Obongjayar - PARADISE NOW

When Obongjayar released his debut album ‘Some Nights I Dream Of Doors’ in 2022, he wove a rich cultural tapestry reflecting his Nigerian roots and London upbringing through Afrobeats, soul, and electro-pop. Now, second album ‘PARADISE NOW’ arrives with renewed focus - defining his own paradise, a place of inner peace. The album opens with the pain of distant heartbreak on ‘It’s Time’, where his falsetto flutters over minimal synths and gentle percussion as he sings, “No more excuses / I know I can do this.” ‘Life Ahead’ follows, capturing an emotional struggle through shifts between smooth high pitches and raspy growls, portraying two sides clashing in search of calm. The mood brightens with ‘Peace In Your Heart’ and the Afrobeat praise of ‘Holy Mountain’, before turning critical on standout single ‘Jellyfish’, a furious indictment of UK politicians underscored by a driving drum and bass rhythm that echoes the rebellion of a Carnival soundsystem. Keeping the movement going, ‘Talking Olympics’ features guest and longtime collaborator Little Simz weaving around woody drum patterns.

While Obongjayar’s consistent grooves are a notable component of his sound, the album’s variety prevents it from feeling homogenous. Punk melodies on ‘Not In Surrender’ and the primal rock punch of ‘Instant Animal’ add fresh textures to his signature grooves. Lyrically, the mix of catchy lines and affirmations strengthens the album’s cohesion, culminating in raw self-acceptance on ‘Born Into This Body’, inspired by his grandmother’s loving words, while ‘Happy Head’ enforces what paradise should be: a place where it’s okay to slow down. While his debut sought to break barriers, ‘PARADISE NOW’ embraces the present moment without feeling pressure to innovate. The result is mental and musical clarity - a joyous manifesto of “no rules, total freedom, total confidence in self.”