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At 29, Usseh Peter Bryan Edako is navigating the waves of both the seas and the world of music. A sailor by profession and a musician at heart, Usseh’s unique blend of R&B, pop, hip-hop, trap, rap, and Afrobeats is already making ripples across the industry. His story is one of passion, persistence, and a deep connection to music, forged from his earliest memories.
“I’ve always loved music,” Usseh says, reminiscing about family road trips where music became the soundtrack of his life. His father, a music lover, introduced him to the greats, from Michael Jackson to Fela Kuti, and his home was filled with the sounds of his mother and grandmother’s singing. “It’s safe to say music is in my blood,” he chuckles, recalling how his siblings once laughed at his early attempts at singing. Despite their teasing, his passion for music only grew stronger, with songs constantly filling his mind.
It wasn’t until secondary school, however, that others started to notice his talent. “I was struggling with self-confidence, but my classmates and teachers started paying attention,” he recalls. That recognition became undeniable in college when he won seven awards in the Mr. University competition, including ‘Best in Talent’ for his singing and dancing. This was the moment that pushed Usseh into the spotlight. “Music brings me joy, excitement, and happiness like nothing else,” he says, emphasizing how music has always been his escape from the world’s darker vices.
Shaped by Legends
When asked about his musical influences, Usseh rattles off a list of legends: Michael Jackson, Lighthouse Family, Drake, Usher, Lil Wayne, and Fela Kuti. “I believe Usseh is a blend of all these greats,” he says, acknowledging how their sounds have shaped his own. But, he’s quick to add that his versatility sets him apart. “The Weeknd is an artist I look up to, but with me, you can never really know where I’ll take you sonically,” he explains.
That versatility shines through in his genre-fluid approach to music. “Lil Wayne influenced me to start rapping at nine, but my sister’s obsession with love ballads like Kelly Rowland and Boys II Men eventually brought out the loverboy in me,” Usseh laughs. Today, his music transcends any one genre. “I listen to everything from country to rock to OPM. I can’t be boxed in. My sound is my voice and what I can do with it.”
The Storytelling of Sound
For Usseh, the heart of his music lies in storytelling. “Most of the time, I paint pictures with my songs. I want people to understand that we all feel, hurt, and make mistakes. I just want to spread love,” he says, reflecting on his mission to counteract the hate and division in the world. His creative process is deeply intuitive, with songs often writing themselves. “Sometimes, I start freestyling what’s in my heart, other times, the chords dictate the feeling,” he explains.
While he admits to a preference for minor keys due to their depth, Usseh’s approach to songwriting is fluid, often allowing his emotions and experiences to guide the melody. “Music is about how it makes you feel,” he says, noting how even the simplest melodies can convey powerful emotions.
Standing Out in the Nigerian Music Scene
Though Nigeria’s music industry is known for its Afrobeats sound, Usseh is determined to carve his own path. “I don’t have any intentions of fitting in; I want to stand out,” he says confidently. With artists like Omah Lay, Fireboy, and Tems leading the charge in pushing boundaries, Usseh believes now is the best time to be making music in Nigeria. “Afrobeats is open to interpretation by different artists, and the Afro I do doesn’t conform to the typical sound,” he says.
Looking to the future, Usseh hopes to be at the height of his career, collaborating with incredible people, connecting with fans, and building a platform to give back to his community. His ambitions are as diverse as his music, and his journey is just beginning.
Beyond the Music
When Usseh isn’t making music, he’s indulging in his many other interests. A lover of travel, comedy, photography, and sports, he’s often found flying his drone or swimming in the nearest pool. And if you ever meet him in person, don’t be surprised if he turns out to be the goofiest person in the room. “I have 12 fingers,” he says with a laugh, “but two were cut at birth, so don’t freak out.”
With an infectious sense of humor, an undeniable talent, and a clear sense of purpose, Usseh Peter Bryan Edako is a rising star in the Nigerian music scene. Whether he’s sailing the seas or commanding the stage, one thing is clear: Usseh’s journey is one you won’t want to miss.
