Photo Credit George Muncey
Obongjayar kicks off 2025 with his new single “Not in Surrender.” The new offering sees Obongjayar burning the candle at both ends as he reflects on hedonistic nights that we secretly never want to end.
Conjuring a Prince-like transcendence as it builds and soars, all breathless adlibs and syncopated percussion, his buoyant and jubilant new single “Not In Surrender” follows on from the release of the infectiously danceable and dreamlike pop creation “Just My Luck.” Together, these tracks indicate the artistic evolution, expansion and development of the unmistakable Obongjayar sound, hinting at what is to come from his next album.
Speaking on the single, Obongjayar shares:
“You burn out quick burning the candle at both sides but it makes a magnificent light! This song is about working hard and playing hard seeing how far you can stretch the limits! It’s inspired by my paradise parties the people, the adventure, the fun.”
Last Summer, Obongjayar launched his intimate party series PARADISE NOW at Ormside Projects which saw guests and friends alike including Little Simz, Pa Salieu, Kwes Darko, James Messiah, Dean George, Peter Xan, Lava La Rue, Chi, Kwes and more take the stage.
About Obongjayar
Born in Lagos and raised in Calabar, Nigeria, before moving to the UK when he was 18 years old, while growing up, Obongjayar found an escape in music. Growing up in Nigeria, Obongjayar gravitated towards American hip-hop and R&B – Eminem, Ciara, Nelly, Snoop Dogg, and his prized possession, a bootleg Nelly and Usher compilation. It wasn’t until moving to London in his late teens that he really began to appreciate Nigeria’s musical heritage. First releasing his own music through Soundcloud, what quickly followed was a string of hugely successful EPs and singles including “God’s Own Children” which earned him an Ivor Novello award. In 2022 he released his debut album Some Nights I Dream of Doors to critical acclaim with praise from the likes of i-D, Crack Magazine, The Guardian, NPR, DIY and more.
With a truly unique sound blending everything from electronic, soul, pop, afro-beat and more, his compelling music characterised by his thoughtful and emotional lyrics have led him to collaborate with everyone from Jeshi to Little Simz to Pa Salieu, and most recently Fred Again… on “adore u,” that found the producer sampling Obongjayar’s “I Wish It Was Me” and garnering over 225 million streams globally.
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