Looking back, it’s clear that a childhood shaped by unique experiences can forge a path that’s anything but ordinary. For Øsa OGB, his education and socialization played a pivotal role in moulding the person he has become. His upbringing wasn’t conventional by any means, but it’s the very foundation of his resilience and creativity today. “Growing up, I had quite the childhood, rather very different but I can definitely say it’s largely contributed to the person I am currently.”
Having lived in Ireland, Port Harcourt, and now the U.K., he’s navigated a world rich with diverse cultures. Each location, with its own distinctive ambience, has left an indelible mark on his music and outlook on life. “Each of these places comes with its own distinctive cultures, and this sets the tone for someone trying to tap into the music scene locally” he explains. Building connections wherever he goes has been a cornerstone of his journey. Meeting other artists and creatives has not only opened doors but also sparked fresh ideas and approaches to his craft. “Working with them over time sort of influenced or basically gave me ideas or new approaches to doing things.”
Music has always been a family affair, deeply rooted in his upbringing. His mother, a gospel-singing musician with a plethora of talents, was a significant influence. “I feel like she sparked my interest in music,” he recounts the memories of his mother’s soothing lullabies. Coming from a big family where music was omnipresent, whether through listening or composing, it was inevitable that he’d find his voice within the melody.
That voice is one that defies easy categorization. Described as gritty and hardcore yet mellow and soothing, his sound strikes a delicate balance between contrasting elements. “To me, being gritty or hardcore doesn’t mean you have to be loud. Remember, it’s the silent ones you should worry about.” His approach to rap is subtle yet impactful, weaving intensity into his delivery without ever shouting it. Observing versatility over time has taught him how to balance these elements across genres, creating his core sonic identity.
This philosophy of resilience and determination is encapsulated in the phrase “Only Gritty Behaviour.” For him, it’s more than a mantra—it’s a way of life. “With the way my life has played out from young, it’s been wild. The things I’ve felt and experienced—the only way I got through it was having some serious grit about me.”
“Only gritty behaviour.” is a mindset that permeates his music and approach to challenges, allowing him to navigate the industry with a determination that’s both unyielding and inspiring.
His music is a melting pot of styles and cultures, blending influences seamlessly while staying true to his essence. “My sound is already as diverse as it can be. Knowing fully well I can go from rapping in pidgin to spitting on old-school grime beats, I just do my best to listen to what the beat tells me and make sure I leave my mark on it.” This instinctive connection to the music ensures that every track carries his signature, no matter how varied the influences may be.
The journey hasn’t been without its hurdles. Having a sound that doesn’t immediately resonate with everyone often leads to self-doubt. “One of the challenges for me was just not believing in myself and doubting my own abilities because I wasn’t getting ‘approval’ or seeing signs of progress that I thought were the benchmark of where I should be.” Overcoming this required deep introspection and a commitment to self-love, both personally and musically. “That’s the best I could do, and honestly, it’s still not easy, but I know I’m doing what I love to do, and I love doing it, so I’m good. I really can’t complain.”
His advice to aspiring artists is simple yet profound: “Do it for the love of the music! Love yourself, and enjoy the process. Rome wasn’t built in a day. As long as you’re breathing, anything is possible. Lastly, don’t give up—that’s the only way to really fail.”
Creating his latest project, “Gritty Tapes” was a journey of collaboration and discovery. Initially conceived as a cypher for Port Harcourt rappers, the project evolved into something much more. “I was lucky enough to be introduced to the likes of Tonee C, Kutee Lee, Sknny, and Motombo, who were willing to bring the cyphers to life,” he recounts. The process was filled with memorable moments, from shooting videos to the electric energy in the studio. One standout memory involved recording “Playing for Keeps” with Sknny. “I had just met Sknny for the first time, and my man was just a clown. But yo, when he touched the mic??? I was stunned! Definitely one of the most memorable moments for me.”
What sets “Gritty Tapes” apart from his previous projects is its authenticity and depth. “I just did me,” he says. “I made sure I stayed true to what my vision was and executed it in the best way possible. From the audio to the visuals, it really tells a lot about me as a person, but you just have to pay attention to get the full picture. I gave the project more personality and presence.”
If he had to distill his career philosophy into a single word, it would be purpose.“I feel like I’m doing what I’m meant to be doing,” he affirms. “Of course, there is still room for improvement, but I know I’m where I’m meant to be, and I’m destined for great things.”
Through his music, he hopes to leave listeners with a sense of belonging and possibility. “I want someone out there to know they’re not alone and anything is achievable. You just have to want it really bad. I want to give people a sense of belonging even if they feel like they don’t have it. To not be scared to be who you are. There’s only one you—you’re special enough.”
