Lojay

Olalekan Oluwarantimi Osifeso Jr., professionally known as Lojay, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and performer known for his rich vocals, emotive songwriting, and genre-bending approach to Afrobeats and R&B. Since breaking into the music scene in 2016, Lojay has steadily evolved from a young dreamer in Lagos to one of the continent’s most exciting and influential music voices. Lojay’s introduction to music was almost accidental but transformative. Raised in a christian household, his first brush with performance came through his mother’s church where he joined the teenage choir. There, he began playing drums and leading worship sessions, setting the stage for a lifelong connection to sound and melody. But it was a seemingly random school rumor that would push him closer to artistry. Someone had claimed he could rap, and though he had no idea who started it, he leaned into the challenge. That curiosity turned into a skill, and then, a passion. He spent his early years in Ikorodu, Lagos, surrounded by a close-knit extended family, before moving to Victoria Island and later going to study Marketing at the University of Portsmouth in the UK. All those years, the music never left him. He kept writing, exploring sounds, and building the vision for what would eventually become his artistry. His early songs, including 2020’s Ogogoro produced by Telz, began gaining traction and introduced him to a growing audience that recognized his unique tone and style. The record stood out for its emotional depth and sonic smoothness, and it marked an important prelude to what would come next. Professionally, Lojay’s career took a defining turn with the 2021 release of LV N ATTN, a collaborative EP with veteran producer Sarz. The project birthed major records like Tonongo and the global breakout hit Monalisa, which was later remixed with Chris Brown. The success of Monalisa propelled Lojay into international recognition and proved that he could stand out in a rapidly growing Afrobeats landscape. He followed up in 2023 with Gangster Romantic, a sophomore EP that demonstrated a more vulnerable, refined, and emotionally driven side of his sound. Over time, he’s collaborated with some of the most influential names in global music, including Wizkid, Davido, Fireboy DML, Simi, Chris Brown, Ayra Starr, Olamide, Jae5, Tyler ICU, French Montana, and Swae Lee, each time offering something fresh yet unmistakably “Lojay.” In 2024, Lojay featured on Fireboy’s album Adedamola with the standout track Letting Go, and released Billions with Sarz, further proving his consistency. But the year also set the stage for his next chapter, with the release of Somebody Like You and Mwah featuring Odeal in early 2025, fans got the first taste of his highly anticipated debut studio album, set to drop later this year. His collaboration with Chris Brown and Davido on Sensational debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 and landed Top 10 on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs Chart. The record earned him his first GRAMMY nomination for Best African Music Performance and additional recognition at the MTV VMAs and iHeartRadio Music Awards. Lojay’s artistry goes beyond just sound. His brand and image have been embraced by global giants including WhatsApp, Red Bull UK, Chivas Regal, and Coca-Cola, highlighting his influence beyond music. His team remains close and grounded: his brother Sanusucci serves as his stylist, his cousin Dayo is his road manager, and his longtime manager Anthony Egwu, through Koratori Agency Limited, oversees his career. The name “Lojay” itself is a personal stamp, derived from his initials: Lekan Osifeso Jr. (L-O-J). Today, with millions of monthly listeners, an expanding global fanbase, and performances across Africa, Europe, and the U.S., Lojay is more than just another Afrobeats artist. He’s part of a generation redefining what it means to be a global African creative. His debut album, expected later this year, is poised to be his most personal and impactful work yet.