“Jellyfish” sees Obongjayar blend synth-punk with Nigerian influences in a political new track. Album out May 30.
With the release of his new single “Jellyfish,” Obongjayar offers a searing look at corruption and power structures, serving as a striking preview of his second album PARADISE NOW, out May 30 on September Recordings.
Made alongside Carlos O’Connell (Fontaines D.C.) and Kwes Darko (Denzel Curry, Pa Salieu), the track is an experimental fusion of synth-punk and drum and bass, layered with sounds drawn from Obongjayar’s Nigerian heritage.
In The Observer, he described “Jellyfish” as a reflection of his frustration with leadership and greed: 
“Seeing how governments move, people in power, corporations – [for] whatever monetary reasons you sell yourself,” he said. Tara Joshi described it as “a scathing song about spineless British politicians.”
PARADISE NOW, created between London and LA, features production from Yeti Beats, Beach Noise, and Kwes Darko, delivering a vibrant mix of candy-coated synth-pop, orchestral flourishes, and honest lyricism. It’s an emotional journey that tackles grief, procrastination, and the search for meaning.
Obongjayar’s only guest on the record is Little Simz, continuing a longtime creative partnership that includes their recent collaboration on her track “Flood.”
He’ll debut his headline U.S. tour starting July 24, performing in three cities including Newport Folk Festival. A UK and European tour follows this fall, with dates in major cities and a finale at O2 Kentish Town Forum in London.
