Up-and-coming Pop/R&B artist, Obai, is ready to become Gen Z’s next big thing. The Geffen Record’s artist recently released his first-ever EP svnteen and Cover2Cover secured an invite to his exclusive press release. Obai discussed everything from navigating the music industry as a young teen, his musical influences, his creative process, and remaining authentic to his roots while chasing his dream. 

“Authenticity is the biggest, most powerful tool you can have,” he said. He believes his authenticity sets him apart from other artists in his genre. 

Raised in Phoenix, Arizona the city makes an appearance in several of his music videos released thus far for the EP. Showing love to other creatives from the city, Obai takes us into the depth of his roots and combines his intimate love for creation and storytelling with his music.

“I like to build a universe around every release so you can kinda come into my world,” he shared. 

svnteen is an EP built around the highs, the lows and everything in between that occurred when the singer was 17. The EP takes on a 23-minute and 39-second journey into the singer’s “worst year but his best,” every song infused with pop, R&B, and Sudanese influence.

His love for Sudan and his Sudanese roots has been a driving force in his confidence in taking on the music world. Having recently received recognition for his song “Girls Like You” on CBS Mornings, a shoutout from YouTuber Kai Cenat, and having his song “The River” included in an episode of Gray’s Anatomy, the singer has received more than enough confirmation that not only is his dream tangible, it’s just beginning. 

The EP opens up the pop and R&B-infused “weekend,” taking us into Obai’s journey with love.  The song is an affirmation to his love interest and a plea for her to let him into her mind. The next four songs continue Obai’s experience with relationships with many of the concepts being relatable for his Gen-Z audience. 

With notable influences from Frank Ocean, PartyNextDoor, and The Weeknd, Obai displays an understanding of the current landscape of music while still differentiating himself from the norm.

The singer gets personal with his fans on “Missed Call” and “Journals.” The latter is his ultimate favorite off the EP.  “I feel like it’s a personal song of mine.”

The song is a culmination of the album and his most recent year. He acknowledges the people he’s lost along the road to chasing his dream while humbly giving thanks to the ones who have stayed with him along the way.

The EP was released on Jan 26. is now available for streaming on all platforms.