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Ogranya
Ogranya in 2025
Background information
Birth nameOgranya Jable Osai
Born (1991-08-25) August 25, 1991 (age 33)
Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
OriginOgba-Egbema-Ndoni, Rivers State, Nigeria
GenresR&B, Soul, Afrofusion, Highlife
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter, actor
Instrument(s)Vocals, Guiter
Years active2016–present
LabelsIndependent
Websitewww.instagram.com/ogranya/ www.youtube.com/@ogranya77

Ogranya Jable Osai (born 25 August 1991), known professionally as Ogranya (pronounced Or-gran-yah), is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and actor. He was born in Port Harcourt, and hails from the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State. Ogranya began his musical journey in 2016,[1] initially sharing freestyles and experimental songs on SoundCloud. He released his debut single, "Black Widow" later that year, marking his official entry into the Nigerian alternative music scene.

In December 2024, Ogranya released his debut studio album With Open Arms.[2] The album, characterized by its experimental blend of R&B, soul, highlife, and Afrofusion, has been praised for its lyrical depth and cohesive storytelling.[3][4]

In 2024, Ogranya ventured into acting by making his debut in the Nigerian action drama film "Freedom Way",[5] written by Blessing Uzzi and directed by Afolabi Olalekan. He portrayed Tayo, a tech entrepreneur navigating systematic corruption and political oppression in Lagos.[5] The film premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival[6] and went on to win Best Movie and Best Writing at the 2025 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCAs).[5]

Early life and education

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Ogranya was born and raised in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.[7] His first name Ogranya means 'Prosperity' in the Egbema dialect of the Ijaw (Izon) language;[8] he is of Ijaw ethnicity. He grew up in a music-loving household where his father had once been a band member and his mother led morning devotions that exposed him early to singing.[9][10] These early influences, combined with his exposure to artists such as Cardinal Rex, Duncan Mighty, and Frank Sinatra, played a formative role in shaping his musical palette.[7][8]

Ogranya studied Architecture at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Ghana, where he began to seriously explore his interest in music.[1] Ogranya announced via his official Instagram in 2025 that he had been enrolled at EbonyLife Creative Academy to refine his acting and performance skills.[11]

Career

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After graduating from KNUST, Ogranya briefly worked as an architect before pivoting fully into music.[9] Though he had dabbled in music, his professional journey began in 2016, when he committed to releasing music more consistently.[1]

In 2021, he embarked on a project titled "Project 52", challenging himself to release a new song every week throughout the year.[12][13] This endeavor resulted in 52 songs and significantly expanded his audience.[12][14] Ogranya became the first Nigerian and African artist to release a song every week for an entire year.[12]

On 9 July 2021, he collaborated with Nigerian rap duo Show Dem Camp on two standout tracks "Gbese", featuring them,[15][16] and "Streets", where he appeared as a guest alongside Moss and Alpha Ojini.[17][18] These collaborations cemented his presence in Nigeria's alte and soul scenes.

His 2022 project "Festival of the Sun" further elevated his profile. Released under RedClay Entertainment, the 6-track EP featured collaborations with Johnny Drille, Moelogo, Nvita the Storyteller, Gonzalo Blaq and Moliy. It explored themes of love, longing, and growth, with warm and introspective lyrics.[1][19][20]

On 6 December 2024, Ogranya released his album With Open Arms comprising 15 tracks that explore themes of vulnerability, love, and introspection.[2] The album showcases his growth as an artist and received positive reviews from critics.[3][4][2]

To promote With Open Arms, Ogranya embarked on a multi-city tour that included performances in various cities, notably in Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria; Accra, Ghana; Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire; and Toronto, Canada.[21][22][23][24] The Lagos performance marked his return to the city after a three-year hiatus, while his Toronto show took place on 22 September 2024 at Nothing Lost, Nothing Found.[25][24]

Artistry

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Ogranya's sound is primarily a blend of R&B, soul, Afrofusion, and pop influences.[9][10][19] He has expressed that his artistry draws inspiration from a wide mix of musicians including Craig David, John Mayer, Fela Kuti, Ne-Yo, 2Baba and Kanye West.[7][8]

Ogranya's lyrics often probe into themes of love, longing, self-discovery, and resilience. He has described his approach to storytelling in music as a direct reflection of his daily experiences or those of others.[10][12]

Discography

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Extended plays

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  • Eden Evermore (2019)
  • Imperfect (2020)
  • Festival of the sun (2022)

Studio albums

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  • With Open Arms (2024)

Filmography

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d zeinat (2022-09-13). "How Summertime in Abuja inspired Ogranya's "Festival of the Sun" EP - AmeyawDebrah.com". Retrieved 2025-06-03.
  2. ^ a b c With Open Arms, 2024-12-06, retrieved 2025-06-03
  3. ^ a b Musicboard, Reviews of With Open Arms by Ogranya - Musicboard, retrieved 2025-06-03
  4. ^ a b "Ogranya - With Open Arms". Album of The Year. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
  5. ^ a b c Olalekan, Afolabi (2024-09-05), Freedom Way (Drama), Adebowale Adedayo, Mike Afolarin, Bimbo Akintola, Bluhouse Studios, Bluhouse Studios, retrieved 2025-06-03
  6. ^ "Freedom Way". TIFF. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
  7. ^ a b c Debrah, Ameyaw (2022-08-31). "Ogranya Announced As Apple Music Up Next Artist in Nigeria - AmeyawDebrah.com". Retrieved 2025-06-03.
  8. ^ a b c AmeyawTV (2022-09-08). Ogranya talks switch from architecture to music and his upcoming concert on September 10th. Retrieved 2025-06-03 – via YouTube.
  9. ^ a b c "Ogranya". nataal.com. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
  10. ^ a b c Ejiro, Michelle (2022-12-23). "Ogranya Uses Music as an Outlet to Vocalise Emotions". Retrieved 2025-06-03.
  11. ^ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
  12. ^ a b c d "Meet Ogranya: The Nigerian Singer On Course To Release New Music Every Week In 2021". 2021-06-01. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
  13. ^ Best of Project 52 by Ogranya on Apple Music, 2023-06-30, retrieved 2025-06-03
  14. ^ Debrah, Ameyaw (2022-02-23). "PROJECT 52: Ogranya's Bold and Successful Marketing Attempt In 2021 - AmeyawDebrah.com". Retrieved 2025-06-03.
  15. ^ BellaNaija.com (2021-08-20). "New Music: Ogranya feat. ShowDemCamp – Gbese". BellaNaija. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
  16. ^ Wonah, Israel (2025-06-03). "Ogranya - Gbese ft Show Dem Camp Mp3 Download » TrendyBeatz". trendybeatz.com. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
  17. ^ Wonah, Israel (2025-06-03). "Show Dem Camp - Streets ft Ogranya, Moss, Alpha Ojini Mp3 Download » TrendyBeatz". trendybeatz.com. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
  18. ^ Valentino, D. J. (2025-06-03). "Show Dem Camp – Streets Ft. Alpha Ojini, Ogranya, Moss B (Mp3 Download)". Six9ja. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
  19. ^ a b "Ogranya expands his scope and gaze on 'Festival of The Sun' [Pulse EP Review] | Pulse Nigeria". www.pulse.ng. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
  20. ^ Osikoya, Wonu (2022-09-01). "Essentials: Ogranya Is Poetic And Reflective On 'Festival Of The Sun' | NATIVE". The NATIVE. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
  21. ^ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
  22. ^ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
  23. ^ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
  24. ^ a b "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
  25. ^ "Ogranya in Toronto: With Open Arms tour". Eventbrite. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
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