The Little Simz–Obongjayar Link-Up
Lagbaja and Ego, Outkast, Don Jazzy and D’banj – remarkable collaborators in popular music. Yet a pair that receives less attention is Little Simz and Obongjayar. Simz, a British-born rapper, and Obongjayar, a Nigerian-raised singer-songwriter, form a musically perfect fit. Their distinct backgrounds converge to create compelling songs that draw from reggae, synth-rock, jazz, funk, neo-soul, electronic music and more.
Afrobeat, however, stands out as a defining thread in their union. Rooted in their shared Nigerian heritage, these tracks are rich, groovy, and bass-driven. While songs like Flood and Talk Olympics have scattered, thumping, unconventional tempos reminiscent of rock, tracks such as Point and Kill and Lion carry an unmistakable Afrobeat-inspired sound.
Retro yet modern, the duo are clearly students of the genre and its most notable icon, Fela Kuti. Their music captures Afrobeat’s essence: raw and captivating, with socially conscious, candid lyricism, and smooth rhythms grounded in traditional West African music.
Individually, they are phenomenal. Together, they are a powerhouse. Whether through live performances or collaborative songwriting, their chemistry is undeniable. By experimenting across genres, Little Simz and Obongjayar have cultivated a unique creative vibe. As they both sing at the end of Lion, it is their superpower.