Two of Nigerian artist Obongjayar’s biggest heroes are Fela Kuti and Bob Marley: iconic figures who can convey a powerful message for humanity through the seams of an infectious groove. In his young career, Steven Umoh already has plenty of footnotes to be proud of – collaborations with Richard Russell, Fred Again… and Little Simz brought his shapeshifting Afrobeat-inspired pop to the global audience. After his impressive show at MOMO Festival 2019 at BIRD, Obongjayar returns to MOMO!

His latest album Paradise Now is a cross-cultural tapestry of sounds that meshes highlife, pop, psychedelic rock, and dancehall in fun, daredevil fashion. The record was named after a series of parties Obongjayar hosted where the freedom to experiment with great sound systems and the staying present were paramount. A natural performer, Obongjayar has deftly taken those very principles to the stage on a wider scale.

“When he steps an octave up from his resting pitch, the Nigerian-born, London-based singer embodies a vengeful ghost with unfinished business; an octave down, and he transforms into a ferocious dancehall MC” – Pitchfork