Fuse ODG, Biography

Enter the vibrant world of music, where rhythms flow like a river and melodies pulse with the heartbeat of Africa. In this dynamic realm, one name stands out like a beacon, igniting a cultural fusion that transcends borders and electrifies audiences worldwide – Fuse ODG. With an explosive blend of Afrobeat, Azonto, and an unwavering passion for promoting the rich tapestry of African music, Fuse ODG has become a global sensation, a musical architect of unity, and a rhythmic force to be reckoned with. Join us as we journey into the compelling story of a trailblazing artist who’s redefining the very essence of modern music.

Nana Richard Abiona (born 2 December 1988), better known by his stage name Fuse ODG, is a British singer, songwriter and rapper. He is best known for his singles “Antenna” and “Dangerous Love”, and for featuring on Major Lazer’s “Light It Up (Remix)”.

Early life

Born in London and raised in Ghana, Fuse returned to London for his secondary education, where he attended the Archbishop Lanfranc School, Croydon. He grew up in Mitcham, South London. The stage name “Fuse” comes from his fusion of musical styles, as he is known for his unusual combination of genres such as Afro-pop, hip-hop, R&B, funk and rock. “ODG”, meanwhile, stands for ‘Off Da Ground’.

Music career

2013–14: T.I.N.A.

Main article: T.I.N.A. (album)

On 23 August 2012, Fuse ODG released a single titled “Antenna”, the song peaked at number 7 on the UK Singles Chart, the song also peaked at number 85 on the Irish Singles Chart. On 27 Oct 2011 he released the single “Azonto”, the song peaked at number 30 on the UK Singles Chart. On 19 October 2013, he was awarded ‘Best African Act’ at the MOBO Award’s 18th Anniversary. He recently won four awards at the Urban Music Awards 2013; Best Music Video, Best Single, Best Artiste and Best Collaboration. On 29 December 2013 he released the single “Million Pound Girl (Badder Than Bad)”, the song peaked at number 5 on the UK Singles Chart, the song also peaked at number 65 on the Irish Singles Chart. On 18 May 2014 Fuse ODG released “Dangerous Love”, featuring Sean Paul. It peaked at number 3 on the UK Singles Chart. His next single, “T.I.N.A.” featuring British R&B artist Angel, was released on 19 October 2014. His debut album, T.I.N.A., an acronym for “This Is New Africa”, was released on 3 November 2014 and includes all five singles, the album peaked to number 25 on the UK Albums Chart, the album also peaked to number 63 in Scotland. Fuse ODG turned down an offer to sing on the Band Aid 30 project because he objected to the way the lyrics of the song portrayed the victims of the ongoing Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa, and Africa generally.

2015–present

In April 2015 he featured on Tinchy Stryder’s single “Imperfection”. In July 2015 he released the single “Only”. He features on Angel’s single “Leyla”. The song was released on 17 July 2015. On 4 September 2015 he released the single “Top of My Charts”.

In 2016, he collaborated with British Asian artist Zack Knight and Indian rapper Badshah. They came together and composed an African/Indian soundtrack, Bombae.

Awards and Honors

Fuse ODG has received several awards and honors, including:

1. MOBO Awards: He won the MOBO Award for Best African Act in 2013.

2. Ghana Music Awards: Fuse ODG was honored at the Ghana Music Awards for his contribution to the music industry.

3. BET Awards: He was nominated for a BET Award for Best International Act: Africa in 2014.

4. Ghana UK-Based Achievement (GUBA) Awards: He has received GUBA awards for his achievements in the UK and Africa.