Obongjayar – Which Way Is Forward
| Stage Name: | Obongjayar |
| Real Name: | Steven Umoh |
| Occupation: | Musician |
| Date Of Birth/Age: | 16th October, 1989 (35 years old) |
| State of Origin: | Cross River State |
| Gender: | Male |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Marital Status: | Not Married |
| Education: | |
| Known for: | Which Way Is Forward |
Early Life
Born on October 16, 1989, in Calabar, Nigeria, Steven Umoh’s early years were marked by challenges. Raised by his grandmother, he experienced the absence of his mother, who had sought refuge in the UK to escape his abusive father. Despite these hardships, his childhood was filled with the vibrant sounds of bootleg rap, immersing himself in the beats of Eminem, Usher, Nelly, Snoop Dogg, and Ciara.
At the age of 17, Umoh joined his mother in England, a move that did not detach him from his Nigerian roots. While still connected to the Nigerian music scene, he transformed his religious beliefs during his university years in Norwich. Initially a devout Christian, his perspectives shifted as he explored new horizons, both musically and spiritually. This period marked the evolution of his vocal style from an American accent, reflecting his hip hop influences, to embracing his natural Nigerian-British accent as he stepped into the realm of professional singing.
Career Beginnings
Obongjayar’s journey into the music industry began on the grassroots platform, SoundCloud. His distinctive work did not go unnoticed, catching the attention of XL Recordings executive Richard Russell. Russell invited Obongjayar to contribute to his project, “Everything Is Recorded,” marking the initiation of his promising career.
In 2016, Obongjayar released his first EP, “Home,” described by Noisey as a collection showcasing “a unique voice: one that navigates darkness with nocturnal, near-spiritual hymns.” This was followed by the release of his second EP, “Bassey,” known for its sparse production and infusion of afrobeat rhythms, touching on themes of spirituality, politics, and his experiences as a Black individual. Additionally, Obongjayar collaborated on Richard Russell’s 2017 EP, “Close But Not Quite.”
His talents continued to gain recognition, and in 2019, he featured on rapper Danny Brown’s fifth studio album, “U Know What I’m Sayin?,” contributing to tracks like “Belly of the Beast” and “uknowhatimsayin¿.”
Collaborations and Artistic Growth
In 2021, Obongjayar joined forces with afrobeat producer Sarz to release a third EP, “Sweetness,” showcasing their dynamic creative synergy. This period also saw his collaboration with rapper Little Simz on the single “Point and Kill” from her studio album, “Sometimes I Might Be Introvert.” Obongjayar’s multifaceted talent was further displayed in the release of the lead single, “Message in a Hammer,” accompanied by a music video, setting the stage for his debut studio album.
The much-anticipated debut album, “Some Nights I Dream of Doors,” finally emerged in May 2022. A testament to his growth as an artist, the album solidified Obongjayar’s position in the music industry.
Musical Style
Describing Obongjayar’s musical style proves challenging, as it seamlessly weaves together elements of afrobeat, spoken word, soul, and electronic music. His lyrics carry spiritual undertones, though not confined to any specific religious tradition. What unifies all of Obongjayar’s compositions is his unmistakable voice, effortlessly transitioning between rap, singing, and spoken word.
Discography
Studio Albums:
- “Some Nights I Dream of Doors” (2022)
EPs:
- “Home” (2016)
- “Bassey” (2017)
- “Which Way Is Forward” (2020)
- “Sweetness” (2021)
Wife and Kids
He is currently unmarried and has no kids.
Net Worth
He has an estimated net worth of over $250,000 dollars. You can connect with him on Instagram.