Artist Name
Obongjayar

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Some Nights I Dream of Do (2022)

Which Way Is Forward? (2020)

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Origin
Calaba

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Soul

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Alternate Name
Steven Umoh

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Steven Umoh, better known as Obongjayar, is a Nigerian-born singer who has made a name for himself in the global music scene with his unique blend of Afrobeats and spoken word. Based in London, Obongjayar has released several EPs and made his debut with the studio album 'Some Nights I Dream of Doors' in 2022.

Born and raised in Calabar, Nigeria, Steven's early years were marked by the influence of his grandmother who raised him while his mother moved to the UK to escape his abusive father. His musical tastes were formed by the bootleg rap he listened to during his childhood, featuring artists like Eminem, Usher, Nelly, Snoop Dogg, and Ciara.

At 17, Steven moved to England to join his mother, but he continued to be deeply involved with the Nigerian music scene. While he was brought up as a deeply religious Christian, his beliefs softened during his university years in Norwich. While in college, he found his voice, initially singing in an American accent heavily influenced by the hip-hop artists he admired, before transitioning to his distinctive Nigerian-British accent as he started his professional career.

Obongjayar's music career began on SoundCloud, where his unique sound caught the attention of Richard Russell, an executive from XL Recordings. This led to Obongjayar's contribution to Russell's 'Everything Is Recorded' project. In 2016, Obongjayar released his debut EP, 'Home', which Noisey praised for navigating darkness with nocturnal, near-spiritual hymns.

His second EP, 'Bassey,' followed and was recognized for its minimalist production, Afrobeats rhythms, and exploration of spirituality, politics, and his experiences as a Black individual. In 2017, he featured on Richard Russell's EP, 'Close But Not Quite'.

Obongjayar's career further expanded in 2019 when he collaborated with Detroit rapper Danny Brown on his fifth studio album, 'U Know What I'm Sayin?' for two tracks, "Belly of the Beast" and "uknowhatimsayin¿". Teaming up with Afrobeat producer Sarz, he then released his third EP, 'Sweetness', in 2021.

That same year, he featured on rapper Little Simz's album 'Sometimes I Might Be Introvert' in the single "Point and Kill," which was subsequently accompanied by a music video. This was followed by the release of "Message in a Hammer," the lead single for his debut album. 'Some Nights I Dream of Doors' was officially released in May 2022.

Obongjayar's music stands out due to its unique blend of Afrobeats, spoken word, soul, and electronic music. His lyrics often bear spiritual overtones, not identifiable with any specific religious tradition but reflecting his personal spiritual journey. A constant in all of his music is his unique voice, a versatile instrument that effortlessly shifts between rapping, singing, and spoken word.


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Last Edit by Petter
25th Jul 2023

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