British Nigerian artist ESSEO is undoubtedly a breath of fresh air within the UK music scene. Born and bred in Luton before moving to Lagos, Nigeria at age 12 followed by 3 years spent in Houston, Texas at age 20, ESSEO’s music is a culmination of the different cultures and environments he was able to experience throughout his childhood into young adulthood.
Drawing influence from artists such as Travis Scott and PARTYNEXTDOOR, ESSEO’s sound can be described as a unique hybrid between both Rap and Melodic vocals, lacing each track with his own infectious sonance.
Previously part of notable music group ‘Vital Knights’, ESSEO is no newcomer when it comes to making waves in music – the group’s first video for ‘Ain’t Made for Dis’ impressively amassed over 40,000 YouTube views, with singles ‘Crutches Skank’ and ‘We Just Entered’ appearing on the likes of Channel AKA and MTV Base. The group also supported acts such as Wretch 32, Mz Bratt, Ghetts, Leigh Anne Pinnock (before Little Mix) and more, as well as releasing debut album ‘The Battlefield’ on all digital outlets independently. ESSEO himself has also performed twice at ILUVLIVE, London’s top live music and artist development platform.
Being sure to deliver in both quality and quantity, ESSEO’s previous full length projects ‘Eclipse’ (2019) and ‘Neptunes’ (2021) are both integral parts of his musical archive to date, and he continues to raise the bar as he releases his latest body of work ‘Retrograde Memoirs’ in 2022.
More than just an artist, ESSEO studied ‘Music & Entertainment Industry Management’ at the University of Hertfordshire, graduating with a 2:1, before going on to be a part of marketing campaigns for artists such as Labrinth, Dua Lipa and Neon Jungle in conjunction with Sony Music. He also interned at Insanity Talent Management (now Insanity Records) working as part of the management team for Sigma, Lunar C, DJ Majestic, The Heavytrackerz and more. After graduating, ESSEO then went on to study ‘A&R and Songwriting’ at the Notting Hill Academy of Music, a program ran by Relentless Records joint with DJ Trevor Nelson & Ministry of Sound’s Ewan Grant. Upon completion of the course, he then interned as an A&R at Relentless Records, working on campaigns for Link Up Tv, Not3s, Nadia Rose, Professor Green, C Biz and more.
ESSEO’s latest release is a dreamy trip through space and time, with ESSEO taking the listener on his own personal journey through love and relationships, with his signature “melodic rap” sound.
‘Blue Moon’ is available now via all major platforms.
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