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Today, Nigerian artist Ema Onigah released a new track called ‘Ave Maria’ inspired by the first words of the Latin version of a prayer to the Virgin Mary used in the Roman Catholic Church (“Hail Mary”). On the record, he croons about adoration. It is something that most of us get to experience in one or another in our lives. He credits his partner Maria for ushering joy and happiness into his life. Although the artist has been called a player, he finds himself genuinely connected to Maria. So much so, that he changes his ways for her.
Ema Onighan speaks three languages (English, Yoruba and Pidgin). Once a local drummer at the church he attended when he was younger, Onigah is of the Ogoja tribe in Nigeria, and when asked to describe what it is like to grow up in Cross River, he replied, “Cross River is filled with people who just live simple lives. Based on the fact that we are a minority group compared to other tribes in Nigeria and also the case of slow development and modernization in the country. We tend more to reckon with politics and education because we haven’t really been a leading force in other industr[ies] such as entertainment, tech and so on. We also tend to take religion seriously.”
It is hard enough to exist in a highly competitive music space. Additionally, to be a Nigerian artist in Nigeria right now has to be tough. It might be even tougher if you are not highly sought after or supported by your peers. To help make it a little easier for Ema Onigah, check out his music and if you enjoy it, tell someone else he’s in the race. He’s written for Tekno (‘The More The Better’ album) and Reekado Banks (credits on Jaz Kris’ ‘Tequila’, ’CBN’ with Skiibii, Seyi Vibez, Teni and Mayorkun, and Olivetheboy‘s ‘GoodSin’ featuring Oxlade and King Promise, at length. He released his debut EP in 2023.
