From architecture to soul music... We get to know Nigerian Afro-soul artist Ogranya
Born Ogranya Jable Osai, the 29-year-old singer-songwriter from Rivers State, Nigeria, is now popularly known as just ‘Ogranya’. He went from being an architect to fully committing to his musical career, influenced by the likes of John Mayer, Ne-Yo, Kanye West and others. The sounds of these legends helped shape Ogranya’s own unique blend of Afro-soul which he shares with the world. “I’m an Afro-soul artist who has the joy of being able to swing in and out of genres,” he says.
With a bachelor’s degree in architecture achieved at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana in 2013 - to then segue into the world of music after several years of practice. Ogranya has taken a career diversion that has earned him the recognition and growth that he continuously embodies.
Ogranya’s music over the years has reflected on a variety of personal life experiences from love, healing and loss. Toxic relationships… wanting to leave / wanting to stay, for those that have found themselves in similar situations, Ogranya’s music will become the perfect soundscape to your emotional recollections. Some of his popularly known songs include ‘Lagbaja’ and ‘Wickid Somebody’ featuring Ghanaian singer-songwriter Efya, which depict certain periods in his life. ‘Lagbaja’ specifically introduced Ogranya into the limelight, whilst navigating relationships and his new found exposure into music.
He seeks to chart a new path for his music by allowing himself to grow through the past whilst capturing new experiences, rather than sticking to the same things over and over. “The conversation around black love for example needs changing,” he proclaims. “Black love should be represented with more emotional depth and healthy examples than what it is currently associated with.” Even as he works on his own healing, he hopes to translate his new experiences into his current music more widely.
In his recent body of work released throughout 2021 and entitled ‘Project 52’, Ogranya set out to release new music every week since the start of the year. With hopes that the project enables the opportunity to access a bigger audience and reach more music lovers who he can perform to and connect with, ‘Project 52’ has garnered over two million streams. “Two million streams is such a nice feeling when it happens,” shares Ogranya humbly. “But soon after, it ceases to be of any significance till the next million which you acknowledge and express gratitude for - but keep on keeping on.” He goes on to detail that the experience has challenged his team, “I was uncertain of the specific benefits but reassured of the inevitable potential. Consistency never fails to reap fruit, it feels like a real test about music production, song writing and the lot. I’ve been afforded a different level of confidence in my craft.”
Ogranya believes that people should pay attention to the African industry. “Africa is a human capital gold mine. Unprecedented talent, untold stories, unheard voices, burden laden souls, resilient spirit. Our art is transcendental.” As a rising African-soul musician his talent is set to inspire the continent. The African music industry has had both positive and opposing influences on him, “making for an interesting perspective and even more interesting stories,” he shares. “It’s the streets man, but we’re happy to be walking.”
Sharing details on facing personal challenges, Ogranya details a recent experience of perseverance as an introverted artist. “I had to do some dancing recently for a music video we’re working on. I think this has been my biggest moment so far in my career. I barely know how to do any conventional dance moves and I rarely dance to begin with. So it was a big deal for me. Took a lot of psyching and prepping.”
Whilst Ogranya is still extremely keen on education and entrepreneurship, the Architecture turned Afro-soul singer plans on perfecting his craft and creating more music. He has a truly bright and promising future that is set to take Afro-soul to the world.
Ogranya will be performing live n Lagos, Nigeria tomorrow (Saturday 11 December). Click here for tickets to attend.
CREDITS
Photography - Daniel Kons
Producer - Sabrina-Anne Sarpong
Assistant Producer - Mawuli K. Jiagge
Stylist - Jude Lartey
Set Design - Kweku Yeboah
Grooming - Elizabeth Boateng
Location - Wüenam Vacation Home
Special thanks to Joycelyn and Nana