WALE

Olubowale Victor Akintimehin born on September 21, 1984, known by his stage name Wale is a Nigerian American rapper from Washington D.C. His parents are of the Yoruba ethnic group of southwestern Nigeria and came to the United States from Austria in 1979. Wale's family first lived in Northwest, Washington DC before moving to Montgomery County when Wale was 10. He rose to prominence in 2006, when his song "Dig Dug (Shake It)" became popular in his hometown. Wale became locally recognized and continued recording music for the regional audience. Producer Mark Ronson discovered Wale in 2006 and signed him to Allido Records in 2007. While signed to that label, Wale released several mixtapes and appeared in national media including MTV and various urban magazines.

COURTESY NIGERIANS IN PARIS