Guitarist-bassist-song writer-producer Oti Brown is an African citizen-of-the-world, both in terms of his life journey and musical vocabulary. As a singer, composer and virtuoso instrumentalist, his trademark sound is an esoteric but accessible amalgam of influences from his past and present, an inventively forward-looking yet folklore-based mix that raises spirits while falling smoothly on the ear. Lucky Otitigbe (a.k.a. Oti Brown) was born in Warri Delta State of Nigeria on 17.5.1973.
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Guitarist-bassist-song writer-producer Oti Brown is an African citizen-of-the-world, both in terms of his life journey and musical vocabulary. As a singer, composer and virtuoso instrumentalist, his trademark sound is an esoteric but accessible amalgam of influences from his past and present, an inventively forward-looking yet folklore-based mix that raises spirits while falling smoothly on the ear. Lucky Otitigbe (a.k.a. Oti Brown) was born in Warri Delta State of Nigeria on 17.5.1973. 1985, Oti Brown got into music, when his older brother Osaro started taking guitar, bass and singing lessons, and everything he learned, he taught Oti, at that point Oti knew, he wanted to be a musician. In 1986 he joined a music group as a percussionist, 1987 he became the bassist of the group, and since he was the youngest bass player in the city he was giving the nickname “Smally” Oti Brown wasn’t satisfied, just being a bass player, so he learned to play the guitar and improved his singing. In 1992 he left for Lagos after getting an invitation to join the Sir J.B. music group. He became their leadsinger and leadguitarist ( also played the bass, drum, conga and percussion) and he stayed with the group for 3 years. In 1995 a friend and Oti formed the group “Smallykins” (a combination of the 2 names, Smally & Kingsly) Some friends, Kingly’s brother & 3 of Oti`s brothers joined as well, they played 6 times a week in Lagos hotels, clubs & private parties, like weddings, birthdays e.t.c. In 2003 Oti Brown moved to Switzerland ,where he was confronted with different styles of music, next to the afrobeat, reggae, high life & gosple music that he used to play. Oti started playing soul, funk, blues, jazz e,t,c. Oti Brown is influenced by Fela Kuti, Sir Victor Uwaifo, Hugh Masekela, The Temptations, George Benson, Marcus Miller, Ray Charles, Wyclef Jean & Motown Artists. His group is called Oti & the Afro-beat. They often play at African club parties, or at weddings, not only in Switzerland,but also all around Europe. Oti Brown lives in Zurich with his wife & son. His goal in life is, to improve his music constantly, and to produce good albums. God bless
