Obongjayar: Crafting a Diverse Sonic Palette with "Paradise Now"

Obongjayar, a 32-year-old musician, articulates his artistic philosophy using a cuisine analogy, emphasizing a diverse and nuanced approach to creation. He views human beings as multi-faceted, with varied influences shaping their contributions to the world, and rejects the notion of a single method for artistic expression.

"He views human beings as multi-faceted, with varied influences shaping their contributions to the world, and rejects the notion of a single method for artistic expression."

"Paradise Now": An Album Without Boundaries

This philosophy underpins "Paradise Now," his second album, released in 2025. The album showcases his versatility, featuring stylistically adventurous songs that blend West African grooves with synth-pop, funk, gritty guitars, and lullabies, making them resistant to easy categorization.

"Paradise Now" intentionally defies strict genre labels and stereotypes associated with diasporic artists. Obongjayar acknowledges the role of labels but criticizes the tendency to confine artists based solely on their heritage, stating that such an attitude can hinder artistic potential.

Musical Roots and Evolving Sound

He identifies Afrobeats as his fundamental musical "DNA" and "heartbeat," a rhythm he grew up understanding. However, he also incorporates elements from rock and roll, punk, funk, and jazz, reflecting his broad inspirations and building upon his original musical foundation.

From Calabar to Global Stages: Journey and Collaborations

Born Steven Umoh in Calabar, Nigeria, Obongjayar was raised by his grandmother. At 17, he moved to Britain and began creating hip hop. His evolving music led to a signing with XL Recordings and several EPs.

His 2022 debut album, "Some Nights I Dream Of Doors," was followed by notable collaborations with artists such as Danny Brown, Sampha, and Pa Salieu. A remix of his song "I Wish It Was Me" by Fred again.., retitled "Adore U," achieved platinum status in Australia and the UK, expanding his audience. Obongjayar states his collaborations are driven by genuine artistic connection rather than strategic opportunity.

He shares a strong artistic bond with Little Simz, who is the only guest feature on "Paradise Now," appearing on the track "Talk Olympics." Obongjayar describes their collaboration as seamless and a mutual exchange of creative input.

Vocal Versatility and Instinctual Songwriting

The album also highlights Obongjayar's vocal range, transitioning from deep tones to a falsetto within songs. This is evident in "Born In This Body," which addresses self-scrutiny; "Talk Olympics," featuring rhythmic chattering; and "Jellyfish," a politically charged track critical of British politicians. He explains that his songwriting is instinctual, reflecting his immediate feelings, whether anger or celebration, and serves as a means of self-discovery and expressing his perspective on the world.

A Message of Light and Connection

Despite acknowledging global challenges and chaos, Obongjayar expresses enthusiasm for being alive. Following his second Australian tour, he highlighted the importance of connection and community. He mentioned "Prayer" as a meaningful song in his live set, symbolizing hope. Obongjayar views himself as a source of "light" in dark times, stating, "I am the light!" and believes his art inherently conveys goodness without external pressure.