Nigerian Afropop singer-songwriter Ric Hassani was born Ikechukwu Eric Ahiauzu on 6 January 1989, in the city of Port Harcourt. After graduating from Covenant University in Nigeria, he continued his studies in England at the University of Surrey. Inspired by British R&B singer Craig David, he began making music shortly after and released his studio debut, The African Gentleman, in 2016. The album broke him into the thriving Afropop scene and featured popular singles such as "Gentleman" and "Only You." It also earned him three nominations at the 2016 All Africa Music Awards and two nominations at The Headies later that year. In 2018, his joint single with Falz and Olamide, "Believe," won Best Collaboration at the Galaxy Music Awards. He followed this success with the release of his sophomore effort The Prince I Became in 2021. "Angel," one of the album's singles, featured guest verses by Puerto Rican reggaeton artist Nicky Jam. A string of further singles emerged in 2023: "Amina & The One," "Minds Already Made Up" with Sigag Lauren and "Ngozi." Ric Hassani's third full-length offering, Afro Love, also saw the light in 2023.