

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