Her bold moves as an independent music entrepreneur were recently validated on an international stage when she was selected as a runner-up in the Winamp Creator Programme. Placing in the top 2% among more than 4,000 global applicants, Oniyama secured lifetime access to Winamp’s industry-leading direct-to-fan ecosystem, Ultra. This accolade highlights her position as a forward-thinking leader in a dynamic new wave of self-reliant creators who bypass traditional industry gatekeepers to establish direct, lasting connections with a global audience.

Her evolving body of work stands as a masterclass in cinematic folk and indie-inspired soul, rooted in an uncompromising dedication to poetic lyricism and a vocal richness that stands in stark contrast to the ephemeral nature of contemporary commercial music. Intimacy, honesty, and genuine human connection remain the core forces behind her artistry. Yet, her current work introduces a newfound technical grit and sonic autonomy. By reclaiming every step of her production workflow, Josephine ensures every arrangement—from delicate acoustic guitar motifs to expansive atmospheric layers—is an exact reflection of her vision.

This self-directed era was sparked by her reflective single "Setting Up Back Home" and continues through atmospheric compositions like "Someone with Nightmares." Building on this creative momentum, Oniyama continues her strategic release runway towards her anticipated autumn single, "Leaves." Blending soulful guitar work, cinematic self-production, and compelling narrative depth, Josephine Oniyama demonstrates that true creative independence is about building a body of work that profoundly endures.


Josephine Oniyama has long been an artist defined by emotional depth, resonant storytelling, and timeless craft. From her early breakthrough performances, gracing the iconic stages of Glastonbury Festival and BBC’s Later… with Jools Holland to memorable recording and live collaborations with British indie-pop icons Travis and meditative jazz ensemble leader Matthew Halsall, her rich voice and evocative lyricism have stood as a refreshing pillar of the UK’s prestige music landscape. Over the years, her signature fusion of indie-folk, soul, and subtle pop sensibilities has earned widespread acclaim and consistent radio support from BBC Radio 2, BBC 6 Music, XFM, and Jazz FM.

However, Oniyama is no longer waiting for the traditional music industry to define her career trajectory—she is claiming complete artistic and operational sovereignty. Transitioning into a fully self-producing singer-songwriter and guitarist, Josephine has taken full control of her sonic output, tracking, arranging, and engineering her recordings directly using Logic Pro. This decisive evolution extends beyond the recording studio into label executive operations: she is also the founder and director of her own independent imprint, Dawn Encore.

Writing values

"Delving deep and bringing honesty into song. All the things that can't be said, can be sung instead"

Josephine