“My sound is a blend of futuristic, conscious music that harmonizes the mind, body, and soul. It breaks free from boundaries, resists being confined to any box, and is limitless in its imagination“.
Oba Ara on his sound.
For Oba Ara, creativity is boundless. When he isn’t making music, he’s painting, channeling his artistry through the brush just as he does through his music. Every note, every beat, every stroke of paint is part of his story—a story he’s ready to share with the world.
Known for his mastery of the trumpet and the talking drum, Oba Ara brings a distinct blend of indigenous sounds and modern music to life. His style is unmistakable: bold, rich, and timeless, capturing a spirit that feels both eternal and deeply rooted.
The weighty elements that carries his artistry is what piques our interest to reveal more insights on the act to the public. Our representative caught up with the act to discuss his creative abilities, newly released single and next steps for his career.
Tell us a little about your background, how it was like growing up and your immediate family.
I grew up in a family of three children, surrounded by uncles and aunties who always played music on the radio. They were huge fans of tuning into the raving records at the time. So, the constant presence of music had a huge impact on me. I also had my brother, who played the Trombone in the Air Force, who also contributed to my early exposure to brass instruments and music generally.
How did you find music as a very tangible thing to do?
It is also because of my brother that I found music to be further intriguing. I remember a time when his band went to perform for the then President, Olusegun Obasanjo, in Abuja. That moment was eye-opening—it made me realize that music could take you anywhere if you had talent and a voice. Those moments built the foundation of who I am now, and just gave me the motivation to push on till I get what I want.
Who were your musical idols and influences while growing up, and those you admire now?
As for my inspirations, I admire legends like Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, and the Afro-God. They’re extraordinary artists who have shaped the world of music and inspired me to aim for greatness.
When did you start music professionally and what fueled your decision to delve into music?
I started playing instruments during my early secondary school years. That’s when I first got into music. I joined the school band, which gave me my first real exposure to live music. That experience sparked my interest and led me to enter the studio at around 15 or 16 to begin recording as a professional artist.
“Oba Ara”, why that stage name ?
For my stage name, it was derived from God. The full name is Oba Aramanda, which translates to “The God of Wonders.” That’s where the inspiration came from.
How will you describe your sound and how it makes you unique as an artist?
I’m like water—I can flow and adapt to any sound or vibe. That in itself speaks to my uniqueness as an artist.
Your sound obviously moves a little bit from the mainstream, is it about preference or just artistic way of passing your message?
My sound is a blend of futuristic, conscious music that harmonizes the mind, body, and soul. It breaks free from boundaries, resists being confined to any box, and is limitless in its imagination.
You have been in this music journey for a while, what are your lessons learned? Share with us some of your lowest and highest points.
The music business is full of ups and downs, and every day is an opportunity to keep learning and perfecting your craft. It’s a continuous journey of growth. There are plenty of highs and a few lows along the way, but the goal is to create more high moments than low ones.
This year has been a quiet one for you. Although you have a new single out. How will you describe the year?
This year has been amazing—sharing my music with the world and working hard to connect with even more listeners. This year has been nothing short of amazing—a year of growth, new experiences, and fresh perspectives.
Your new single “Eko To Hollywood”. What was the inspiration behind the project?
The inspiration behind the song is rooted in greatness: believing in yourself, trusting your journey, and staying focused on what you want to achieve as a top-tier musician. If you can blow in Lagos, you’ve already blown on a global scale. The message in this song is one of greatness: you can achieve anything you desire if you truly set your mind to it.
What are your expectations with the record after release?
I expect this song to achieve worldwide success and spread my message far and wide.
What are your next plans for growth or to move to the next level in your music career?
Next year, I plan to release more singles and a powerful project that will leave a lasting impact.
If you could have your wish now, which artists will you love to work with?
If I were to collaborate with anyone, I’d love to work with people like Sarz and Pheelz. I’d have loved to work with Fela if he were still alive. I want to collaborate with musical geniuses—artists like Travis Scott, The Weeknd, Chris Brown, Wizkid, and Burna Boy. Honestly, I’d love to work with anyone creating beautiful music right now.
