Welcome to an exclusive interview with the dynamic and multifaceted young musician, OB1. At just 16 years old, OB1 has already begun to carve out a significant place in the music world, embracing a diverse range of genres from afrobeat to rap. OB1’s journey is not just about music; it’s a story of passion, dedication, and an unwavering support system.
Hey, thanks for chatting with us. Tell us a little about yourself.
Well, my name is OB1 and I am 16 years old. I love all kinds of music, but I (really) love afrobeat, pluggnb, and rap. I started my musical journey at about 3 years old with piano lessons my mom arranged for me, but on my own, I picked up the tuba and sang at my school while I was in year 3 (3rd grade) at 7 years old and hit it off!
Who or what inspired you to start making music? And, when did you start?
My mom – simply! But I have to add with my dad’s encouragement! As I said my mom started me with piano lessons at 3 years old! Although she hired tutors, and she never played the tuba, for every music grade exam she was my coach and every time she coached me I got a distinction! Also, she coached me in my singing exams theory and practical, and again I would ace it! I was featured in a local newspaper in Surrey, England where I was raised. I was the Gold medalist in the Brass instrument competition and a Silver medalist in the singing competitions for the Royal Ascot Music Festival. It was brilliant!
What is your biggest challenge as an artist?
I would like to master my music theory (fully read music). I am an artist, but would love to develop my singing and songwriter skills like my mom and be a beat maker. Although not so much of a challenge yet, I am still in high school and planning to go to a great university to study music and medicine! So I know challenges are coming my way!
What is your favorite project or single you have released?
All the songs I have either featured in or released are great! But my favorite is yet to be released, my first pluggnb genre song called – Hussle! I can’t wait for you to hear that one! It was produced by my manager and mom but under my instructions! I love how she listens to me and what I want! Watch for this one! It is out in spring next year!
Who are your inspirations? What artists or bands are you listening to?
My first inspiration is God, then my parents and my grandparents! I love (listening to) Autumn, Nemzz, Pink Pantheress, and Jianbo.
What’s the process behind working on a song like?
Wow! Hard! I leave most of the process to my mom at the moment! I tell her what I like and want and she guides me through it. However, I experience mostly alongside her. Going to studio sessions and working with vocal coaches and trying to be the best we can be really. The process is hard work but we get it done!
Tell me about your upcoming music and what inspired you to create it!
My upcoming music is called Angel. I co-wrote the lyrics with my mom on this and wow it is amazing! It is an uplifting song, just trying to tell people you are not alone, we have Angels. I feel like in everything we do we need to be vigilant and careful but sometimes we just don’t even see what to avoid, so our Angels do that for us. I am a Christian so I believe God always sends his appointed Angels to protect us. Bad things still happen but we hold on to our hope and faith to pull us through.
What are your plans for 2024?
Wow! First, I aim to finish high school with flying colors! To release my EP by summer 2024 and work towards getting into a great university while pushing out good music! For my music, I hope for a fab record deal in the future. We get better and better every day!
Have any shoutouts?
Shout out to God and our lord Jesus Christ who is making this all happen for us! Shout out to my mom and especially my dad, who is my hero and fully supports my mom and me in everything we do. Shout out to my baby sister – she is just the best and I love her dearly! Shout out to my grandparents who support us all the way! Shout out to my friends, Tadgh (and his little sister and brother), Tobi & Jayden who were featured in our music video – Angel! To my Aunty C and cousins, Jessica N and the Wogu’s kids who also featured in our Angel music video. Finally, to all my fans and people who genuinely believe in this journey we are taking.
For OB1, it’s clear that his journey is just beginning. With his sights set on both musical and academic achievements, including an upcoming EP and aspirations to study music and medicine at university, OB1 represents a new generation of artists who are not only talented but also versatile and ambitious. As we watch OB1 soar to new heights, his story serves as an inspiration for young artists everywhere. Check out his single Coast to Coast on YouTube.