TL;DR:
Obongjayar is one of the most intriguing voices in modern music—blending Afrobeat, soul, hip-hop, and spoken word with a voice that floats between a whisper and a battle cry. From Lagos to London, his rise is proof that genre is just a suggestion.
Who Is Obongjayar?
Real name: Steven Umoh
Origin: Calabar, Nigeria → London, UK
Genres: Afrobeat, Alternative Soul, Spoken Word, Electronic
Notable Projects: Some Nights I Dream of Doors, God’s Own Children, collaborations with Little Simz, Pa Salieu, and Danny Brown.
Obongjayar’s music is visceral, spiritual, and political—tapping into both his Nigerian heritage and his global perspective.
Sound That Transcends Borders
Obongjayar doesn’t fit into a neat category. His voice morphs between a gritty sing-rap cadence and a falsetto-laced melody that feels almost ancestral. Critics have called him everything from an Afro-futurist poet to a soul mystic.
His breakout track “God’s Own Children” was an ethereal rallying cry—a song that speaks to the displacement and resilience of African youth, built on rhythmic percussion and airy synths.
“I’m not a rapper. I’m not a singer. I’m just a vessel.”
– Obongjayar in an interview with The Guardian
Collaboration with Little Simz – “Point and Kill”
One of his most recognized global moments came via the 2021 track “Point and Kill” with Little Simz. In that song, Obongjayar’s haunting vocal hook gives the song its Afrobeat backbone and political bite.
It’s a defiant message of agency, power, and presence—and one that earned Obongjayar recognition beyond underground fans.
Lyrical Themes and Identity
Obongjayar’s lyrics often explore:
- Colonial legacy
- Spiritual duality (Christianity vs. African tradition)
- Cultural disconnection from his Nigerian roots
- Personal evolution as a Black man in diaspora
His debut album, Some Nights I Dream of Doors, dives into fears of time, ambition, and belonging, featuring standout tracks like:
- Message in a Hammer – a politically charged anthem
- Try – a vulnerable meditation on survival and ambition
- Parasite – a haunting groove about exploitation
Influences That Shaped Him
Obongjayar draws inspiration from:
- Fela Kuti – for Afrobeat structure and rebellion
- Gil Scott-Heron – for poetic cadence
- Mos Def / Yasiin Bey – for introspection
- Radiohead – for emotional experimentation
Despite these influences, his sound remains uniquely his own.
Visual Style & Performance
Obongjayar’s performance art is spiritual and raw—bare-chested, eyes closed, body moving to the drum of his ancestors. His visuals are cinematic, rich with symbolism, and often reference African traditions and modern chaos alike.
His videos frequently feature Afrofuturist aesthetics, natural landscapes, ritualistic movements, and minimalist fashion rooted in Black identity.
Where to Hear Him Next
Obongjayar is currently making waves across global festival circuits and collaborations. He’s been featured on tracks with:
- Pa Salieu (Style & Fashion)
- Danny Brown
- Giggs
- And rumblings of a new project in 2025.
Final Thoughts
In a musical world obsessed with labels, Obongjayar reminds us that true artistry comes from within—from the echoes of ancestors to the struggles of modern Black identity. His voice cuts through noise and trends to deliver music that feels like prophecy.
If you haven’t experienced the magic of Obongjayar, now’s the time.
