With a sound as dynamic as his journey, UK-based Nigerian artist oSHAMO is making waves with his highly anticipated debut EP, ‘First of My Kind’. Blending the rich traditions of fuji and afrobeats with the modern energy of hip-hop and amapiano, oSHAMO’s music reflects his dual identity and the vibrant cultural influences of his upbringing in Agege, Lagos. Since moving to the UK in 2019, he has carved out a distinct niche, captivating global audiences with tracks that balance innovation with authenticity. From the viral success of ‘Life of the Party’ to the groundbreaking genre fusion of ‘oSha-Piano’, his EP is a testament to his ability to bridge cultures and redefine the boundaries of afrobeats.
In this interview for Noctis Magazine, oSHAMO dives deep into the inspiration behind ‘First of My Kind’, reflecting on how his Nigerian roots and the transition to life in the UK have shaped his artistry. With themes ranging from love and self-discovery to resilience and advocacy, the EP showcases his knack for weaving compelling narratives into infectious melodies. As oSHAMO continues to rise, he’s proving that his music isn’t just a reflection of his heritage but a blueprint for the future of global afrobeats.
Your debut EP ‘First of My Kind’ blends genres like fuji, hip-hop, and amapiano. How did your Nigerian heritage and the sounds you grew up with in Agege influence the sonic direction of this project?
This album is like a snapshot of my life, filled with all the amazing experiences and vibrant places that have shaped who I am. Moving to the UK was my first big adventure beyond Nigeria, and it really opened my eyes to the incredible energy and sound of my homeland.
At first, I felt a bit shy, worried that my unique style wouldn’t fit in here. But after all the love I received for tracks like ‘Life of the Party’, I realized I could be a cultural bridge between Nigeria and the world, starting right here in the UK. With inspiring artists like Asake and Burna boy paving the way, I’m inviting everyone to dive into the rich roots of African culture through this EP
The track ‘oSha-Piano’ has been described as genre-bending and innovative. What was your creative process like for this song, and what do you hope listeners take away from it?
This song was created in March 2024 by the same producer who worked on ‘Life of the Party’. Shortly after that track went viral, he sent me a beat pack, and one beat, ‘Osha-Piano’ immediately stood out. It gave me the same joy that I felt when I first listened to the ‘Life of the Party’ beat.
My producer is based in Nigeria, so we mostly finalized some of the stems over video calls. I recorded ‘Osha-Piano’ in West London with my vocal engineer, Dobromirs Vasilev. I believe this song will truly help my fast-growing audience understand what I want my sound to represent in the music scene.
‘Osha-Piano’ is heavily inspired by my love for Fuji, hip-hop, and amapiano, as I sought to find a middle ground between these genres. The song features a unique blend of Fuji, hip-hop, and amapiano. Its lyrics reflect my journey as an artist and my struggle to find purpose in life. I often felt lost, following the path of my friends in hopes that it might also be mine. The first line of the song captures this sentiment: “Back in the days, I was young and I felt like I was in a maze, vision blurred like a bat in the day.”
You’ve been gaining a lot of attention from platforms like BBC 1Xtra, KISS Fresh, and Notion. How has this critical acclaim impacted your approach to creating music?
In Nigeria, there is a slang called ‘ginger’ which means ‘gassed up’, yeah basically those platforms have added more ‘ginger’ to the ginger I had before haha, and it has made me know there are a lot more audience listening to my songs and learning more about oSHAMO.
‘First of My Kind’ highlights your journey from Nigeria to the UK in 2019. How did your move to the UK shape your sound and your perspective as an artist?
My move to London in 2019 was a truly transformative experience for me. Back in Nigeria, I immersed myself in Afrobeat, only occasionally listening to American artists. However, stepping into London’s vibrant multicultural environment opened my ears and heart in ways I never expected. Now, I explore a myriad of genres, discovering beautiful ways to blend my sound, all in the hopes of connecting with a global audience.
Your track ‘Life of the Party’ went viral earlier this year. What was it about that song that you think resonated so strongly with listeners, and how has that success influenced your trajectory as an artist?
At the beginning of this year, I made a bold move to redefine my sound, diving deep into what truly resonates with my soul. It was like flipping a switch, especially since people were so accustomed to the old oSHAMO vibe. So, when I posted that video and woke up to a staggering million views, it was nothing short of surreal. It felt like the universe was giving me a huge thumbs up—a validation I’d been longing for all along.
You’ve touched on the theme of standing up against false narratives about Nigerian migrants in the UK on the track ‘Alaska’. Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind this song and why it’s important to you?
Absolutely! ‘Alaska’ stands as a heartfelt reminder of the challenges faced by myself and my fellow Nigerians. This track gently addresses the misconceptions surrounding migration, emphasising that for many, it’s not merely about escaping difficult circumstances, but about showing resilience and strength. My message with ‘Alaska’ is one of hope: despite the hardships along the way, I encourage everyone to keep moving forward. One day, you’ll reflect on your journey and realize just how far you’ve truly come.
‘Won Femo’ is an autobiographical track that offers a glimpse into your personal journey. What emotions or experiences were you channeling when you wrote this song?
This song is a backstory for people that really want to know who oSHAMO is – my drive, my purpose, and my major influence whilst growing up. It’s also a song for people wanting to know how and why oSHAMO keeps pushing hard against all odds. It is also one of my favorites on my EP!
As someone who has made a name for themselves on TikTok with viral freestyles, how has social media influenced your career, and how do you balance that with your growth as a musician?
The connection I share with my audience feels surreal. I believe that everyone who supports my craft or enjoys my personality on social media must relate to my life. If they do relate, it means they have experienced—or are currently experiencing—the themes that my songs and content explore. That connection is more than enough motivation to keep me focused.
Looking ahead, what’s next for you? Are there any upcoming collaborations or new directions that you’re particularly excited about exploring after the release of ‘First of My Kind’?
There’s lots of exciting features currently in the works right now! Just stay tuned and listen to the EP for now. 2025 will be a great year.