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The song I came across while discovering Ojerime was Give It Up 2 Me from her debut mixtape ‘B4 I Breakdown’. Whenever I replay a song a few times before even hearing it entirely…I know it’s a hit. Listening to that song for the first-time last year was one of those moments for me. This song is somewhat addictive – the way she elongates the notes, the beautiful sound of that saxophone, and the overlap of tracks at the end.

Ojerime is from South London. In an interview with i-D back in 2020 she says ““The way in which we carry ourselves is very distinctive from other Londoners. Growing up, the culture was rich: we have some of the best Nigerian and Jamaican food spots and musically, I’d say we’re the strongest too…” And I agree, there is musical talent oozing out of South London, and the UK as a whole. Heavy roster!

‘B4 I Breakdown’ was released in the first few months of 2020. I connected to this project initially because it felt vulnerable, it was centered around self-discovery and its realistic journey. It reflects the public breakdown Ojerime experienced in 2019. She creates R&B music with an experimental, nostalgic twist. The production of each song is so distinctive and I know that is a major aspect that draws me in to her music.

Here are a few of my favorites from ‘B4 I Breakdown’: Halfcrazy, Mansur’s Interlude, Selfish (Outro)