Nissi Ogulu: Afrobeats superstar’s sister who excels in her multiple career fields

Nissi Ogulu, known by her stage name Nissi, is making waves in the Nigerian music industry with her unique blend of Afrobeat, reggae, pop, and R&B. As the younger sister of a renowned Nigerian musician, Nissi has carved out her path, captivating audiences with her powerful vocals, infectious melodies and socially conscious lyrics.

So who is Nissi Ogulu? Does her musical style resonate with Nigerians? How has her superstar brother impacted her music career and journey thus far?

Nissi Ogulu biography

Nissi Ogulu was born on August 1, 1994, into the family of Samuel and Bose Ogulu.

Ogulu holds a degree in mechanical engineering from a university in the United Kingdom. After her graduation, she worked actively in the design sphere and established her production company, which specialises in creating and selling animations.

She is a multi-talented individual and is known by her professional name by her first name, Nissi. She is not only a songwriter but also a fine artist and the creator of Creele Animation Studios.

Ogulu first discovered her musical talent at the age of nine. However, her exposure to various musical instruments began at the age of five when she started playing the piano. By the time she reached 13, she was already recording her songs.

During her teenage years, Ogulu would perform at parties alongside her friends. As she matured, her musical preferences shifted towards singers known for their emotional expressiveness, such as Alicia Keys, Nina Simone and Etta James. When the time came for Ogulu to fully decide her path in the music industry, she, unlike her brother, chose not to pursue afrobeat not because she criticised the genre’s growth, but because she wanted to avoid being confined by specific genres.

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She, however, describes her music style as rooted in Afro influences, which gradually evolved into a blend of “Afro-jazz or Afro-funk”.

Before Ogulu and her famous brother, Burna Boy, were born, their grandparent had already established himself in the music industry. Their grandfather, Benson Idonije, is a renowned radio broadcaster who had a direct connection with the legendary multi-talented musician, bandleader, composer and political activist, Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti. Ogulu’s mother played a crucial role in shaping their musical journey. She was like a “powerhouse” and guided her children in finding a balance between their education and musical talents.

Ogulu also credits her father’s calming presence as a valuable source of support. Overall, she describes her family as a dynamic blend of strong personalities who played pivotal roles in her path to success in the music industry.

Nissi Ogulu’s career

Ogulu made her debut in the music scene with the release of her single, “Pay Attention”, in September 2016. The accompanying music video was directed by Labi Odebunmi, who won the 2012 Stanley Kubrick Award. Another single, titled: “Familiar”, which was produced by Nigerian music producer, Chopstix, was also released in the same year.

In 2020, Ogulu unveiled her EP, “IGNITE”, and went on to release several singles, including “Hold In” in 2021, “Gravity” and “Overthinking” in 2022.

Ogulu’s music style can be described as a blend of Afrobeat, soul, and pop. Her soulful vocals and engaging melodies have captivated audiences, and she has been praised for her unique sound. Her musical style is characterized by its creativity and uniqueness. She has a strong affinity for Afro-jazz music.

Ogulu is also the founder of Creele animation studio, a company in the entertainment industry that has a strong emphasis on showcasing the incredible creativity of Africa. The company’s main goal is to share captivating stories that highlight the rich diversity of our people and culture. It achieves this primarily through the production of high-quality animated films and games, accompanied by innovative and distinctive sound design.

She was part of the Jaguar Land Rover engineering team responsible for designing and assembling the 2023 Range Rover Model. She also launched a charity NFT collection on the Binance NFT marketplace. Moreover, her company created a 3D Animation short film titled “The Satchel”, in which she took on the roles of director, producer and composer.

Furthermore, Ogulu’s collaboration with Havana Club and Burna Design resulted in the award for the most innovative product at Paris Packaging Week 2023.

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Nissi Ogulu’s songs

Ogulu has released several songs in her music career. Listed below are some notable releases:

1. “Pay Attention”: This was Nissi’s debut single, released in 2016. The song combines Afrobeat and soul elements. It showcased her smooth vocals and introspective lyrics.
2. “Criminal”: Released in 2018, “Criminal” is an upbeat track that infuses Afrobeat, pop and reggae influences. It highlights Ogului’s versatility as she delivers catchy melodies and energetic vocals.
3. “Familiar”: This song, released in 2019, blends Afrobeat with elements of dancehall and R&B. It features a vibrant production and showcases Nissi’s vocal range and lyrical prowess.
4. “Trouble”: Released in 2020, “Trouble” is an Afrobeat-infused track with a captivating rhythm and catchy hooks. It is a song about embracing individuality and overcoming obstacles.
5. “Move”: Released in 2021, “Move” is an infectious Afrobeat and pop fusion that encourages listeners to let go and dance. The song is accompanied by a vibrant music video.

Nissi Ogulu”s net worth

Ogulu’s net worth is estimated to be around $850,000, according to an online report. 

Nissi Ogulu’s family

Ogulu’s father is Samuel Ogulu, while her mother is Bose Ogulu.

Samuel Ogulu is not just the father of a celebrity, but also an accomplished entrepreneur managing a welding company. Despite his son’s fame and success, Samuel Ogulu has continued to devote his time and energy to his business.

Bose Ogulu, Nissi Ogulu’s mother, hails from Edo State. Her father, Benson Idonije, is also from Edo State, while her mother, Mrs. Benson, belongs to the Yoruba tribe.

Samuel and Bose Ogulu have been married since September 1st, 1990, and their marriage is currently 32 years strong. They have built a loving and enduring family together. The couple has three children: Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, Ronami Ogulu, and Nissi Ogulu.

Bose’s father, Benson Idonije, had the distinction of being Fela Kuti‘s first manager, which fostered a friendship between Bose and Fela Kuti. In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Bose Ogulu is a talent manager, language consultant, and entrepreneur. She serves as the manager for her children, Burna Boy and Nissi, overseeing their careers and providing guidance and support.

 Burna Boy

Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, MFR, professionally known as Burna Boy, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer. He gained widespread recognition in 2012 with the release of his lead single, “Like to Party”, from his debut studio album, “L.I.F.E” (2013). Burna Boy signed with Bad Habit/Atlantic Records in the United States and Warner Music Group internationally in 2017 and marked his major-label debut with his third studio album, “Outside” (2018).

Burna Boy’s success continues to soar as he has earned numerous accolades. In 2019, he won the “Best International Act” award at the BET Awards and was named Apple Music’s “Up Next” artist. His fourth studio album, “African Giant” (2019), received critical acclaim and won “Album of the Year” at the All Africa Music Awards. It was also nominated for “Best World Music Album” at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards. He further cemented his reputation by winning “African Artist of the Year” at the 2020 Ghana Music Awards.

With the release of his fifth studio album, “Twice as Tall” (2020), Burna Boy achieved even greater heights. It won the “Best World Music Album’ at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards. He also secured the “Best International Act” award at the 2021 BET Awards.

In July 2022, Burna Boy released his sixth studio album,” Love, Damini”, which made a remarkable impact on the global music scene. It became the highest-charting African album on the Billboard 200 chart and achieved significant success in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and France.

In recognition of his accomplishments, Burna Boy was awarded the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic plaque for his contributions to music. Furthermore, in 2023, Rolling Stone ranked him as the 197th greatest singer of all time on their prestigious list.

Nissi Ogulu’s age

Ogulu was born on August 1, 1994. She is currently 28 years old and will be 29 in 2023.

Nissi Ogulu Instagram

Nissi Ogulu has an active social media presence on Instagram, with 120,000 followers.

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