7 Afrobeats Hit Songs With CJ Obassey's Magic Touch

When you think of the biggest Nigerian hits today, your mind might jump to the vocalists or the producers whose names flash across streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. But lurking just beneath the surface of many of these records is a musician whose sound quietly shapes the fabric of contemporary Afro-influenced music: CJ Obassey.

As a multi-instrumentalist, guitarist, songwriter, and producer, Obassey does not always occupy the centre of the credits. Yet his fingerprint appears everywhere. From emotive guitar lines to subtle production touches, he has become one of the most in-demand musical architects behind the scenes. Here are seven songs you didn’t know CJ Obassey played or produced on, and why his contribution matters.

Omah Lay’s smooth vocals and introspective lyrics made ‘Reason’ a fan favourite, but CJ Obassey’s playing shaped the song’s understated musicality and fluid guitar support. His contribution gave the track its emotional pull, anchoring the contemplative feel with melodic sensitivity. In this instance, the guitar spoke as loudly as the words.

‘Hallelujah’ stands out as one of Ladipoe's biggest hits. Behind the poetic bars lies an arrangement that marries rhythm and atmosphere. CJ Obassey’s input, particularly in layering subtle melodic textures, helped elevate the song’s sonic depth and made it one of the most talked-about tracks of its cycle.

This collaboration between Ajebo Hustlers and JeriQ blends street sensibilities with mainstream appeal. Beyond the catchy hook and polished flow is a backing that feels lived-in and real. Obassey’s guitar work and musical direction provide the organic warmth that threads soulful instrumentation through a high-energy rap track.

The hook of ‘Medicine’ provides a feel-good lift, but the musical architecture supporting it completes the record. CJ Obassey’s role as an instrumentalist helped shape the fun and smooth vibe of the track. He added guitar elements that balance the production and give the song replay value beyond its catchy chorus.

On this aggressive, drill-infused cut, listeners often overlook the guitar and musical arrangements that add colour to the beat’s intensity. Obassey’s work here demonstrates his versatility, as he complements heavy rap verses with nuanced instrumentation that enhances the overall sound without overpowering it.

Yemi Alade’s ‘Fear Love’ pulses with Afrobeats energy and vocal confidence. Underneath that vibrancy, a layer of musicality frames the storytelling. Obassey’s guitar and instrumental touches offer a sonic richness that underpins the song’s emotional narrative, proving that great musicians power the best pop tracks from behind the scenes.

Niniola’s powerful delivery on ‘Komiyo’ relies on arrangements that feel both retro and modern. Obassey’s contributions, particularly in melodic structure and instrumentation, bridge that gap and give the track a timeless feel. His guitar work fills the spaces between beats and vocals with expressive, danceable tension.

Across these seven songs spanning Afrobeats, rap, pop, and fusion, CJ Obassey’s musicianship provides the connective tissue that listeners feel even if they do not immediately hear it. In an industry where electronic production often takes centre stage, his presence reminds us that live musicianship and instrumental craftsmanship remain essential to the authenticity and depth of Nigerian music.

Whether he adds a soulful guitar riff or helps shape arrangements as a producer, Obassey’s quiet rise shows that musicians play the biggest moments in music rather than just writing them.