Erhiga Agarivbie, popularly known as Erigga, is a celebrated Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter, widely recognized as the “King of the Street” for his gritty, relatable lyrics and unique storytelling.
Hailing from Warri, Delta State, Erigga has carved a niche in the Nigerian hip-hop scene with his authentic blend of Pidgin English, Afrobeat, and street rap, resonating with fans across Nigeria and beyond.
Erigga Biography
| Real Name | Erhiga Agarivbie |
| Famous As | Rapper, Singer, Songwriter |
| Ethnicity | Itsekiri |
| Education | University of Port Harcourt |
| Parents | Mr. and Mrs. Agarivbie |
| Siblings | Four |
| Spouse | Morenike Agarivbie |
| Children | Kyla Agarivbie |
| Relationship | Married |
Early Life and Education
Erhiga Agarivbie (born on March 30, 1987, 38 years old) is from Warri, Delta State, Nigeria, as the eldest of five children to Mr. and Mrs. Agarivbie. Erigga attended Standard International School in Warri for both his primary and secondary education.
Erigga enrolled at the University of Port Harcourt to study law but left in his second year to focus on his burgeoning music career, a decision that marked the beginning of his journey to stardom.
Career
Erigga launched his music career in 2010 with his debut single, “Mo Street Gan,” a street anthem that became the theme song for Radio Continental in Lagos.
The song’s music video, directed by Akin Alabi, introduced his raw, narrative-driven style, earning him early recognition in the Nigerian hip-hop scene.
Despite initial challenges, including limited airplay due to the explicit content of his 2010 single “Dem No Get Two Heads,” directed by Igho Tosin, Erigga’s authenticity resonated with fans. The controversial video, while limiting mainstream awards and endorsements, solidified his street credibility.
His breakthrough came in 2012 with the hit single “Coupe Decale,” featuring Shuun Bebe, which gained widespread airplay and established him as a rising star. Subsequent releases, such as “Love No Be Garri” (2014) with Jimoh Waxiu, further showcased his ability to blend Afrobeat, hip-hop, and street rap.
In 2017, Erigga released his debut album, A Trip to the South, under Emirate Empire, featuring artists like Orezi, Skales, and Duncan Mighty. The album’s storytelling and lyrical depth, with tracks like “Kettle” and “Lagos,” earned critical acclaim for addressing themes of poverty and hustle.
His 2019 album, The Erigma II, featured collaborations with top artists like Burna Boy, Zlatan, MI Abaga, and Ice Prince, showcasing his versatility and growth.
The album, praised for its production and lyrical content, earned nominations at The Headies and solidified his influence in the Nigerian rap scene. Currently signed to Empire Emirates Records, Erigga continues to produce music that resonates with the grassroots, maintaining his signature Warri Pidgin English and street-centric themes.
Discography
- Mo Street Gan (2010, Single)
- Coupe Decale ft. Shuun Bebe (2013, Single)
- Love No Be Garri ft. Jimoh Waxiu (2014, Single)
- A Trip to the South (2017, Album)
- Motivation ft. Victor AD (2018, Single)
- Glory ft. Nosa (2018, Single)
- The Erigma II (2019, Album)
- Next Track ft. Oga Network (2020, Single)
Awards and Nominations
- 2012: Nominated for Best Street Hop Artiste for “Mo Street Gan” at The Headies
- 2012: Nominated for Lyricist on the Roll at The Headies
- 2018: Won City People Music Award for Best Indigenous Artiste of the Year
- 2019: Nominated for Best Rap Artiste at The Headies
Social Media
Instagram Handle: @eriggapaperboi
Facebook Handle: Erigga Paper Boi
Twitter Handle: @erigganewmoney
Personal Life
Erigga is a devoted family man, married to Morenike Agarivbie since their traditional wedding in Warri on October 2, 2020. The couple welcomed their daughter, Kyla Agarivbie, who was three years old as of 2023.
Erigga has shared insights on relationships, stating that many marriages fail because people prioritize readiness over love, a perspective that reflects his grounded personality. Despite his public persona, he maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing on his music and family.
Net Worth
Erigga’s estimated net worth is approximately $1 million. His wealth stems from music sales, live performances, streaming revenue, and endorsement deals with local brands. His multi-million-naira deal with Empire Emirates Records in 2016, which included a car and a luxurious apartment in Lagos, marked a significant milestone in his financial success.
