Josh Osho

Dubbed “the UK’s answer to John Legend”, South Londoner Josh Osho is a naturally gifted singer-songwriter with a life-story packed full of the stuff that films are made of.

Born to a half Northern Irish, half Nigerian mother and Nigerian father, Josh Osho has had the life experience of a person twice his age. Following an unconventional and often tempestuous childhood, Josh went from being in and out of home at the age of 16 and dealing drugs from notorious half-way house Ebenezer hotel at 17, to signing a deal with Island Records at 18, finding himself recording in a studio with two members Wu Tang Clan at 19, and releasing his debut album ‘L.I.F.E’ at 20. It may be a universal cliché to say someone has been saved from a darker route in life by music, but when it comes to Josh Osho this really is the case. He is a young man and artist who has come up the hard way and it is there for everyone to hear in his music.

Among those to hear it first was Josh’s musical hero Ghostface Killah – who approached Josh about guesting on his debut EP, ‘Redemption Days’. A few studio sessions later and his counterpart, RZA quickly followed suit. Now Josh has gathered more fans among some of music’s finest, such as James Morrison and Wretch 32 – both of whom have earmarked Josh as an exceptional talent to watch out for. Other heavyweight Osho promoters include rising star Childish Gambino, (who Josh supported on his recent sold out London shows), Emile Sande and Rizzle Kicks who have invited Josh on the road with them for their recent and UK tours.

An impressive debut, Osho’s ‘L.I.F.E’ is a collection of expertly crafted songs with spiritual integrity and undeniable commercial appeal, underpinned by one of the finest pop/soul voices to come out of the UK in years. ‘Giants’ is a heartfelt slice of gritty inner soul, while the elegiac ‘SOS’ and the bitter-sweet ‘Ebenezer Hotel’ showcase Josh’s innate ability to impart life lessons and experiences with a profound mind and a pop sensibility. Other highlights on the album include the beautiful lament ‘Highlight of My Day’, the future hit ‘Home For Your Birthday’, and the infectious R&B masterclass, ‘Redemption Days’, featuring Ghostface Killah.

A taste of what to expect…