London-based artist Obongjayar carves out an inventive yet undeniably more mature sound in his new EP, Which Way Is Forward? Building on the success of his sophomore EP Bassey (2017), and some ear-catching collaborations with J Rick and XL label head Richard Russell, his latest effort surprises with a diverse sound palette that marries handclaps and percussion with synth lines and heavy bass. One can still detect his Nigerian roots in his vocal delivery, and his range has expanded from his usual raspy drawl into a soul-drenched powerhouse. Shades of Afrobeat propel Soldier Ant and Frens, both standout tracks from an artist clearly hitting his stride.
