Today we’d like to introduce you to OG.

OG, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

I started my journey in music back in 2015 as a rapper, heavily influenced by artists like Lil Wayne, Migos, Future, Drake, Rick Ross, and Meek Mill. Growing up in Edmonton, Alberta, I was driven by a deep passion for hip-hop and a hunger to express myself through music. My debut mixtape, Heads or Tails, released in 2017, marked a turning point in my career. Songs like ‘Hunnit’ and ‘Lose’ gained traction, and I experienced a breakthrough when I heard my music being played in clubs and saw fans singing my lyrics back to me. That moment solidified my decision to fully commit to my craft.

Over the years, my sound has evolved tremendously. Encouraged by my Nigerian roots and the Afrobeat influences within my family and community, I began blending Afrobeat elements with my hip-hop foundation. This fusion has allowed me to stand out and gain recognition on a global scale.

As an independent artist, I’ve released hundreds of songs, toured with global stars like Asake, Burna Boy, and Davido, and worked on joint projects like Boundless with Swego. I’ve also had the honor of collaborating with major brands like Pit Viper and Foot Locker, all while managing the business side of my career as an executive at YEGMG Entertainment.

From performing at sold-out arenas like Rogers Place to being recognized as one of the top 15 most influential people in Edmonton, my journey has been a mix of hard work, resilience, and staying true to my vision. My goal has always been to transcend genres, impact billions, and put Canadian artists on the map in both hip-hop and Afrobeats. This is just the beginning, and I’m excited to see what’s next.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—anyone pursuing greatness in music or any creative field knows there are always challenges along the way. As an independent artist, one of the biggest hurdles has been navigating the business side of the industry while staying focused on creating music. Balancing the creative process with the grind of running YEGMG Entertainment, booking shows, and handling brand collaborations has required a lot of discipline and resilience.

Transitioning from strictly hip-hop to incorporating Afrobeat elements was a leap of faith, but it was necessary for my growth as an artist. I’ve faced challenges like getting my music heard in a market that’s still growing globally and competing with major artists from more established music hubs.

One thing that’s made a big difference is building a strong team around me. Over the years, I’ve been able to grow my team and add key people like assistants, media personnel, and more. Having the right people in place has allowed me to focus more on my craft while ensuring everything else is handled professionally.

On top of that, there’s the personal sacrifice—long nights in the studio and time away from family. But I’ve always trusted in God, believed in myself, and stayed relentless in my work ethic. Every challenge I’ve faced has shaped me into the artist I am today, and I’m grateful for the lessons learned along the way.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

I’m an artist who blends Afrobeat and hip-hop, creating a sound that’s uniquely my own. My music is a reflection of my Nigerian roots, my Canadian upbringing, and my love for hip-hop, which I grew up listening to. I’ve evolved from being solely a rapper in my early days to incorporating Afrobeat elements into my sound, thanks to encouragement from my family and the Nigerian community in Edmonton. This fusion has allowed me to grow my career exponentially and connect with a global audience.

In addition to being an artist, I’m also an executive at YEGMG Entertainment. I handle the business side of my career with the same drive and focus that I bring to my music. I’ve built a strong team, including assistants, media personnel, and other key players, which has been instrumental in balancing the demands of being both a creative and an entrepreneur.

I’m most proud of my ability to stay authentic and consistent while growing as an artist. One highlight was opening for Asake at Rogers Place in my hometown, performing in front of a sold-out crowd of over 15,000 people. Another proud moment was when I was notified that my music has surpassed 2,000,000 streams globally, a significant milestone for an independent artist like me.

What sets me apart is my versatility and my ability to transcend genres. I’ve created music across hip-hop, Afrobeat, R&B, pop, rock, and even country. I see myself as a true artist who values free expression, always pushing boundaries and evolving my sound.

Beyond the music, I deeply value my connection with my fans. Whether I’m performing on stage, shouting them out on social media, or meeting them in person, I strive to make my supporters feel appreciated. I also use my platform to uplift other artists in Edmonton, sharing their work, mentoring them, and helping them build connections to ensure the city’s talent gets recognized on a global scale.

My ultimate goal is to become the biggest Canadian artist in the world, a household name not just in Afrobeat but also in rap. I want to leave a legacy of breaking barriers, transcending genres, and being known for my generosity and contributions to the community.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?

The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is that consistency and belief in yourself are everything. This industry is full of ups and downs, but staying focused on your goals and putting in the work every single day is what sets you apart.

Another key lesson is the value of having a strong and competent team. Surrounding yourself with people who believe in your vision and can handle different aspects of your career is essential for long-term success. I’ve been fortunate to build a solid team that helps me balance the creative and business sides of my career.

Lastly, I’ve learned that connecting with people—whether it’s fans, collaborators, or industry professionals—is just as important as the music itself. Building relationships and staying authentic in everything you do is what creates lasting impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ogjonah.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/og.jonah
• Facebook: http://facebook.com/ogjonah
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/ogjonahyegmg
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/ogjonah

Image Credits

Divine Media Group