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Ne-Yo

Shaffer Chimere Smith (born October 18, 1979), known professionally as Ne-Yo, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor. He first gained recognition for his songwriting abilities after having written Mario's 2004 single "Let Me Love You", the success of which led to a recording contract with Def Jam Recordings under then-president Jay-Z the next year. Regarded as a preeminent figure in 2000s R&B music, he is the recipient of numerous accolades—including three Grammy Awards.

Also recorded as Gogo

Ne-Yo

Ne-Yo performing in July 2005.

Timothy M. Moore at · Timothy M. Moore · CC BY-SA 3.0

Name
Ne-Yo
Birth Name
Shaffer Chimere Smith
Born
18 October 1979
Birthplace
Camden, Arkansas, U.S.
Occupation
* Singer
Awards
Full list
Full name
Shaffer Chimere Smith.
Nationality
United States.
Fields
contemporary R&B, pop, dance, soul, hip-hop and Eurodance.
Education
Las Vegas Academy of the Arts and Rancho High School.
Honours
Grammy Awards.
Languages
English.

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Documentary summary

Shaffer Chimere Smith (born October 18, 1979), known professionally as Ne-Yo, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor. He first gained recognition for his songwriting abilities after having written Mario's 2004 single "Let Me Love You", the success of which led to a recording contract with Def Jam Recordings under then-president Jay-Z the next year. Regarded as a preeminent figure in 2000s R&B music, he is the recipient of numerous accolades—including three Grammy Awards.

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Note VALÉORINE

Ne-Yo (born 1979) is an American actor, dancer and musician, among other activities. The actor was born Shaffer Chimere Smith in Camden. Ne-Yo studied at Las Vegas Academy of the Arts and Rancho High School.

Genres include contemporary R&B, dance and dance music, among others. Languages used include English. The actor received Grammy Awards.

Composed from admitted, traceable facts · 26 September 2026

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In this article

  1. 01Biography
  2. 02Visual art and other activities
  3. 03Reception, influence and legacy
  4. 04Recordings and discography
  5. 05Honours and memberships
  6. 06Notes, references and evidence

The Encyclopedia exists whether or not anything is for sale. Corrections are recorded rather than overwritten, and every version of this record is kept. Published 14 August 2026.

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