Obongjayar

Steven Umoh, better known by his stage name Obongjayar, is a Nigerian singer based in London, England. After releasing several EPs, his debut studio album, Some Nights I Dream of Doors, was released in 2022, followed by Paradise Now in 2025.

Early life Steven Umoh grew up in Calabar, Nigeria. He was raised by his grandmother; his mother had moved to the UK to escape Umoh's father, who was abusive. Early in his life, Umoh primarily listened to bootleg rap, particularly Eminem, Usher, Nelly, Snoop Dogg and Ciara.

Umoh moved to live with his mother in England at the age of 17, but stayed active in the Nigerian music scene. He grew up a devoutly religious Christian, but became less so after he attended university in Norwich.

Career Obongjayar started his career publishing his music on SoundCloud. His work caught the notice of XL Recordings executive Richard Russell, who then asked Obongjayar to contribute to his Everything Is Recorded project.

In collaboration with afrobeat producer Sarz, Obongjayar released a third EP, Sweetness, in 2021. He featured on rapper Little Simz's studio album Sometimes I Might Be Introvert on the fourth single "Point and Kill", which was later accompanied by a music video. Obongjayar also released the song and music video "Message in a Hammer", the lead single for his debut album. Some Nights I Dream of Doors was released in May 2022 and was later nominated for the Best Album Ivor Novello Award on 18 May 2023.

In 2023, Obongjayar collaborated with Fred Again on the single "Adore U". The song was certified platinum in Australia and in the UK.

Style Obongjayar's music has been called "hard to describe,” incorporating elements of Indie electronic, spoken word, soul, and electronic music. His lyrics incorporate spiritual overtones, although they are not readily identifiable with any specific religious tradition.'' Label: September Recordings Format: CD, LP, digital download, streaming —

Extended plays + List of extended plays, showing relevant details Title Details Bassey Release: 25 August 2017 Label: September Recordings Format: Digital download, streaming Sweetness(with Sarz) Release: 23 July 2021 "Adore U"(with Fred Again) 2023 4 BPI: Platinum Ten Days "Just My Luck" / "Tomorrow Man" 2024 — Paradise Now "Not In Surrender" 2025 — "Jellyfish" — "—" denotes release did not chart in that territory.

As a featured artist + List of singles as a featured artist, showing year released and album name Title Year Album "Poison"(Octavian featuring Take a Daytrip, Obongjayar & Santi) 2020 "Point and Kill"(Little Simz featuring Obongjayar) 2025 Lotus

Guest appearances + List of non-single guest appearances, showing year released and album name Title Year Other artists Album"Belly of the Beast"2019Danny BrownUKnoWhatImSayin? "Gasoline" 2025 F1 the Album "Love Me" 2026 Dahi Black Boy (Alternative)