Annabel Joseph Ojoboh Explores the Intricacies of the Heart on “Time”
“Time” is a record that captures the essence in her music: honest, nuanced, and sonically grounded. But more than that, it positions her as a voice to watch.
By Emmanuel ‘Waziri’ Okoro
What makes a singer stand out from the influx of New Music Friday releases, curated playlists, and the ever-turning machinery of the modern music scene? Is it the years of tireless dedication poured into defining and refining their craft? The ability to fuse emotion and precision into every note? Or perhaps it lies in the intricacies of their songwriting, the deep coding embedded in their lyricism that resonates with listeners on an almost instinctive level.
Truthfully, it’s difficult to pinpoint a single answer. Sometimes, you just know when you hear the music. That’s precisely what singer and songwriter, Annabel Joseph Ojoboh embodies—raw talent, quiet strength, and a compelling musical identity, all of which are on full display in her single, “Time”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yEX59unKno
Annabel Joseph Ojoboh’s musical journey began long before singing on performance stages came into the picture. A devout Catholic, she started singing in the church choir from a very young age, where she developed a deep love for harmonies, sacred music, and the power of collective singing. Over the years, this foundation evolved into a passion for choral music and solo performances, which she formally began pursuing in 2018.
Yet, despite her growing interest and talent, it wasn’t until this year that she began releasing her own music. Much of the delay, she explains, was due to prioritising her education and family commitments, a decision that only deepened the richness and maturity of her sound when she finally stepped into the studio.
Beyond her solo work, Annabel is also making her mark in the choral music space as a member of the BBC Leeds Bantam of the Opera Choir, a group that’s currently making waves across Yorkshire. The choir is made up of Bradford City football fans, known locally as ‘the Bantams’, who were trained to sing opera as part of a BBC Radio Leeds challenge celebrating Bradford’s designation as the UK City of Culture for 2025. The initiative, while ambitious, has been a resounding success, blending sporting pride with artistic ambition in a way that feels both organic and revolutionary.
Their accomplishments are already impressive. The choir recently performed for King Charles during his visit to Bradford, a moment of national recognition that underscored just how far they’ve come. They also collaborated with the esteemed BBC Singers for Friday Night Is Music Night, a programme which aired on 4th July, and joined forces with the Chorus of Opera North for their Midsummer Concert on 1st July. These high-profile performances have not only elevated the group’s profile but have also provided Annabel Joseph Ojoboh with invaluable experience performing on major stages alongside seasoned professionals.
Yet, beyond the harmonies and grandeur of the choir, Annabel’s solo work continues to speak for itself. Her single, “Time”, is a poignant reflection on uncertainty, emotional vulnerability, and the fragile balancing act between desire and self-preservation. It opens with the lines, “Grab onto my soul/ Please don’t let go,” which sets a tone of longing and desire. However, there’s a palpable tension between intimacy and distance, between a narrator who yearns for connection, and a reality that seems to be slipping through her fingers.
When she sings, “I feel like I’m falling in love/ But not with you”, the emotional conflict is laid bare. It’s not just a love song; it’s a song about emotional contradiction, about being caught in a moment that feels both sincere and disorienting.
What remains constant is the way Annabel Joseph Ojoboh addresses the subject; not as a fairytale, but something volatile, delicate, and perhaps deserving of intentional care. “Time” is a record that captures the essence in her music: honest, nuanced, and sonically grounded. But more than that, it positions her as a voice to watch.
Emmanuel ‘Waziri’ Okoro is a content writer and journo with an insatiable knack for music and pop culture, with bylines on Afrocritik, PM News Nigeria, Nigerian Tribune, ThisDay, Vanguard, and The Guardian. When he’s not writing, you will find him arguing why Arsenal FC is the best football club in the multiverse. Connect with him on Twitter, Instagram, and Threads: @BughiLorde.
