Ogranya Jable Osai, popularly known as Ogranya, was born and raised in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria. As promised, on his birthday, the 25th of August 2022, he released his latest EP, Festival of the Sun. In the course of his active music career, he has worked with several other creatives in the industry. Some include Show Dem Camp, Alpha Ojini, Lioness, Johnny Drille, Moelogo, and many others. He particularly has an inexplicable synergy with Wondamagik. They released two EPs together, Chronicles of Magik Vol.1 & 2 in 2020 and 2021 respectively.
In 2019, he released an album, Eden Evermore, and in 2020, he released the Imperfections EP, which includes prior released singles, Serenade, Don’t Leave Me, and Wicked Somebody. In 2021, Ogranya embarked on a daring musical journey he titled “Project 52”. He challenged himself to release a new song every week throughout the year, which he did. Here is a playlist of the 52 songs.
However, one could say Ogranya’s sound and style of music is an outstanding space that he has carved out for himself over the years. A blend of R&B, jazz, soul, and many more make up his artistic style. In addition to this, there is this sonic journey his songs take you on, exploring various themes that relate to human existence and growth. One his audience can relate to as they listen.
Festival Of the sun Tracklist and credits
The 6-track project explores several themes and emotions. A collection of warm sounds accompanied by an upbeat feeling, a story of toxic love, pain, growth, and ecstasy. On this project, Ogranya features fellow Nigerian acts Moloego and Johnny Drille, Kenyan singer, Nviiri the Storyteller, and Ghanaian songstress, Moliy.
On A Good Time, the opening track, his sister talks about his mother’s reaction to his songs. She cried when she heard his songs. She is concerned about the pain in his voice as he sings. His sister asks if he’s okay, but gingered Ogranya is just trying to have a good time. Did he do so on this project? Let’s keep traveling through this beautiful sonic project.
Abeg (ft. Moelogo and Nviiri the Storyteller) encourages taking time off to breathe amid the troubles of life. He advises us to “Cool it down for a minute, life is for the living, wahala e no dey finish”. As we all know, human wants are unlimited, and many times we might feel troubled and less accomplished if we don’t meet up with our goals. Taking time off to breathe and cool off is sometimes necessary.
Ogranya teams up with Johnny Drille to apologize to their lovers on I’m Sorry. This track shows the process of self-awareness and emotional growth. Both singers apologize to their partners for the lapses in their emotional involvement with them and how they are ready to fix their mistakes. Their vocals come together on this track to create the perfect cocktail for a relaxing mood.
Euphoria and Ecstasy
On the other hand, Brenda is a story of love. Ogranya sings about how much he is willing to give to show his love for his lady. Ogranya delivers a catchy, ear-soothing hook over the bouncy instrumentals on this track. This track was the lead single off the Festival of the Sun EP. Dear Ogranya, what did you blend into Brenda? I can’t stop listening to this track!
“Brenda, Brenda, Brenda, she no dey give me trouble/Brenda, Brenda, Brenda, so I go dey here for you“
Doings ft Gonzalo Blaq as the next in the queue after Brenda is my favorite part of this project. It’s like diving from a jacuzzi into a warm lake. You get it, yeah? He tells his lover he is feeling her doings (which, in this context, refers to his lover’s affectionate gestures). They both describe the peaceful vibes their lovers give them. Who doesn’t desire peace of mind? Peace of mind = happiness and energy, according to the hook “You dey give me energy”.
The project closes with Ecstasy ft. Moliy, the Ghanaian-American singer who is featured on Amaarae’s song, Sad Girlz Luv Money. As usual, Moliy delivers beautifully layered vocals as she joins Ogranya to describe the ecstasy and euphoria they feel whenever they are around their lovers.
Concluding Remarks
This project mirrors Ogranya’s state of mind and emotions. He never fails to deliver when it comes to narrating his state of heart in his art. The Festival of the Sun EP gives a lot of summer vibes. I guess that’s where his inspiration for the project name comes from, although it’s raining heavily as I write this.
Listen to Festival of the Sun EP here: Festival of the Sun by Ogranya (vyd.co)
ICYMI, you can also check out my review of Chike’s new album here and many other reviews on Soot Africa Exclusive column
