By Chinonso Ihekire
2 February 2025
Who Dey Hot?!
“Make this guy pick one hustle,” someone wrote on Twitter.
“You want to be a producer, DJ, songwriter all at once?”
The comment, though sarcastic, captures a growing observation around Ojomusic. His
presence across different parts of the music ecosystem is not accidental, actually it might be the
result of a deliberate attempt to build range, depth, and long-term relevance.
At a time when the industry rewards speed and virality, Gabriel Ojo Akor, professionally known
as Ojomusic, is taking a slower and more considered path. The Nigerian producer, songwriter,
and DJ, now based in the UK, is less interested in chasing trends and more focused on refining
a sound that can travel across borders. From Lagos studios to UK club spaces, his trajectory
suggests intent rather than impulse.
Versatility in music is often a double-edged sword. For many artists, doing too much can result
in inconsistency and appear to be forced as the street will say “if e no dy , e no dy”. In
Ojomusic’s case, however, his multi-disciplinary approach appears to sharpen rather than dilute
his output.
His production work with artists such as Fola, TI Blaize, and Rybeena shows a steady evolution
in sound. The growth is not loud, but it is evident.
On Fola’s “Slow Fire” which was a snippet, the production is restrained and purposeful. Soft
rhythmic bounce and a clean mix, this creates space for the vocals to sit comfortably. TI Blaize’s
“Run Am” offers a contrasting energy, it incorporates firmer drum patterns, tighter transitions,
and a clear sense of structure in the song. In both cases, the attention to detail is noticeable.
The beats do not sound rushed, it appeared to be carefully constructed compositions.
What stands out is his sensitivity to mood and the skill to properly place emotions within songs.
Rather than overwhelming a track, he allows each element to serve the song, each element like
piano, guitar, trumpet is inserted or played only where needed, this properly give room to hear
just vocals or vocals with instrument backing. That restraint reflects a producer who
understands intention, not just technique.
Beyond the studio, Ojomusic’s work as a DJ has begun to gain traction. His performance at the
AWA Awards November 2024 marked a notable moment, showcasing his ability to translate
studio sensibilities into live environments.
The set was tightly structured, blending Yoruba percussive elements, ilu gan-gan, bata and
shekere was in sight and used with electronic influences drawn from outside Africa. Rather than
relying on popular records alone, he curated a sequence that felt intentional and immersive. It
was the kind of performance that encourages curiosity rather than distraction and is rooted in
cultural substance.
Following that appearance, he has performed at Afro-fusion events across cities such as
Birmingham and Bristol, gradually establishing himself within the UK’s African diasporic music
scene. What distinguishes his approach is his emphasis on narrative flow. His sets are not
simply about mixing tracks, but about shaping an experience.
A defining element of Ojomusic’s work is his ability to operate between cultural spaces. Rooted
in Nigerian musical traditions, he retains an understanding of rhythm, emotion, and street-level
sound. At the same time, his UK base has influenced how he presents and adapts that sound
for new audiences.
This balance is difficult to maintain, yet it has become central to his identity. His online presence
mirrors an approach that is understated, process-focused, and collaborative. Things like studio
clips, brief updates, and acknowledgements of collaborators take precedence over hype or
spectacle.
As a result, his progress feels organic. There is a sense of patience in his development, driven
more by craft than visibility.
Ojomusic is still in a formative stage of his career. Not every release carries the same impact,
and there is room for refinement as he continues to define his voice. However, the underlying
qualities that are discipline, consistency, and artistic awareness are increasingly clear.
He is building momentum and not simply riding it. Quietly, but with purpose. A rising talent
whose work shows promise, intent, and direction. With continued development, Ojomusic is well
positioned to earn wider attention and more significant platforms in the near future.
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