2023 is about to draw to a close, but even as we begrudgingly say goodbye to another great year for music, we optimistically look forward to what next year has to offer. There are numerous reasons to believe 2024 will be just as good or even better than its predecessor, the most significant of which is the long list of fresh young talents jonesing for their big break. But who are the true contenders to slip through the cracks into the mainstream consciousness? Ema Onigah comes to mind. He must be taken seriously on the merit of his exceptional talent and recent enviable feats.
In an industry where many artists sound like clones of each other, Ema Onigha’s unique selling proposition is his flow. The Lagos-bred Cross River native’s first foray into music was as a drummer, which certainly shaped his understanding of flows and rhythms. Ema’s lyrics roll off his tongue in a staccato style manner, giving his performances a percussive effect not unlike sticks repeatedly hitting a drum. It’s unlike anything you’ve heard in a long time and is as spell-binding as it is special.
Dig beyond the surface of Ema Onigha’s one-of-a-kind flow and look into the content of his lyrics, and you’ll find that he’s also quite skilled in that area. In fact, he is quickly becoming a sought-after songwriter, having contributed to seven of the thirteen tracks on Tekno’s most recent album as a writer. Whether he’s penning down lyrics for himself or other artists, his ability to tell compelling stories based on personal and observed experiences is immediately evident. It helps that he knows how to create and adapt melodies, too, because what’s an Afrobeat song without those melodies that send tingles up and down our spines?
Ema Onigha currently has just six singles out right now, but it’s more than enough to come to the conclusion that he’s that guy. All six songs are part of an EP titled “Dust Off“, released on October 13. In just over two months, his debut EP has amassed over 500,000 streams on all platforms. “Dust Off” is led by “Playful Someone,” one of two collaborations with superstar producer Ozedikus. It has two love songs, namely “Dey So” and “My Own,” and a damning examination of the dysfunctional state o national affairs titled “For Boys.” On the other two tracks, “Vibes and Insha” and “Sidemirror,” he shares personal stories that subtly aim to inspire young people to move and be smarter. He also appeared on two tracks on Ejoya’s recently released “Class of ‘23” tape.
All those tracks bear his trademark flow and signature songwriting, and Ema Onigah did not miss even once. His performances are passionate, his vocals are impressive, and he distinguishes himself from the stereotype by having something real to say. Examine his 2023 run under a microscope, and you’ll see patterns of a genuine superstar in the making begin to form. He’ll be hoping it’s sooner rather than later, but be it in 2024 or later, Ema Onigah will have his time in the sun. The gods of music owe this brilliant artist that much.
