Last month saw the release of London-based Nigerian artist Obongjayar’s highly praised debut album ‘Some Nights I Dream Of Doors’ (via September Recordings). The album is the culmination of years of writing and recording, collaborating and performing that serves as a true calling card for an artist that has found their own unique musical style – with time as its central theme, we find an artist reflecting on his journey so far and looking towards a bright future.
Today he follows the album release with a brand new video for the single ‘New Man’, directed by Chukwuka Nwobi and filmed in Lagos Nigeria, we find Obongjayar in warrior stance, performing on rooftops and in the shadowy corners of the country he spent his childhood in – as the camera’s eye alternates between swooping panoramas and intimate close-ups, he sings of self-discovery and rebirth; “I am the black sheep, I am the new man, unlike no other’, speaking further about the track and video, Obongjayar writes; “This one is for US! No more being timid about who I am or following in footsteps that have lead nowhere! I am creating my own road. Thats the sentiment behind the track and when I spoke to Chuka about that he put together an idea that was the most performance-led video I’ve made before – nowhere to hide!”
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Having garnered attention throughout 2021 by drip-feeding music in the shape of singles ‘Message In A Hammer’, ‘Try’, and last month’s ‘Tinko Tinko (Don’t Play Me For A Fool)’ as well as show-stopping collaborations with Little Simz on the track “Point and Kill”, Pa Salieu on “Style & Fashion” and a full EP with influential Nigerian producer Sarz entitled “Sweetness” – it’s hard to believe that Obongjayar has only just released his full-length album.
In the years that have passed since he released his first single, his music still defies easy categorization. His musical palette is expansive, with a nod to the rich musical textures of his Nigerian roots, he adds a multitude of influences and on ‘Some Nights I Dream Of Doors’ his sound is more potent than ever. Recorded over 12 months with producer Barney Lister (and from J Rick on ‘All The Difference), he’s created an album that transcends its influence, creating an innovative and fresh body of work that is ready to define 2022.
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