Gvin Champp: Lagos Artist Redefining Afrosoul, Afrobeats and R&B With “DeEsser”

In the vibrant, restless heart of Lagos, Gvin Champp is steadily building a sonic identity that refuses to be boxed into genre or geography. Born Igiri George Oheji in 1998, he is a singer, songwriter, producer and guitarist whose growing presence in the Nigerian music scene is marked by a distinctive blend of Afrobeats, Afrosoul and R&B. His music carries both rhythmic drive and emotional depth, creating a sound that feels personal, reflective and forward-looking.

At the centre of his artistry is his guiding philosophy, #NoPainNoGain. It is not a slogan used for effect but a principle shaped by lived experience. Gvin Champp grew up in a household where financial pressure was a constant reality. In 2012, his father, a lab technologist, lost his job, and the responsibility of sustaining the family shifted significantly. His mother stepped into multiple roles, working as a local orthopaedist and also taking on commercial farming to keep the household stable. These experiences left a lasting imprint on him, shaping the themes that run through his music, particularly resilience, ambition and hope.

This grounding in real-life struggle is what sets his work apart. Rather than treating hardship as aesthetic inspiration, he writes from direct experience. That authenticity gives his music weight and relatability. His production style often merges Afropop rhythms with atmospheric textures, allowing him to balance accessibility with emotional storytelling.

His journey into music was also a turning point. While studying Library and Information Science at Tai Solarin University of Education, he began to realise that his true path lay outside academia. He made the decision to pause his studies and fully pursue music, a move that led to the release of his debut single “IMPORTANT”. The track has since surpassed 10,000 streams on Spotify and introduced his ability to blend introspective songwriting with vibrant, melodic production.

He continues to develop his sound through new releases that reflect both personal growth and artistic confidence. His single DeEsser stands as one of his most expressive statements to date. The track is a bold celebration of femininity, individuality and self-assurance, delivered through a confident and rhythmic production style.

“DeEsser” focuses on the idea of owning one’s identity without apology. It highlights confidence, presence and self-definition, particularly in relation to femininity and individuality. The song embraces the idea of standing out naturally, without needing validation or comparison. It carries a playful energy while still reinforcing a strong message about self-worth and personal standards of confidence.

Musically, the track is driven by attitude and rhythm, combining charismatic delivery with a clean, engaging production approach. It reflects Gvin Champp’s ability to create music that feels both emotionally grounded and sonically appealing, balancing message and melody in a way that connects with a wide audience.

As his catalogue continues to expand, Gvin Champp is positioning himself as more than just an emerging artist. His work forms an evolving narrative built on resilience, identity and creative ambition, anchored by the principle of #NoPainNoGain. With “DeEsser”, he further establishes his voice within Afrobeats, Afrosoul and R&B, contributing to a broader conversation about authenticity and lived experience in modern music.