Osa Zelé is a young Denver-based rapper and songwriter whose music blends contemporary hip-hop with melodic, story-driven songwriting rooted in both American and Nigerian influences. Positioning himself as a voice for his generation, he pairs high-energy delivery with introspective lyrics about ambition, relationships, and finding purpose.​ Background and roots Osa Zelé is a native of Denver, Colorado, born to a Nigerian family and raised between American culture and strong West African heritage. This dual identity shapes both his sound and his persona, leading him to embrace titles like “Prince of Benin” while proudly representing Denver’s emerging hip-hop scene.​​ He began gravitating toward music at a young age, singing loudly around the house and staying drawn to performance even in his early school years. As he approached his mid-teens, that passion evolved into a desire to pursue music seriously and build a career that reflected what he loved most.​​ Start in music Osa started making music around the age of 14, teaching himself how to record, experiment with different styles, and gradually develop his own sound. Over the next few years he learned to track his vocals, mix his songs, and refine his writing, using home recording as a sandbox to improve his craft.​​ About two to three years into his journey he began taking music more seriously, connecting with a label and stepping out of the underground into a more structured release strategy. As his songs started gaining traction online, he moved from being a local teen with a mic to a rising artist with a growing audience.​​ Label and professional growth A key turning point for Osa came through a family-linked introduction to Benin City Entertainment, an independent label with strong Nigerian roots. That relationship, born from a coincidental connection between his father and the label’s founder, developed into a long-term partnership he describes as feeling like family.​​ Through this setup, Osa gained access to professional production, studio environments, and a broader creative team, allowing him to elevate his sound beyond DIY recordings. He splits his process between home recording and studio sessions, often drafting ideas at home before polishing them in a professional setting.​​ Releases and sound By 2022, Osa had begun releasing music consistently and building momentum across digital platforms, earning attention for his melodic approach and confident rap delivery. His 2024 EP “The Evolution, Vol. 1” marked a milestone body of work, presenting him as a contemporary hip-hop artist with a polished, cinematic sound.​ The EP features production from names such as LeriQ, ELIWTF, Nabeyin, and others, blending atmospheric beats, trap elements, and Afrobeats-adjacent textures. Songs like “Where She Go,” a collaboration with Nigerian artist Alpha P, show his ability to float between rap, melody, and Afro-influenced grooves while still sounding distinctly like himself.​ Influences and artistry Osa cites artists such as Michael Jackson and XXXTentacion as inspirations for their uniqueness, fearlessness, and focus on music above everything else. Their willingness to break molds and center emotion nudged him toward writing more personal lyrics and crafting memorable melodies instead of chasing trends.​ This influence comes through in his emphasis on storytelling, vocal dynamics, and emotional delivery even over hard-hitting beats. His music often revolves around themes of self-improvement, loyalty, love, and the pressure of trying to “become the best version” of himself while navigating youth and ambition.​​ Life in Denver and personal side Growing up in Denver, Osa balanced school, sports, and music, playing both basketball and football while developing a strong attachment to his hometown teams, the Broncos and the Nuggets. His father’s past as a Denver Broncos player deepened his connection to the city’s sports culture and sense of local pride.​ Outside the booth, he navigated typical American school life while carrying the expectations and values of a Nigerian household, an experience that adds layers to his perspective as an artist. This mix of backgrounds informs his drive, work ethic, and the way he frames his story as a Denver kid with global ambitions.​​ Current trajectory Since his first breakthrough track gained notable streaming traction, Osa has framed that early success as confirmation that he chose the right path. He continues to build with new singles, visual content, and long-term plans for future projects, including albums that expand on the sonic foundation laid by “The Evolution, Vol. 1.”​​ Positioned as a fresh voice in contemporary hip-hop, he aims to keep evolving his sound while “telling his story through music,” a phrase echoed in his online presence and branding. With consistent releases, label backing, and a clear sense of identity, Osa Zelé stands out as one of Denver’s promising young exports to the wider hip-hop world.​