Nigerian Afro-Soul sensation Ossi Grace is Apple Music’s newest Africa Rising artist, joining a powerful lineage of stars like Tems, Omah Lay, Ayra Starr, Amaarae, and Blxckie. Her debut EP, In A Hopeless Place, dropped on October 31, and it’s already turning heads for its soulful blend of vulnerability, hope, and introspection.
In a conversation with Ebro Darden on Apple Music, Ossi Grace opened up about the inspiration behind her project and how it reflects both her Nigerian upbringing and her personal evolution.
“I Found Love In A Hopeless Place”
Explaining the EP’s title, Ossi Grace revealed that it was born from her experiences growing up in Nigeria — a place she described as often being labeled “hopeless.”
“Once you’re born in Nigeria, they tell you nothing can ever go right here,” she said. “If you want good education or love, you go abroad. So I wanted to flip that narrative. I found love, peace, and amazing friendships in a hopeless place. I found joy where many see despair.”
That optimism and determination define the spirit of the project — an Afro-Soul exploration of finding beauty amid chaos, peace amid struggle, and hope amid heartbreak.
From Toxic Love to Healing Energy
Ebro noted that Ossi’s viral tracks often appear on R&B pages around the world, and her sound sits comfortably in the Afro-Fusion pocket. But while her music carries an undeniable groove, her storytelling reflects deep emotional maturity.
Talking about the EP’s standout track “Love Like This”, she admitted it was written before a major turning point in her life:
“That song came before my epiphany,” Ossi explained. “It was toxic — like, ‘You do me bad, I’ll do you bad times two.’ But I realized my goal now is to bring healing. I can’t keep releasing music that tells people revenge or hate is the way to deal with pain.”
Other songs like “Anywhere Only You” and “I Remember” showcase her transition into light. Her personal favorite, “I Remember,” is, as she puts it, “a song about peace and acceptance — remembering the good even when something ends.”
From Songwriter to Star
Before stepping into the spotlight, Ossi Grace spent years writing for other artists — many of them big names in the Afrobeats and alternative scenes.
“When I started writing in 2017, artists weren’t proud to say they used songwriters,” she said. “So I’d write and be told, ‘Don’t tell anyone.’ But it helped me learn. I wanted to discover what kind of artist I am before putting my name on something.”
That reflection eventually gave birth to Ossi Grace, the artist — a name and identity she adopted just four years ago.
“I’ve always been purpose-driven,” she added. “Even if success comes, I want to feel fulfilled. I needed to figure out my sound, message, and identity — and songwriting gave me that space.”
Looking Ahead
Ossi Grace confirmed that she’s already working on her second project, with plans to release new music as early as next year. Fans can expect more experimentation with global sounds inspired by her travels.
“I’m influenced by what I hear when I travel — guitars, drums, new rhythms,” she said. “My next project will definitely draw more from those experiences outside Nigeria.”
Ebro praised her artistry, calling In A Hopeless Place “moody, soulful, and emotionally grounded.”
With over a million streams already across platforms and growing buzz around songs like “Love Affair,” “Where You Belong,” and the viral “Love Like This,” Ossi Grace is firmly stepping into her light — one soulful melody at a time.
“I just want to bring healing and hope through my music,” she said. “Even when life feels hopeless, there’s still light — and I want my listeners to find it with me.”
Source: ameyawdebrah.com/
