In our quest to uncover the unique and captivating stories behind the artists shaping the Nigerian music scene, we recently had an insightful conversation with Oshara, the dynamic artist known for his genre-blending sounds and infectious creativity. With a passion for pushing creative boundaries and deep-rooted influences from his father’s musical legacy, Oshara’s journey is nothing short of remarkable.
Oshara embarked on his artistic journey officially in 2011 with his debut album, “Sent: The Commission.” Since then, he’s consistently released singles and collaborated with fellow artists, ultimately leading to his second album, “Ten of Me,” which coincided with his 10th year in the music industry. In 2022, Oshara unveiled his third album, “Highness,” but he didn’t stop there. In 2023, he adopted a unique approach, releasing a song every first day of each month to welcome audiences into the new month. However, the official standout track of the year was undoubtedly “VibeRation,” a song that effortlessly blends humor and satire with infectious rhythms.
Oshara’s family background played a significant role in his creative path. His father, fondly known as a “songito,” was a celebrated singer in the Kegite’s club and had a reputation that extended to national levels during his university days. While Oshara didn’t have the privilege of growing up with his father, the influence of music was imprinted in his DNA. From his early years in Sunday school, nursery school, and beyond, he naturally gravitated towards music. Exposure to a diverse range of music, including church choral classics, revival songs, and international icons like Bob Marley, Fela, and King Sunny Ade, further fueled his passion.
“VibeRation” stands as a unique creation, described as comical and satirical. The track delves into societal issues like living beyond one’s means, lying, indiscriminate betting, and other vices. However, at its core, the message is one of positivity—encouraging people to rely on faith, stay positive in thought, speech, and actions. Oshara’s witty storytelling effectively conveys these messages, offering a fresh perspective in the world of Nigerian music.
The creation of “VibeRation” was a collaborative effort, highlighting the importance of shared creativity. Oshara teamed up with producer TDurst, who found the track hilarious and insisted on preserving the initial carefree recording style. Traditional drummer Joel added an artistic touch, and further backup vocals and percussions were contributed by Oshara’s friends from the Ekiti State Ministry of Arts and Culture. The result was a track that blended humor, artistry, and traditional elements to perfection.
Beyond his music career, Oshara is making waves with the “Proudly Ekiti Project.” This initiative aims to celebrate the dignity of labor and encourage young people to take pride in legitimate work. By identifying and promoting the talents and crafts of Ekiti’s youth, Oshara hopes to set a positive example and inspire the younger generation.
Oshara’s multifaceted career spans music, media, and entrepreneurship. These roles are interconnected, with music production often relying on media for promotion. Oshara believes that music can be a powerful tool to preserve and promote cultural heritage and values. By being a role model and supporting young talent, he’s actively contributing to empowerment and cultural pride in Ekiti State.