Music

Ogun’s ‘Trial By Fire’ EP Listening Party

2 February

In a night filled with excitement and vibrant energy, Welsh artist Ogun unveiled his upcoming EP, ‘Trial By Fire,’ at a thrilling listening party at Rhostio Coffee in Cardiff. The highly anticipated ten-track EP tells stories about the forces that drive him while seeking inner peace and is set for release today, the 2nd of February.

KlatMag covers the exclusive listening party, highlighting his unique journey and the powerful narrative in his music.

As a prelude to the EP, Ogun has dropped singles such as ‘Know Like That,’ ‘G Lean‘ and ‘Set Pace ft. Mirari and Man Like Vision.’ In a recent statement, he describes the track, Know Like That, as a bold attempt to create a catchy anthem. “The song was written as a result of me challenging myself to make a ‘hit,’ in the sense of creating a song that is catchy, ear-grabbing, and larger than life sonically.”

The steady flow and production are evident, showcasing the talent’s commitment to crafting a song with high energy. The track serves as a flex, a testament to his artistry, and a nod to the environment that shaped him.

As the night unfolded, attendees were treated to the exceptional skills of DJ Hope Rose, who added an extra layer to the celebration, setting the perfect atmosphere for the night. A preview of the ‘Trial By Fire’ EP, a body of work that captures Ogun’s resilience, grit, and determination, was featured, offering listeners an opportunity to hear tracks such as ‘Block Boy,’ ‘Skrapz Flow,’ ‘Still Pimpin,’ ‘Armed & Dangerous,’ ‘B2v ft. Manj,’ ‘Sunsets & Suspects,’ and ‘Berserk,’ as well as pre-released tracks and visuals for ‘Know Like That,’ ‘G Lean’ and ‘Set Pace ft. Mirari and Man Like Vision,’ capturing the intensity and authenticity that Ogun brings to his music.

Ogun’s artistic journey, from poetry to music, has been marked by influences ranging from Gorillaz to Odd Future and Outkast. His debut solo release in 2021, ‘Flight Mode,’ earned praise from BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio Wales, Buzz Mag, and more, setting the stage for the significant impact he now holds in the Welsh music scene.

The listening party not only showcased Ogun’s musical talent but also celebrated his strong connection to Wales. His role in organising and leading the Black Lives Matter protests in Gwent highlighted the deep connection he has built with the community, further confirming his place in the Welsh cultural scene.

His EP, ‘Trial By Fire, embodies artistry and strength. It establishes him as a force to be reckoned with in the thriving Welsh music community. He comments on the release: ‘Trial By Fire’ is a term that embodies that sense of being thrown into the deep end and forcing yourself to swim so that you don’t sink. My life has been a series of trials and tribulations that resulted in me being moulded by the fire.

“The fire in my belly, the fire in my heart, and the fire that’s often been at my feet as well. A Trial by Fire questions one’s ability to not just cope with pressure but to conquer that pressure. This project is the sonic summation of everything that has fanned the flames.”

As the night concluded, the sounds of Ogun’s ‘Trial By Fire’ EP lingered in the hearts of attendees. The listening party wasn’t just an introduction to a great body of music, but a peek into the talent of an artist whose passion shines brightly and remains unaffected by challenges. ‘Trial By Fire’ has firmly established its mark in the Welsh music scene, captivating listeners who eagerly embraced it upon its official release.