SolidStar (Joshua Iniyezo)

SolidStar was born Joshua Iniyezo on 8 November 1988.
He hails from the Aviara community in Isoko South Local Government Area, in Delta State, Nigeria — thus he is part of the Isoko ethnic group.
His early music involvement started in his church choir as a teenager: he played drums and sang.
Though of Isoko origin, much of his music career was built in Lagos, and he bridges his ethnic roots with the mainstream Nigerian music scene.

SolidStar’s breakout moment came with his debut album One in a Million (2010), named after his hit single of the same title.
The single “One in a Million” featured veteran artist 2Baba (also known as 2face Idibia) in its remix, which helped boost its popularity.
His musical genres span Afro‑Pop, R&B, dancehall, and pop, singing in English, Pidgin, and occasionally Isoko/Igbo languages — reflecting his multi‑lingual and multi‑cultural roots.
SolidStar has cited influences that include R&B and African popular music, aiming to craft songs that tell stories from the heart.
According to him, his hit song “One in a Million” changed the Nigerian music landscape by introducing a slower‑tempo groove and inspired other artists including P‑Square.
After 10 years with the label Achievas Entertainment, he parted ways with them in early 2018 to begin a new phase of his career.

Key songs: One in a Million, My Body (feat. Timaya), Wait (feat. Davido), Oluchi (feat. Flavour).
His debut album was well‑received and positioned him as a rising star in West Africa. The track “One in a Million” achieved substantial airplay and became a household favorite.
Through his career, he has collaborated with major Nigerian artists and brands, showcasing his versatility and relevance in the music industry.

In recent years, SolidStar has publicly discussed his struggles with substance abuse, including being introduced to the drug “ice” (crystal methamphetamine) by younger acquaintances, which he says badly affected him.
He confessed that at one low point he trekked from Awoyaya to the Oriental Hotel in Lagos while under the influence.
He announced that he has quit smoking and drinking alcohol, and is working on rebuilding his health and career.
As part of his recovery and comeback, he pledged to use his platform for positivity, mental health awareness, and commitment to a healthier lifestyle.

As an artist of Isoko origin, SolidStar contributes to raising the cultural visibility of the Isoko people in Nigeria’s mainstream music.
His ability to blend his ethnic background with Lagos‑city music dynamics makes him a bridge figure: someone who draws on local heritage while appealing to broader Afrobeats audiences.
For your blog about the Isoko Nation, his story offers multiple rich angles: heritage + migration (from Delta to Lagos), success in music, cultural identity, challenge & redemption.

As of 2024, SolidStar is working on new music after his health and substance‑related hiatus.
He has also announced his engagement and seems to be entering a more stable personal phase.
His next chapter appears to involve not just musical output but advocacy — using his experience to support mental health awareness and healthy living.