17-year-old singer, Obai has released his first new single of 2023, “The River” today. The new track follows his debut single “Missed Call” and brings together an uplifting and awe-inspiring message to listeners about the willingness to persevere when times get hard. The track is a testament to the rising star’s talent as a singer and songwriter, as he blends R&B melodies with a catchy pop flare inspired by his proud Sudanese roots, all while capturing the art of storytelling with his personal lyrics and distinctive vocal delivery. The track continues Obai’s mission to use his music to positively impact his generation.
Obai has his eyes set on being Gen Z’s next big star, and he’s leading with his heart. The 17-year-old singer’s music is a blend of R&B melodies inspired by his proud Sudanese roots and a catchy pop flair, all anchored by genuine storytelling that showcases his relatable teenage life and humble family-forward beginnings.
Obai’s knack for crafting catchy tunes goes back to his childhood upbringing in Phoenix, Arizona. His siblings introduced him to R&B and pop from classic eras like the ‘90s and early ‘00s and his parents played classic Sudanese music—whose intoxicating melodies subconsciously inspired him and can now be heard in his own music. When he wasn’t banging on his drum set or getting piano lessons, Obai was also discovering artists on his own and began officially experimenting with music at age 12, when he created an anonymous Instagram account to share covers from some of his favorite artists like Drake, Bryson Tiller and Justin Bieber. For Obai, music doubles as both a safe space and a vessel that he will continue to explore. As the artist’s star status ascends, he wants his music to positively impact his generation and as a newcomer-to-watch, his goal is to build a legacy through his music and have his culture connect with fans worldwide