In the dynamic expanse of Nigerian contemporary music, where conformity often overshadows uniqueness, one name stands out boldly with audacious originality and profound artistic depth—Steven Umoh, known as 'Obongjayar.' His journey, born on the soil of Nigeria, takes us on an exhilarating ride that transcends borders and genres, marking him as a rare gem in the music industry.
Nigerian-born, London-based musician/singer/songwriter, Obongjayar strikes you as an artist unyielding in his vision, a creator who breathes and sculpts with unparalleled freedom. His distinctive craft makes him incomparable to everyone else in the musical landscape.
Early Life and Inspirations
Obongjayar's music reflects his upbringing in the culturally-rich streets of Calabar, Nigeria. His childhood, steeped in the vibrant traditions of masquerades and cultural dances, laid the foundation for a sonic expedition echoing the celebratory passion of his homeland.
The trance-like melodies and rhythmic gyrations in these cultural celebrations influence his love for percussive beats and his show of unrestrained passion. He mixes this with the futuristic sounds of hip-hop, cyber-punk and electronic cadences.
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Obongjayar's journey narratives began with a resolve to be a musician at the tender age of six. A story etched with maternal sacrifice. When Obongjayar was five, his mother – pregnant with his baby sister – left Nigeria to head to London, ultimately searching for a better life for her children. Obongjayar describes his mother's departure as "fleeing from the country's hardship".
Obongjayar lived with his Grandma in Calabar and wouldn't reunite with his mother until the age of 17, when he moved to London in preparation for college.
In the academic corridors of college, he metamorphosed from singing in an American accent, an ode to his hip-hop-infused childhood, to succumbing to the lyrical embrace of his natural Nigerian-British accent. The transition marked the inception of his professional journey—a testament to the fluidity of identity and the fusion of diverse influences.
Inspired by his mother's travails, Obongjayar's music reflects profound strength of resilience and endurance which led to his love for the diverse musical traditions of his homeland. Yet, his musical curiosity knew no bounds, and he drew inspiration from an array of global influences. This makes his music a harmonious convergence of traditions.
He is currently based in London, England. Obongjayar attended a university in Norwich. Albeit growing up listening to bootleg rap, from the likes of Eminem, Kanye, Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, Usher, Ciara and Nelly, his music career took motivation from the likes of Fela Kuti, Radiohead, and Billy Bragg.
Music Career and Breakthrough
Across the arc of his musical journey, Obongjayar has mastered the art of alchemy, seamlessly blending Afrobeat, soul, R&B, and electronic elements into a sonic experience that transcends boundaries.
He started his career by uploading his songs on SoundCloud around 2014, garnering a huge audience who stayed true to his authenticity. His originality and exceptionality brought the attention of XL recordings executive Richard Russell which allowed him to contribute to his Everything Is Recorded project.
His lyrical prowess and distinctive vocal style set him apart as a true maverick in the music industry. He released his first extended playlist ‘Home’ in 2016. He released his second EP titled ‘Bassey’ which displayed the high level of talent withheld in the superstar.
His breakout moment came with the release of "Endless," a haunting and evocative track that introduced audiences to his otherworldly sound. His subsequent releases, such as "Frens" and "Adjö" further cemented his reputation as an artist who fearlessly explores the boundaries of sound and emotion. Obongjayar dropped his third project ‘Sweetness’ which featured Nigerian superstar producer ‘Sarz’.
Obongjayar's consistency and prowess drew the gaze of fellow artists, leading to collaborations on notable projects such as Richard Russell's 'Close But Not Quite,' Danny Brown's 'Uknowhatimsayin?,' and Little Sim's 'Sometimes I Might Be an Introvert.' Obongjayar has infused the art of spoken words in his sound which has made him stand exceptionally well among his peers.
Performance and Style
Obongjayar's music has been called "hard to describe,” incorporating elements of afrobeat, spoken word, soul, and electronic music. His lyrics incorporate spiritual overtones, although they are not readily identifiable with any specific religious tradition.
A unifying feature of all of Obongjayar's music is his unique voice, which slides between rapping, singing, and spoken word. His music is a testament to the power of artistic exploration and a celebration of cultural diversity.
His ability to seamlessly meld the traditional with the contemporary, and the local with the global, is a reflection of his life's journey. In a world where musical genres often serve as boundaries, Obongjayar stands as a bridge, connecting audiences with the universal language of emotion.
More intriguing are his electrifying performances— a mesmerizing journey into the depths of his music. With a charismatic stage presence, he invites the audience to explore the intricacies of his songs. Each live show is an immersive experience, a wonderful adventure that blends genres and cultures. His ability to connect with the crowd on an emotional level sets his performances apart, leaving a lasting impact on all who witness them.
His pen-game is nothing short of genius. He is incredibly versatile with a distinctive voice that sets him apart from everyone else. Over the years, he's grown to become an emotionally charged artist, wearing his heart in his lyrics. Obongjayar isn't just writing songs, he's exploring what it means to be alive. His soul-baring style is the result of a search for identity amid his travels from his native country to London, with a pivotal expedition to the deepest, whitest parts of England in between.
Conclusion
Obongjayar's career showcases the limitless possibilities of music. A visionary who paints with the colors of sound, he defies conventions and leaves an indelible mark on those who experience his art.
As his journey unfolds, Obongjayar proves to be more than an artist; he's a visionary, crafting and speaking with a freedom that sets him apart. His music is a vibrant replication of the energies that shaped his formative years, a celebration of cultural diversity that resonates universally. Obongjayar stands as a beacon of vision in the world of music, continuing to paint his canvas with the vibrant hues of sound
Posted by Abdulazeez A Shomade | Published on 2023-10-31 12:26:33