Today we’d like to introduce you to Ob.
Ob, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Oboghene Ezaga, but I go by Ob, especially when I am making music. I was born into a very musical, Nigerian household, and that has truly shaped the artist I am today. Growing up in West Africa, the influence Afrobeats has had on my music (and life in general) is undeniable; but I quickly found that my musical endeavors could not be bound by genre. I found myself exploring everything from 50’s jazz to 00’s indie rock, with their unique inflections and energies. Moving to Texas only broadened my exposure and cemented my eclectic, heartfelt musical approach that I have dubbed post-soul.
If Stevie was soul, and Jill was neo, I am post.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This career does not come without its challenges, any musician can tell you that.
For one, the industry likes to put you in a box. It is difficult at times to stand my ground and push forward with multiple genres on one project or in one set list for example. Of course, there needs to be coherence and consistency, but I can’t count the number of times I’ve almost decided to just “play it safe” and pick a single, “accessible” sound and not stray from it There’s a balance between establishing unity in your sound, and not ridding yourself of the uniqueness that makes you special. That is a balance I am still finding, to be honest.
Also, it is often a struggle to translate these giant incredible ideas in your head to audio and even video. Strangely, I often joke with friends that my least favorite part of recording is when the session’s over. I’m definitely an over thinker, but I often walk away hoping and praying all the love and care I pour into my songs is audible, and tangible.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I write about what I feel, and what I have noticed other people feeling. It can be hard to vocalize our emotions and thoughts at times; I have found music to be the most effective way to do that. At the moment, I sing, produce, play piano and play guitar.
And it makes me so happy.
To see the audience light up during a piano solo; to have someone walk up to me after a concert and say they were really touched by my music. It is a privilege to be this vulnerable and honest, and humbling to see such positive impact. I believe music can make the world a better place. I am doing my part to unpack emotions, guide hearts, and preach love. It wins in the end.
A definite highlight of my career is the benefit concert I put together back in 2023, for a local charity out of Denton. We raised $400 in one night!! Couldn’t believe it.Of course, the past 12 months have been a dream come true as well. 2025 was full of success. I played my first sold out show in the historic Bishop Arts District, got co-signs from some of my FAVORITE artists online, and finished recording my second studio EP, set for release in 2026.
What are your plans for the future?
Biggest thing is the EP release next year, for sure. It’s called big letter then small. (Ob, get it?) That title actually carries a lot of weight; as unimportant as it might seem, my name is Ob, not ‘OB’, or ‘ob’, or gosh, even ‘oB’. It’s big letter then small.
At the risk of sounding self-centered, this is a good way to summarize the project. It’s an introduction to me; my sound, beliefs and experiences. 21 years isn’t the longest time, but I’ve learnt and seen some things, and they’re things I’d like to share. I am so excited for this release. There’s virtually no virtual instrumentation, everything live, tons of metaphors and musical references. I think people will enjoy not because it’s about me and my thoughts, but because it’s proof that self-reflection and self-love must not be at odds. You can recognize your shortcomings and celebrate your wins at the same time. You can be radically optimistic, and still responsibly intentional. You can do whatever you want. Go where there is hope, faith and love, and you will be right where you need to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://obmakesmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/obmakesmusic
- Twitter: https://x.com/obmakesmusic
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@obmakesmusic
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/oboghene-ezaga
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@obmakesmusic
Image Credits
Photos 1-2: Alexis Perez
Photo 3, 5: Molly Marie Ojeda
Photo 4: redroom entries
Photos 6-8: Faith Thompson
