Introduction
Jehovah Nissi Ogulu, widely known as Nissi, was born on August 1, 1994, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. From an early age, she exhibited a powerful fusion of creativity and intellect. Growing up in a family of pioneers, she was deeply influenced by her grandfather, Benson Idonije, Fela Kuti’s first band manager who sparked her love for music, storytelling, and African heritage. Her mother, Bose Ogulu, played a vital role in managing her brother, Burna Boy, whose success in Afrobeat inspired her to carve her own legacy.
Education and Early Career
Nissi’s artistic journey started young. By the age of four, she was already mastering the piano, and by six, she was playing the drums. Despite her deep love for music and visual arts, she pursued a degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Warwick in the UK, proving that creative passion and technical excellence could coexist. Even during her studies, she continued painting, performing, and refining her skills as a singer-songwriter.
Major Life Events
In 2016, Nissi took her first bold step into the music industry with the release of her debut single, Pay Attention, a song that reflected her commitment to storytelling and consciousness. But she wasn’t just a musician, she was a creator in every sense. She launched Creele Animation Studios, where she directed The Satchel, a 3D animated short film released in 2021.
She expanded her artistic reach beyond music and film. As an engineer, she played a critical role in designing the 2023 Range Rover model as part of Jaguar Land Rover’s team, a groundbreaking achievement that showcased her versatility.
Her music career hit a new height on March 15, 2024, when she headlined her first major show at Sounds of Brazil (SOBs) in New York, a defining moment that affirmed her international presence. Then, on March 5, 2025, at the Forbes Africa Women Leading Summit in Pretoria, South Africa, she received the Youth Icon Award for her exceptional contributions to music, visual arts, and electric vehicle innovation. During her keynote speech, she spoke passionately about Africa’s future, sustainability, and the vital role of women in leadership, reinforcing her mission to drive progress across multiple fields.
Professional Achievements
Nissi’s music continues to push boundaries. Her EPs Ignite (2020) and Unboxed (2023) received critical acclaim, with songs like Overthinking and Higher resonating deeply with audiences. Her collaboration with Fireboy DML on Nobody further proved her ability to craft unique, genre-blending sounds.
Beyond music, she co-founded Kemet Automotive, a company dedicated to pioneering sustainable transportation solutions in Africa. By championing electric vehicle innovation, she is redefining Africa’s role in global technology.
Her latest creative endeavor, Sopo, brings together her passions for animation, music, and African history. The animated film tells the story of Fela Kuti’s early years, ensuring that his legacy continues to inspire new generations.
Personal Life
Despite her growing global recognition, Nissi remains grounded in her roots. Family is a core part of her identity, and she often credits her grandfather and mother for shaping her vision. Though she keeps her personal life private, her work consistently reflects her love for African culture, storytelling, and innovation.
Legacy and Impact
Nissi is more than an artist she is a force of nature. She embodies the idea that passion knows no boundaries. Whether through music, animation, visual arts, or engineering, she continues to challenge norms and prove that African creatives can thrive on the world stage.
Her story exemplifies the power of fearlessness. She has shown that creativity and innovation can exist in harmony, that tradition and modernity can blend seamlessly, and that young Africans can be at the forefront of change.
Conclusion
Nissi Ogulu’s journey is one of relentless ambition, boundless creativity, and deep cultural pride. She refuses to be confined to a single field, constantly pushing forward as a musician, visual artist, engineer, and entrepreneur. Her legacy will be remembered as one of courage, innovation, and the unwavering belief that African talent belongs on the global stage. Through her art and groundbreaking projects, she is shaping the future not just for herself, but for an entire generation of dreamers.
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