Onyi Moss is a British/Nigerian singer-songwriter from Manchester, UK. By day, she’s a creative who focuses on strong visual content which has seen her gain over 160,000 followers on Instagram and won her various awards (like the 2019 Cosmopolitan Fashion Blogger of the Year). She introduced her music to the world in 2021.
With influences ranging from the likes of Tracy Chapman, Corinne Bailey Rae and Ms. Lauryn Hill she takes on an introspective approach with her songwriting. Onyi is a modern day throwback to the lost era of classic singer-songwriters.
On “Miracle Man,” Moss leans heavily into catchy pop production, but is so very clearly drawing from the deep songwriting of her influences, creating a fascinating juxtaposition of politics and fun.
Who are some of your musical influences?
Tracy Chapman, Asa and Ella Jenkins I’d say are amongst my top 3 musical influences.
Name a perfect song and tell us why you feel that way.
“Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman.
I love it because it’s a song about making a decision so you’re not stuck at a crossroad. I interpret it as taking action rather than doing nothing. Regardless of the outcome, the journey will always remain the important part.
Tell us about the first song you wrote.
My first single is titled “In Your Eyes”. It’s a song about the hope that can sometimes be found in loss. It was inspired by an old friend of mine whom I grew very close to right before she went missing. Every now and again she’d appear in my dreams with peaceful eyes with an undertone of joy, as if to say all is well.
She inspired the chorus and I sat on it for years. It wasn’t until another close friend of mine experienced a similar loss that I found the rest of the words to complete it. That would be my way of comforting them as best as I could.
Do you start off with the music or lyrics first? Why?
I always start off with the lyrics. Mostly because I’m no composer and don’t play any musical instrument. I write the lyrics and have a melody at the same time. Usually the chorus comes to me first and I sit with it for a few days before the rest falls into place. Once I have it all done, I sing it to my producer and we work on a musical arrangement for it.
Who would you love to collaborate with? Why?
My dream collaboration would be with Tracy Chapman. She’s full of timeless soul and much of her songs have seen me through my journey in life.