The Novel Sound of Ema Onigah

LovabledanielsJanuary 22, 202599 Views

Born in Cross River State, Nigeria, Ema Onigah’s musical story begins in the heart of Nigeria, where his early experiences as a church choir drummer in Lagos ignited a passion for African rhythms that continues to define his distinctive Afrobeats sound. This early immersion in music nurtured his love for African rhythms and shaped his distinctive approach to Afrobeats.

Ema Onigah’s upbringing, steeped in rich cultural heritage, is vividly reflected in his music, which harmoniously blends traditional African sounds with contemporary Afrobeats rhythms. Tracks like “Ave Maria” and “VIBES & INSHA” embody the novelty of Ema’s music, showcasing uncommon flows and cadence—a peculiarity rarely found within the vast Afrobeats-scape. His music blends tradition with innovation, solidifying his status as a rising star in the Afrobeats scene.

In 2023, Ema Onigah released his debut EP, ‘Dust Off’, a six-track project that has amassed over a million streams. The EP which spawned his hit single “DEY SO” with Ozedikus, peaked at number 14 on Spotify’s Top 50 Nigeria chart, heralding Ema’s arrival on the music scene. His distinct sound—imagine a Busta Rhymes utilizing Afrobeats—is characterized by a rhythmic complexity and emotive delivery that permeated his 2023 EP and captivated audiences worldwide.

Ema’s collaborative spirit was also evident in his feature on Ejoya’s ‘Class of ‘23’ album, where he teamed up with TAR1Q and Brown Joel on the hit song “Canabi”, highlighting a deep awareness and versatility to thrive both as a solo artist and a collaborator.

Beyond his compelling vocal performances, Ema Onigah is a talented songwriter whose knack for crafting engaging lyrics that has made him a force to be reckoned with in the industry. And his pen has birthed songs for heavyweights like Tekno and Reekado Banks.

Ema’s artistry lies in seamlessly blending tradition with innovation, creating music that feels both familiar and refreshingly original. With his unique blend of traditional rhythms and modern Afrobeats sensibilities, Ema Onigah is poised to become a significant force in an impending Afrobeats future filled with innovative sounds and captivating melodies.