# Ghostpoet

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British vocalist, songwriter and musician (born 1983)

Ghostpoet Dr. Obaro Ejimiwe (Ghostpoet) in 2023 Background information Born Obaro Ejimiwe (1983-01-18) 18 January 1983 (age 43) London, England Genres Trip hop electronica experimental hip-hop spoken word alt-rock art pop Occupations vocalist songwriter musician DJ Years active 2009–present Labels PIAS Brownswood Website ghostpoet.co.uk obaroejimiwe.com

Musical artist

**Ghostpoet** (born **Obaro Ejimiwe**; 18 January 1983) is a British vocalist, songwriter and musician.[1] He released five critically acclaimed albums with two being nominated for the [Mercury Prize](/source/Mercury_Prize).[2][3] Based in Berlin,[4] he has expanded his work to include fine art since 2021.[5]

Ejimiwe was born in South London to a Nigerian father and a [Dominican](/source/Dominica) mother.[6] At the age of 18, he enrolled at Coventry University[7][8] and joined a grime/MC collective there.[8][9] After moving back to London, he received two [Mercury Prize](/source/Mercury_Prize) nominations, for *[Peanut Butter Blues & Melancholy Jam](/source/Peanut_Butter_Blues_%26_Melancholy_Jam)* (2011)[2] and for *[Shedding Skin](/source/Shedding_Skin)* (2015).[3] Other critically acclaimed albums are *[Some Say I So I Say Light](/source/Some_Say_I_So_I_Say_Light)* (2013), *[Dark Days + Canapés](/source/Dark_Days_%2B_Canap%C3%A9s)* (2017), and *[I Grow Tired But Dare Not Fall Asleep](/source/I_Grow_Tired_But_Dare_Not_Fall_Asleep)* (2020).[10] Since 2021, Ejimiwe has expanded his artistic practice into sound art, sculpture, installation, photography and video.[11] He lives and works in Berlin, Germany.[4]

## History

Ghostpoet's first known recordings were on the two mixtapes from 2009 Filthy Friends by [Micachu](/source/Micachu) and [Kwesachu Mixtape Vol.1](/source/Kwesachu_Mixtape_Vol.1) by [Kwes](/source/Kwes) and Micachu.[12]

In June 2010, Ghostpoet self-released his first EP, *The Sound of Strangers*, and was later featured in *[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian)*'s "New Band of the Day".[13]

Ghostpoet's first single, "Cash & Carry Me Home", was released on 24 January 2011, followed by the debut album on 7 February 2011, *[Peanut Butter Blues & Melancholy Jam](/source/Peanut_Butter_Blues_%26_Melancholy_Jam)*. His single "Survive It" was launched in Rough Trade East Record store, on London's Brick Lane on 9 May 2011.[14][15]

In 2011, he supported [Metronomy](/source/Metronomy)[16] and [Jamie Woon](/source/Jamie_Woon)[17] on their tours and performed at [Glastonbury](/source/Glastonbury_Festival),[18] [Sónar](/source/S%C3%B3nar),[19] [Latitude](/source/Latitude_Festival),[20] [Secret Garden Party](/source/Secret_Garden_Party),[21] and [Bestival](/source/Bestival),[22] among others. Ghostpoet was among the nominees for the 2011 [Mercury Prize](/source/Mercury_Prize).[2]

In 2012, Ghostpoet's track "Finished I Ain't" appeared in the soundtrack of *[Sleeping Dogs](/source/Sleeping_Dogs_(video_game))*[23][24] and in the introduction title sequence to [Top Boy (season 1)](/source/Top_Boy#Series_1_(2011)).[25][26][27] The EP "Meltdown" with guest vocals by [Woodpecker Wooliams](/source/Woodpecker_Wooliams), was released in April 2013.[28]

Ghostpoet's second album, *[Some Say I So I Say Light](/source/Some_Say_I_So_I_Say_Light)*, was released on 6 May 2013.[29] The album was preceded by the single "MSI musmiD", made available as a free download from [SoundCloud](/source/SoundCloud).

His third album, [Shedding Skin](/source/Shedding_Skin), was released on 2 March 2015. The album featured guest appearances by [Nadine Shah](/source/Nadine_Shah), [Etta Bond](/source/Etta_Bond), [Mélanie De Biasio](/source/M%C3%A9lanie_De_Biasio), [Lucy Rose](/source/Lucy_Rose) and [Paul Smith](/source/Paul_Smith_(rock_vocalist)). The album was shortlisted for the 2015 [Mercury Prize](/source/Mercury_Prize).[3]

In 2016, Ghostpoet was featured on [Massive Attack](/source/Massive_Attack)'s song "Come Near Me", the [B-side](/source/A-side_and_B-side) to "[The Spoils](/source/The_Spoils_(song))".[30] In the same year, Ghostpoet curated the West Balkans edition of the [British Council](/source/British_Council)'s interactive music project Mix the City, travelling around the region to record samples with various local musicians, and creating his own mix for the region.[31]

In April 2017, Ghostpoet released the single "Immigrant Boogie" via [Play It Again, Sam](/source/PIAS_Recordings). The track was produced by [Leo Abrahams](/source/Leo_Abrahams) and mixed by Leo and [Kristofer Harris](/source/Kristofer_Harris). The track is the first from the album *Dark Days + Canapés*.[32]

Ghostpoet released his fourth studio record, [Dark Days + Canapés](/source/Dark_Days_%2B_Canap%C3%A9s) on 18 August 2017. His fifth album, *[I Grow Tired But Dare Not Fall Asleep](/source/I_Grow_Tired_But_Dare_Not_Fall_Asleep)*, was released on 1 May 2020.

In November 2022, Obaro Ejimiwe received an Honorary Doctorate of Art by [Coventry University](/source/Coventry_University) in recognition of his extensive contribution to the arts.[5]

In 2023, he performed on a new version of Massive Attack's "Paradise Circus" for the feature-length film *[Luther: The Fallen Sun](/source/Luther%3A_The_Fallen_Sun)*.[33]

In May 2024, Ghostpoet released his third EP entitled 'Am I the Change I Wish to See?' on his own independent label *Modern Revenge Records* via his Bandcamp page.[4] In the same year, he composed the music for the short film 'Ataraxy 33' by Curtis Essel, in which the Brazilian dancer Noan Alves from the [Stuttgart Ballet](/source/Stuttgart_Ballet) plays the leading role.[34][35]

## Influences

Ghostpoet stated in an interview that he was inspired by musical mavericks and rule breakers, artists who have dared to swim against the current.[36] He has shown a preference for innovative musicians who push the boundaries, take risks and combine different genres.[37] As examples, he mentioned the following artists several times in interviews: [Badly Drawn Boy](/source/Badly_Drawn_Boy),[36][37][38][39] [Radiohead](/source/Radiohead),[36][37][39] [Muddy Waters](/source/Muddy_Waters),[37][38][39] [Portishead](/source/Portishead_(band)),[37][40] [Pharoah Sanders](/source/Pharoah_Sanders),[36][37] [The Clash](/source/The_Clash),[36][37] [Captain Beefheart](/source/Captain_Beefheart),[36][37] [Fela Kuti](/source/Fela_Kuti),[36][37] [Serge Gainsbourg](/source/Serge_Gainsbourg),[36][41] [Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds](/source/Nick_Cave_%26_the_Bad_Seeds),[36][42] [Little Dragon](/source/Little_Dragon),[37][41] and [Squarepusher](/source/Squarepusher).[37][39]

## Visual art

Since 2021, Ejimiwe has expanded his artistic practice into sound art, sculpture, installation, photography and video.[11] In 2022 Ejimiwe premiered, in collaboration with artist Luiza Prado de O. Martins, the large-scale installation and performance series *Blacknuss! Technologies of Joy, Care, and Intimacy* at the [Kampnagel](/source/Kampnagel) International Summer Festival, in Hamburg.[43] In his work, Ejimiwe explores themes related to African spiritualism, masculinity, identity, and Black joy.[11]

## Discography

Main article: [Ghostpoet discography](/source/Ghostpoet_discography)

- *[Peanut Butter Blues & Melancholy Jam](/source/Peanut_Butter_Blues_%26_Melancholy_Jam)* (2011)

- *[Some Say I So I Say Light](/source/Some_Say_I_So_I_Say_Light)* (2013)

- *[Shedding Skin](/source/Shedding_Skin)* (2015)

- *[Dark Days + Canapés](/source/Dark_Days_%2B_Canap%C3%A9s)* (2017)

- *[I Grow Tired But Dare Not Fall Asleep](/source/I_Grow_Tired_But_Dare_Not_Fall_Asleep)* (2020)

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-AllMusic-Bio_1-0)** Kellman, Andy. ["Ghostpoet Biography"](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/ghostpoet-mn0002576177#biography). *[AllMusic](/source/AllMusic)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120718084647/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/ghostpoet-mn0002576177#biography) from the original on 18 July 2012. Retrieved 27 March 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Mercury_Prize_2011_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Mercury_Prize_2011_2-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Mercury_Prize_2011_2-2) ["Mercury Prize 2011 nominees"](https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-14197384). *[BBC News](/source/BBC_News)*. 19 July 2011. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190410091004/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-14197384) from the original on 10 April 2019. Retrieved 16 March 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Mercury_Prize_2015_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Mercury_Prize_2015_3-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Mercury_Prize_2015_3-2) ["Mercury Prize 2015 nominees"](https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-34528483). *BBC News*. 16 October 2015. Retrieved 16 March 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Bandcamp_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Bandcamp_4-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Bandcamp_4-2) ["Bandcamp artist page"](https://ghostpoet.bandcamp.com). *Bandcamp*. Retrieved 15 March 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Doctorate_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Doctorate_5-1) ["Inspiring individuals set to be honoured by Coventry University"](https://www.coventry.ac.uk/news/2022/inspiring-individuals-set-to-be-honoured-by-coventry-university/). *Coventry University*. Retrieved 15 March 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["The inimitable musician discusses his fifth album"](https://nataal.com/ghostpoet). *Naatal*. Retrieved 17 March 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["Ghostpoet – Obaro Ejimiwe to his friends – reflects on the influences that have shaped his life and career"](https://www.electronicsound.co.uk/features/under-the-influence/ghostpoet/). *Electronic Sound magazine*. Retrieved 15 March 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Brownswood_8-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Brownswood_8-1) ["Podcast // Ghostpoet in the Brownswood Basement"](https://www.soundcloud.com/brownswood/podcast-ghostpoet). *SoundCloud*. Retrieved 17 March 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** Reynolds, Rachel (7 October 2011). ["Ghostpoet: Love from London"](https://www.kcrw.com/music/articles/ghostpoet-love-from-london). *KCRW Music News*. Retrieved 19 March 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["Allmusic artist page: discography"](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/ghostpoet-mn0002576177#discography). *Allmusic*. Retrieved 16 March 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-HKW_11-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-HKW_11-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-HKW_11-2) ["Haus der Kulturen der Welt, Berlin, Germany"](https://www.hkw.de/programme/contributors/obaro-ejimiwe). *HKW*. Retrieved 15 March 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Slater, Luke (2009) "[Download: Micachu mixtape Kwesachu](http://drownedinsound.com/news/4137091) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100216012807/http://drownedinsound.com/news/4137091) 16 February 2010 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)", *[Drowned in Sound](/source/Drowned_in_Sound)*, 11 June 2009. Retrieved 21 March 2025

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** Lester, Paul (2 June 2010). ["New band of the day (No 799): Ghostpoet"](https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/jun/02/new-band-ghostpoet). *[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian)*. Retrieved 19 March 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Disorder magazine Ghostpoet Interview at Rough Trade East Album Launch"](https://web.archive.org/web/20111105220931/http://jameelaoberman.com/2011/06/16/ghostpoet-interview-reviewdisorder-magazine/). Journalist Jameela Oberman. 16 June 2011. Archived from [the original](http://jameelaoberman.com/2011/06/16/ghostpoet-interview-reviewdisorder-magazine/) on 5 November 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** Kennedy, Adam (2 February 2011). ["An early contender for 2011's finest out-of-leftfield long-players"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/4qfd). BBC Music.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["Ghostpoet unveils new single and support slot with Metronomy"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120327161407/http://www.blindfun.com/ghostpoet-unveils-new-single-and-support-slot-with-metronomy/). *Blindfun*. 12 April 2011. Archived from [the original](http://www.blindfun.com/ghostpoet-unveils-new-single-and-support-slot-with-metronomy/) on 27 March 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["Jamie Woon/Ghostpoet"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110603182539/http://soundblab.com/content/content/view/id/3397). *Soundlab*. 22 February 2011. Archived from the original on 3 June 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["Ghostpoet added to West Holts line-up"](https://glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/news/ghostpoet-added-to-west-holts-line-up/). *GlastonburyFestivals*. 16 June 2011. Retrieved 17 March 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** ["Sonar by Day 2011 - Friday"](https://de.ra.co/events/212571). *Resident Advisor*. Retrieved 17 March 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** ["Latitude loves the Lake Stage with Hugh Stephens"](https://www.latitudefestival.com/news/latitude-loves-the-lake-stage-with-huw-stephens/). *LatitudeFestival*. 16 July 2020. Retrieved 17 March 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** ["Secret Garden Party"](https://boilerroom.tv/session/live-from-secret-garden-party). *BoilerRoom*. Retrieved 17 March 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** ["Bestival 2011 - Saturday in pictures"](https://www.theguardian.com/music/gallery/2011/sep/10/bestival-2011-saturday-in-pictures). *The Guardian*. 10 September 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** ["Sleeping Dogs - Soundtrack list"](https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1832730279). *Steamcommunity*. Retrieved 26 March 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** ["My Favourite Game: Ghostpoet"](https://www.gamesradar.com/my-favourite-games-ghost-poet/). *GamesRadar+*. 24 February 2015. Retrieved 26 March 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** Dylan-Wray, Daniel (6 December 2018). ["5 Brownswood Recordings artists pick their favourite records on the label"](https://www.redbull.com/int-en/brownswood-records-5-artists-pick). *[Red Bull](/source/Red_Bull)*. Retrieved 17 March 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** Nwonka, Clive (7 September 2022). ["Top Boy in context"](https://www.bfi.org.uk/features/top-boy-context). *[British Film Institute](/source/British_Film_Institute)*. Retrieved 17 March 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** Nesling, Jodie (5 September 2018). ["Netflix drama Top Boy filmed in Margate"](https://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/filming-for-netlix-continues-189268/). *[Kent Online](/source/Kent_Online)*. Retrieved 17 March 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** ["Watch: Ghostpoet – Meltdown"](https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/videos/music-video/watch-ghostpoet-meltdown-123123). *[The Line of Best Fit](/source/The_Line_of_Best_Fit)*. Retrieved 15 August 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-29)** ["Ghostpoet: Some Say I So I Say Light – review"](https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/may/09/ghostpoet-some-say-i-review). *The Guardian*. 9 May 2013. Retrieved 15 August 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-30)** ["Come Near Me feat. Ghostpoet"](https://www.universal-music.de/massive-attack/videos/come-near-me-feat-ghostpoet-408465). Universal Music Group. Retrieved 17 March 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-31)** ["Mix The City allows users to create their own mix"](https://www.britishcouncil.org/contact/press/Mix-The-City-allows-users-to-create-their-own-mix). British Council. Retrieved 15 March 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-32)** ["Ghostpoet returns with menacing new single "Immigrant Boogie""](https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/latest-news/ghostpoet-returns-with-menacing-new-single-immigrant-boogie). *[The Line of Best Fit](/source/The_Line_of_Best_Fit)*. Retrieved 23 May 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-33)** ["New Version of 'Paradise Circus' from 'Luther: The Fallen Sun' Released"](https://filmmusicreporter.com/2023/02/24/new-version-of-paradise-circus-from-luther-the-fallen-sun-released/). *Film Music Reporter*. 24 February 2023. Retrieved 21 July 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-34)** ["CRAFT (Best Direction) | ATARAXY 33"](https://berlinfashionfilm.awardsengine.com/?action=ows:entries.details&e=169104&project_year=2024). *Awards Engine*. Retrieved 21 July 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-35)** ["ATARAXY 33"](https://winners.lovieawards.com/categories/2024/film-video/general-video/all/#w317672). *[Lovie Awards](/source/International_Academy_of_Digital_Arts_and_Sciences#Lovie_Awards)*. Retrieved 22 July 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-9_Songs_36-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-9_Songs_36-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-9_Songs_36-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-9_Songs_36-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-9_Songs_36-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-9_Songs_36-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-9_Songs_36-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-9_Songs_36-7) [***i***](#cite_ref-9_Songs_36-8) ["Nine Songs | Ghostpoet"](https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/features/interviews/ghostpoet-nine-favourite-songs). *[The Line of Best Fit](/source/The_Line_of_Best_Fit)*. Retrieved 23 March 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-13_Albums_37-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-13_Albums_37-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-13_Albums_37-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-13_Albums_37-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-13_Albums_37-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-13_Albums_37-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-13_Albums_37-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-13_Albums_37-7) [***i***](#cite_ref-13_Albums_37-8) [***j***](#cite_ref-13_Albums_37-9) [***k***](#cite_ref-13_Albums_37-10) Hasson, Thomas (12 June 2013). ["Emotional Experimentation: Ghostpoet's Favourite Albums"](https://thequietus.com/interviews/bakers-dozen/ghostpoet-favourite-albums). *[The Quietus](/source/The_Quietus)*. Retrieved 23 March 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-DJ_Mag_38-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-DJ_Mag_38-1) Whitehurst, Andrew (21 October 2013). ["Lucky 7: Ghostpoet"](https://djmag.com/content/lucky-7-ghostpoet). *[DJ Mag](/source/DJ_Mag)*. Retrieved 24 March 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-TheGuardian_(2025-03)_39-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-TheGuardian_(2025-03)_39-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-TheGuardian_(2025-03)_39-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-TheGuardian_(2025-03)_39-3) Fox, Killian (29 March 2015). ["Interview | Ghostpoet: soundtrack of my life"](https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/mar/29/soundtrack-my-life-ghostpoet-peanut-butter-blues-melancholy-jam). *[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian)*. Retrieved 24 March 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Port_Magazine_40-0)** Ejimiwe, Obaro (25 September 2020). ["Soundtrack: Ghostpoet"](https://www.port-magazine.com/music/soundtrack-ghostpoet-2/). *Port Magazine*. Retrieved 24 March 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-VinylFactory_41-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-VinylFactory_41-1) Spice, Anton (27 June 2013). ["Everyday is different: Ghostpoet picks five of his favourite records"](https://thevinylfactory.com/features/everyday-is-different-ghostpoet-picks-five-of-his-favourite-records/). *[The Vinyl Factory](/source/The_Vinyl_Factory)*. Retrieved 24 March 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Mixdown_42-0)** ["Interviews | Ghostpoet"](https://mixdownmag.com.au/features/interviews/ghostpoet/). *[Mixdown](/source/Mixdown)*. April 2015. Retrieved 24 March 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-43)** ["Blacknuss! Technologies of Joy, Care, and Intimacy"](https://kampnagel.de/produktionen/sf22-blacknuss). *Kampnagel Hamburg*. Retrieved 7 May 2023.

## External links

- [Official website](https://www.ghostpoet.co.uk)

- [Ghostpoet](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/mn0002576177) at [AllMusic](/source/AllMusic_(identifier))

Authority control databases International ISNI VIAF 2 GND WorldCat National United States Czech Republic Artists MusicBrainz People Deutsche Biographie Other Yale LUX

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Ghostpoet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghostpoet) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghostpoet?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.