Obii is an Afro-Italian jazz and soul vocalist and songwriter whose music blends the improvisational roots of jazz with the richness of global soundscapes—from Italian pop and classic soul to spirituals and Africana rhythms.
He began his career in the UK as a session and background vocalist for artists such as Brandt Brauer Frick, Ebony Bones, Lee “Scratch” Perry, and Beaver Sheppard. Over time, he became a familiar presence Upstairs at Ronnie Scott’s and a beloved Sofar Sounds performer, known for his genre-defying sets and magnetic stage presence.
Deeply inspired by Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday, Obii’s live performances aim to embody what he calls “Fitzgerald’s improvisational brilliance, Vaughan’s vocal agility, and Holiday’s emotional honesty.”
His haunting piano-only rendition of “Strange Fruit” drew acclaim from SoulTracks critic Howard Dukes, who wrote: “Obii’s feather-light tenor recalls the timeless torch singer Jimmy Scott.”
Neha Gandhi of Sofar Sounds adds: “Sensuality oozes through Obii’s genre-bending music, whimsical lyrics, and soulful voice… Whether gliding over a trap beat or channeling the blues with a guitar, his genre-agnostic approach reflects the depth of his childhood influences.”