Emerging as one of the freshest voices on the scene, OBT is carving out his own unique space in contemporary music. Known offstage as “Omo Baba Teacher”, a nickname rooted in his upbringing and community, OBT blends emotional honesty with smooth, cinematic production to create songs that feel both intimate and timeless. 

With his latest single Sneak Call, he invites listeners into a world of late-night secrets and raw vulnerability, showcasing his talents not just as a singer but also as a producer and storyteller. In this interview, OBT opens up about the inspirations behind his music, his creative process, and what’s next on the horizon for this rising star.

TCA: What does OBT stand for, and what’s the story behind the name

OBT: OBT is an acronym for omo baba teacher. Growing up in my neighborhood, most kids were known not by their names, but by their parents’ professions. That’s how I earned omo baba teacher simply, the teacher’s son.

TCA: ⁠‘Sneak Call’ has this really smooth, late-night energy, what inspired that vibe?

OBT: It was a very intentional record for me. I produced the beat first, and the ideas really started flowing after I took a late-night drive with it playing. That moment set the tone, it felt intimate, almost cinematic. I wanted to tell the story of a love affair unfolding in secrecy, capturing that hidden, after-dark energy.

TCA: You wrote and produced the track yourself. Do you usually prefer to keep things in-house when creating music?

OBT: While I love producing my own records, I also enjoy collaborating with other producers. It’s always interesting to explore different ideas and creative approaches, hearing things from a new perspective can really elevate the music.

TCA: How would you describe your sound to someone hearing you for the first time?

OBT: I’d describe my sound as emotional and honest. It’s my way of being vulnerable, each record holds a piece of me. I try to let the emotion guide the music, so what you hear is a real reflection of what I feel.

TCA: The lyrics tap into desire, secrecy, and loyalty, were you pulling from real life or just painting a story?

OBT: Most of my songs are rooted in real-life experiences, and Sneak Call is no exception. There’s something thrilling about bringing those moments to life through words and rhythm, painting vivid scenes that listeners can feel.

TCA: What’s the first thing you do when an idea for a new song hits you?

OBT: Most of the time, I start by recording voice memos on my phone, just humming melodies or rough ideas. You probably wouldn’t want to hear them though, they sound pretty weird! But honestly, they play a huge role in my creative process.

TCA: You seem very intentional with your sound. What does “timeless music” mean to you personally?

OBT: Timeless music is essential, some records are meant to be played over and over for years to come. As a producer, I also recognize that some songs are designed to capture a moment or trend, and that’s okay. It doesn’t make them any less valuable; they just serve a different purpose.

TCA: What part of making music excites you the most, is it writing, recording, producing, or performing?

OBT: I’d say performing, it brings everything full circle. It’s a beautiful way to be present in the moment, where all the layers of the process come to life. From the first chord to the vocals and even the post-production touches, performing captures the essence of it all. It’s an incredible feeling, almost beyond words.

TCA: How has your journey in music shaped you, both as an artist and as a person?

OBT: Music has always been my first love. There are times when inspiration fades, but my passion for it keeps me moving forward. As an artist and a person, it’s deeply fulfilling to embrace this gift and express myself through music.

TCA: What’s next for OBT, are we getting a full project soon or are you letting the singles speak for now?

OBT: I’m excited to be back, sharing my music and connecting with listeners again. I’m staying focused and putting in the work, preparing to release a full body of work following a series of select singles.

With a clear vision and a deeply personal approach to his craft, OBT is a storyteller who invites us into his world with every track. As he continues to build momentum with thoughtful singles like Sneak Call, fans can look forward to a full project that promises to deliver even more of his signature emotional honesty and smooth sound. Keep an eye on OBT, he’s definitely one to watch in the music scene.