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Obenewa: 'It’s a hard hustle but music is my passion'

TALENTED: Musician Obenewa has sung with the likes of Raphael Saadiq

IT GOT heated on the court of the London Basketball Derby League match this last week! The London teams have gone head to head twice recently. Reppin’ as Team DJ for the London Lions, we were gutted to marginally lose to the London City Royals at the Trophy earlier this month. But this time, we whooped them in the League match and won! Believe it or not, the teams are all cool and friends at the end of the day, despite the tense build up. Gassed to have the Lions continue to retain their top of the league position! Yes yes, ya’ll and we don’t stop...and we won’t stop!

In other news, OVO fans might be interested to know Baka Not Nice has dropped three tracks on his new EP No Long Talk whilst he supports Drake’s Assassination Vacation European Tour. Great to see, his choice to pursue music after a phase of crime is serving as positive inspiration. One track in particular has our very own UK talent Giggs featuring My Town... have to say it’s drippy still.

On the subject of UK talent...I caught up with talented female singer and musician Obenewa. She’s sung with the likes of Raphael Saadiq, touring the US with George Fitzgerald, plus Plan B and Maverick Sabre more recently too:

Q: Who is Obenewa?
A: I sometimes ask myself that [laughs]. Well, I see myself as a singer, storyteller through my music, using guitar and piano usually as a way to help me start the process.

Q: What have been the major milestones/achievements for you?
A: Being able to do music full-time for me is an achievement in itself. It’s a hard hustle but it’s my passion so I continue to do what I can. Singing with Raphael Saadiq. Touring with Plan B was great including his arena tour a few years ago. Singing on George Fitzgerald’s US tour was amazing last year, and one day I hope to do it for my own artistry.

Q: What advice would you give aspiring creatives and potential musicians?
A: Probably sounds cliche but, keep it moving. Try, try and try again. You either win or you learn. And also luck is when opportunity meets preparation, so practice is integral!

Q: When’s your next single/project coming out?
A: After touring with Plan B, Maverick Sabre and other artists I’m finally getting stuck into my own project and the first release will be out autumn this year!

Q: Can you share any upcoming plans you have?
A: I have a few collaborations in the mix including one with the legendary Dego (4hero). I will also be putting on my own shows in the very near future. Watch this space.

Q: Where can we find your music and follow you?
A: www.obenewa.com where you will find info and links to music.
Instagram and Twitter: @obenewa

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