Meet OD Odanga
We had the good fortune of connecting with Odanga and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi OD, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
The ability to create something out of nothing captivates me. More than just expression art is a timeless form of communication that touches any and everybody. Art is who I am. Music has always been an outlet for me to enter a universe where anything is possible. You can be and do whatever with limitless possibility or even change a life with a word or note. For as long as I can remember that is all I have wanted to do, be a vessel for change.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My music is a vibrant fusion of Afro-fusion, soul and hip-hop, deeply rooted in the rhythms of Kenya and Zimbabwe, and shaped by the energetic pulse of Austin, Texas. What sets me apart is a unique blend of cultures and genres, creating a sound that pulses with the heartbeat of Africa while delivering raw energy. I’m so proud of my journey from HBCU talent shows to performing on prestigious stages like Sway In the Morning during SXSW 2018 and touring Texas, opening for stars like Lil’ Keke, Chris Rivers, and Bas.
Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. I faced numerous challenges, from multiple hard drives being ruined and losing years worth of music, setting me back a whole year from being able to release anything to completely shifting gears and learning a new craft, having breakout Rookie of The Year performances in battle rap, my thirst for greatness has fueled my perseverance. I’ve grown so much so fast even collaborating with massive talents along the way like Austin’s own Kydd Jones, battle Rap legends DNA and Marv Won, Grammy-winning engineers and producers such as NOIS and Malik Baptiste, all of which helped me refine my sound and expand my horizons.
I’ve learned invaluable lessons along the way: stay true to your roots, embrace your unique voice, and never stop evolving. My journey is a testament to the power of consistency and the pursuit to be extraordinary.
Through my music, I want to share my story in what it means to me to be unapologetically yourself and provide a meaningful and relatable message that inspires others to embrace their unique identities and passions. My journey promises to be nothing short of excellent. And this is only the beginning.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting me in Austin for a week, I’d make sure they experienced the city’s vibrant culture, music, and food scene. Day 1: Start with Franklin Barbecue for lunch, explore downtown murals, dinner at Licha’s Cantina, and live music at The Continental Club. Day 2: Breakfast at Kerbey Lane Cafe, Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool, tacos from Veracruz All Natural for lunch, and probably a sunset dinner cruise on Lady Bird Lake. Day 3: Juan in a Million for breakfast, Bullock Texas State History Museum and Blanton Museum of Art, lunch at Hula Hut, and a show at Paramount Theatre. Day 4: Breakfast at Jo’s Coffee, shop South Congress, sushi at Uchi for lunch, and nightlife on Rainey Street. Day 5: Early breakfast, day trip to Hill Country wineries and Jester King Brewery, picnic lunch, return for dinner at Emmer & Rye. Day 6: Breakfast at Easy Tiger, The Contemporary Austin, HOPE Outdoor Gallery, lunch at Odd Duck, and ACL Live show. Day 7: Brunch at Magnolia Cafe, relax at Mount Bonnell, lunch at 24 Diner, and dinner at Lenoir.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My first Big Shout out would have to be to Yung Woody’s #TapInPodcast for creating a welcoming safe space for artists to get the recognition they deserve especially in a city where popularity trumps talent and work ethic. In my city, gentrification can feel like an impending flood and it creeps into the art as well, Authenticity is becoming less an less prevalent day by day so it’s amazing to see someone rooted in this city’s history give life to something that feels like it’s losing its spark slowly. On top of that I would love to shout out @90sWorldtv for opening so many doors for me to reach so many people. We have hosted events together, created new formats to showcase the great artists around us and redefined consistency for so many. Without those opportunities I don’t think I would have developed the respect I do now for the game.
Website: Bio.Site/kingodanga
Instagram: Instagram.Com/kingodanga
Twitter: https://x.com/KingOdanga
Facebook: https://Facebook.com/KingOdanga
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@odanga
Image Credits
ViewsbyCel Ron The Shooter
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