Justice Obaro on career setbacks and protecting his brand in the music industry

Obaro, who initially performed as “Obas/Obass,” rebuilt his brand under his real name after these setbacks. He highlighted the necessity of thorough research before making professional decisions and advised artists to register and protect their stage names, considering trademarking them. Obaro also discussed how the success of his 2006 debut song, ‘Africa,’ underscored the need for professional management.

He taught himself music production and sound engineering to gain greater control over his creative vision, as he often found producers and sound engineers unable to match his desired sound or were too expensive. Reflecting on his participation in The Voice Nigeria Season One and West Africa Project Fame Season Nine in 2016, Obaro noted these experiences helped him develop as a performer and music entrepreneur, leading to recognition and interest from record labels. Instead of immediately accepting offers, he returned to Cape Town, South Africa, to establish his own record label with investors.

Obaro also revealed that losing both parents in 2026 prompted him to re-evaluate his priorities and career direction, fueling his ambition to elevate his music internationally and contribute significantly to