All Of It Podcast: Obongjayar Blends Afrobeat, Electro-Pop, and Raw Emotion (A Listening Party)
Host: Tiffany Hansen (in place of Alison Stewart)
Release Date: July 24, 2025
Duration: Approximately 21 minutes
1. Introduction and Welcoming [00:35 - 01:59]
The episode begins with Tiffany Hansen welcoming listeners to a special listening party featuring Nigerian-born, London-based musician Obanjr (Obongjayar). Obanjr is set to perform his highly anticipated sophomore album, Paradise Now, at the Music Hall of Williamsburg later that evening. Tiffany provides a brief overview of Obanjr's musical journey, highlighting his transition from hip hop influences in Nigeria to embracing Nigeria's rich musical heritage after relocating to the UK at 17.
Notable Quote:
[01:03] Tiffany Hansen: “Obanjr has returned with a new album that features some of his most intimate storytelling, focusing on themes such as self-acceptance, grief, loneliness, and what it means to live in the present.”
2. Overview of Obanjr and His Music [02:06 - 03:19]
Tiffany references a Pitchfork review, which described Obanjr's Paradise Now as a “renewed mission statement” and praises his fusion of Afrobeat, soul, and hip hop. Obanjr responds by acknowledging Pitchfork’s interpretation but emphasizes that his music is a genuine expression of his emotions and perspectives rather than a deliberate attempt to fit into specific genres.
Notable Quotes:
[02:06] Tiffany Hansen: “Paradise now is a renewed mission statement from Obanjayr, the Nigerian musician whose hyperactive fusion of Afrobeat, soul, and hip hop has made him a sensation in his adopted hometown of London. What I want to know is, is their description of your music accurate?”
[02:27] Obanjr: “I don't think about defining it as anything specific. My job as a musician is to have my perspective and put it out into the world.”
3. Discussion on "Instant Animal" [04:25 - 06:51]
Tiffany delves into one of the featured tracks, "Instant Animal," initially intended as the album's title. Obanjr explains the song's meaning, drawing parallels between an unconscious survival instinct and the necessity to fight when faced with adversity. He shares how the song reflects his personal experiences of feeling trapped and the transformative process of becoming his authentic self.
Notable Quotes:
[04:56] Obanjr: “Instant Animal is about being in a situation where you have nowhere to go and your immediate reaction is to fight. It’s my response to feeling like there was nowhere else to go—rock bottom.”
[05:54] Obanjr: “Paradise Now became a representation of enjoying being present in the moment rather than waiting for something to happen.”
4. Exploring the Album Theme: "Paradise Now" [06:51 - 09:19]
The conversation shifts to the broader themes of Paradise Now. Obanjr describes how "Paradise Now" evolved from a personal phrase signifying contentment with the present to the name of his London-based parties. These gatherings serve as creative spaces where he shares his unfinished work, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. Obanjr views the creative journey, with its iterative process, as the most beautiful aspect of making music.
Notable Quotes:
[06:54] Obanjr: “The music that I make is a representation of who I am.”
[08:12] Obanjr: “The journey is the most beautiful part. So being present within that journey, you realize when the end has come.”
5. Live Feedback and Creative Process [09:19 - 10:42]
Tiffany inquires about how live feedback during his Paradise Now parties influences the final album. Obanjr explains that while the immediate feedback is subtle and non-verbal, the emotional responses from the dance floor inform his creative decisions. This live interaction helps him identify what resonates and what doesn’t, guiding him back to the studio with a clearer vision of his music's emotional impact.
Notable Quotes:
[09:28] Obanjr: “When you're playing it live, what feels good to you and what doesn't, what works or what I see. Then you start to realize during those moments what I need to work on.”
[09:39] Obanjr: “By the time you get to the studio, you know how to add to it.”
6. Storytelling in Music [11:43 - 14:59]
After a brief break, Tiffany resumes the conversation by playing another track, "Born in This Body." The discussion centers on Obanjr's storytelling approach, particularly in "Instant Animal," where he narrates his transformation into a hardened individual due to a harsh world. He shares an emotional anecdote about a fellow musician who was moved to tears by the song, underscoring the profound impact of his music.
Notable Quotes:
[11:43] Obanjr: “The song's about myself realizing the world around me is changing me into this killer, like a shark. It's unforgiving and brutal.”
[12:12] Obanjr: “It's sad that the world around you has done this to you, to turn you into this thing.”
7. Personal Reflections and Influences [17:41 - 20:42]
Tiffany explores Obanjr's personal growth from being shy to embracing his role as an artist. Obanjr recounts a formative memory with his grandmother, who encouraged him to overcome his fear of being perceived negatively. This experience instilled in him the confidence to express himself authentically, regardless of others' opinions. He emphasizes the importance of self-expression and maintaining one's identity amidst external pressures.
Notable Quotes:
[17:57] Obanjr: “If you have an expression to express, I'm going to express it. If you feel a type of way about it, cool. We can have a discourse.”
[19:27] Obanjr: “If you have something to say, I'm going to say it. It doesn't change what I am.”
8. Embracing Shyness and Performance [13:14 - 14:59]
Obanjr discusses his natural shyness and how it contrasts with his performances. He differentiates between being a performer and being an artist, highlighting that his performances are genuine expressions of his emotions rather than curated acts. This authenticity allows him to connect deeply with his audience, as he embodies the music rather than putting on a facade.
Notable Quotes:
[13:27] Obanjr: “I'm not putting on a thing. There's no mask involved. I'm just really genuinely feeling the music through my body.”
[13:38] Obanjr: “I am just really genuinely feeling the music through my body. It's like electricity.”
9. Political Themes in His Music [15:04 - 16:19]
The conversation shifts to Obanjr's involvement in political discourse through his music. He asserts that his work has always carried political messages, addressing issues like racism and governmental policies. Obanjr believes that as an artist, it is his responsibility to observe and present his perspectives on societal changes. He emphasizes the importance of engaging listeners in dialogue rather than dictating opinions.
Notable Quotes:
[15:04] Obanjr: “I've always been more vocal politically through my music.”
[15:10] Obanjr: “It's my job as an artist to observe what's going on around me and present my perspective on it.”
[15:27] Obanjr: “Politics or being political in your music should be about talking to people rather than talking at them.”
10. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Concert [20:42 - 21:17]
As the episode concludes, Tiffany invites listeners to attend Obanjr's concert at the Music Hall of Williamsburg at 8:00 PM. Obanjr expresses gratitude for participating in the listening party and reflects on the meaningful exchanges during the session. The episode ends with a final greeting, reinforcing the community-centric theme of the podcast.
Notable Quotes:
[20:58] Tiffany Hansen: “Tonight at the Music Hall of Williamsburg is happening at 8:00 PM. The musician is Obanjr. The new album is Paradise Now. It's out now and we're just so thankful you came in.”
[21:13] Obanjr: “This was really beautiful. Thank you very much. Have a lovely rest of your show.”
Conclusion
This episode of All Of It offers an in-depth look into Obanjr's creative process, personal growth, and the thematic elements of his new album, Paradise Now. Through heartfelt conversations and live listening, listeners gain insight into the artist's dedication to authenticity, community, and political expression in his music. The episode not only highlights Obanjr's musical talents but also underscores the significance of personal experiences and societal observations in shaping his art.