Early in his life, Umoh primarily listened to bootleg rap, particularly Eminem, Usher, Nelly, Snoop Dogg and Ciara.
[2] Umoh moved to live with his mother in England at the age of 17, but stayed active in the Nigerian music scene.
[1] In 2016, Obongjayar released his first extended play, Home, described by Noisey as "a unique voice: one that navigates darkness with nocturnal, near-spiritual hymns.
"[3] He followed Home with a second EP, Bassey, which was noted for its sparse production and afrobeat rhythms,[2] as well as its themes of spirituality, politics, and his experiences as a Black person.
[5] He featured on rapper Little Simz's studio album Sometimes I Might Be Introvert on the fourth single "Point and Kill", which was later accompanied by a music video.