Meet Jennifer Obaze

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jennifer Obaze a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jennifer, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

For a long time, imposter syndrome was a constant battle for me. Living with PCOS came with its own set of challenges, unexpected weight gain, fatigue, and a struggle with self-esteem. On top of that, being body-shamed for years made me question my worth, not just as a woman but also as an artist. It made me feel like no matter how skilled I was, I still wasn’t ‘enough.’

As a violinist, especially in Nigeria where the instrument is less mainstream, I often felt like I had to fight twice as hard to prove myself (Three times as hard if i’m being realistic). There were times I doubted whether I belonged in certain rooms or on certain stages. I remember moments of questioning if my talent was truly valuable or if I was simply being tolerated.

But through it all, music became my anchor. When self-doubt crept in, I would lose myself in my violin. Every time I played, it reminded me that my art wasn’t about fitting into a mold,it was about creating something uniquely mine. The more I embraced my journey, the more I realized that the very struggles I once tried to hide my battle with PCOS, my body changes, my unconventional path were actually part of what made me stand out.

Now, when I step on stage or collaborate with major brands, I carry that hard-earned confidence with me. I’m no longer ashamed of my journey it’s my strength. Overcoming imposter syndrome meant accepting that I belong, not despite my struggles, but because of them. They have shaped me into the resilient, authentic artist I am today

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am Jennifer Obaze, also known as Jennifer Becky, a violinist, visual artist, and event curator, passionate about creating unforgettable experiences through music, art, and storytelling. My journey as an artist has taken me across the world, allowing me to perform at prestigious venues and collaborate with renowned artists and brands, including Alicia Keys, Netflix, Abbey Road Studios, and the Netflix Queen Charlotte Global Orchestra.

What Makes My Work Special?
My artistry is deeply rooted in emotion, connection, and storytelling. Whether I’m performing an electrifying Afro-classical fusion on the violin, crafting intricate String Art pieces, or curating intimate events, my goal is always the same to evoke emotions and create lasting memories.

The Violin: A Universal Language
As a violinist, I have performed on grand stages and private events, leaving audiences with unforgettable musical moments. My ability to blend classical music with contemporary and Afrobeat influences makes my performances unique. I also run Beck & COO Limited, a new company that connects people with exceptional live music (solo, bands or orchestra) for weddings, corporate events, and special occasions.

String Art: A Visual Symphony
Beyond music, I express myself through String Art, a unique medium that involves weaving colorful threads around strategically placed nails to form mesmerizing designs. My art is a reflection of patience, precision, and passion, and I look forward to showcasing my work through exhibitions and bespoke commissions.

Curating Meaningful Moments
I also enjoy event planning, particularly intimate celebrations like birthdays and proposals. To me, events are more than just gatherings they are stories waiting to be told, and I love bringing those stories to life.

What’s New?
I’m always working on exciting projects, and here’s what’s coming up:
New Violin Project: I’m working on a musical piece that fuses my classical roots with modern influences.
Expanding My Art: I plan to exhibit my String Art pieces and make them available to collectors.
Writing & Publishing: I love writing and aspire to publish my books, sharing my journey and creativity in a different medium.

At the core of everything I do is a passion for creativity and storytelling. Whether through music, visual art, or event curation, I aim to leave a lasting impact on people’s hearts.

I’d love to connect and collaborate with those who appreciate art, music, and unforgettable experiences. Let’s create something magical together!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Three Most Important Qualities, Skills, and Areas of Knowledge in My Journey
Looking back, my journey hasn’t been the easiest, but it has shaped me in ways I never imagined. The three things that have been most impactful for me are resilience, versatility, and faith. These aren’t just words, they are what kept me going through the hardest seasons of my life, helping me push forward when giving up felt like the easier option.
1. Resilience – Holding on Even When Life Felt Unbearable
Moving to London from Nigeria less than two years ago was one of the biggest transitions of my life. It wasn’t just about adjusting to a new country but also about finding my place in an industry where I had to prove myself all over again. On top of that, I went through some really painful relationship breakups that left me feeling lost. At one point, life became so overwhelming that I genuinely thought I would stop playing the violin altogether.
But even at my lowest, something inside me refused to let go of the dream. I reminded myself why I started, and even if it was at a slow pace, I kept pushing forward. And that’s what I’d tell anyone starting their journey “it’s okay to move slowly, just don’t stop.” The obstacles will come, but the key is to keep going, even when it feels impossible.
2. Versatility – Finding Beauty in Growth and New Beginnings
I’ve always believed that we are more than just one thing. While violin is my first love, I also discovered other passions along the way like string art, event planning, and even writing. My ability to embrace different forms of creativity has opened so many unexpected doors.
I’ve had the privilege of working on major projects with big brands, something I never saw coming when I first picked up the violin. Being open to new experiences has been one of the greatest blessings in my journey. My advice? Let yourself evolve. Try new things, be flexible, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone cause trust me, you never know where it might lead.
3. Faith – The Foundation of Everything
If there’s one thing I never fail to acknowledge, it’s that God has been the biggest factor in where I am today. Through every high and low, He has been my anchor, my source of strength, and the reason I’m still standing. There were times I doubted myself, times I wanted to quit, but God reminded me of the purpose He placed in me.
I always want people to know how true and good He has been to me, and I carry that faith in everything I do. To anyone going through a difficult time, I’d say this: Hold on. Trust the process. Even when things don’t make sense, know that there’s a bigger picture unfolding. Keep the faith, and one day you’ll look back and see how every piece was leading you to something greater.
Final Thoughts
The journey hasn’t been easy, but it has been worth it. I’ve learned that resilience keeps you going, versatility opens doors, and faith gives you the strength to walk through them. There’s no perfect roadmap to success, but if you keep pushing, keep growing, and keep believing, you will get to where you are meant to be. And when you do, you’ll realize that every struggle was shaping you for something greater.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that talent alone isn’t enough. Who you know and how you make people feel matters just as much. Some of my best opportunities came from genuine relationships not just networking for the sake of it, but truly connecting with people.
Whether it’s with clients, fellow artists, or event organizers, I always try to be intentional about building real connections. To anyone just starting, I’d say: be kind, be reliable, and be present. People remember those who make an impact, no matter how small.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that your journey is yours alone. There’s no blueprint for success, but if you stay resilient, open to new opportunities, and be intentional about your relationships, you’ll find your own path. And trust me, it’ll be worth it.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

What do I do when I feel overwhelmed?

Honestly, there have been times when life felt so heavy that I didn’t even know how to breathe through it. Between pushing forward in my music career, navigating life in a new country, dealing with personal struggles like PCOS, and handling the emotional weight of heartbreaks and self-doubt, I’ve had my fair share of overwhelming moments.

When I feel that way, the first thing I do is pause. I’ve learned that forcing myself to push through without acknowledging how I feel only leads to burnout. Sometimes, I just sit with my emotions whether it’s crying, journaling, or even just lying in bed and allowing myself to feel.

Music is also my escape. Playing the violin has always been my safe space, but even when I can’t bring myself to play, I listen to music that soothes me. Sometimes, I’ll play worship songs and just sit in God’s presence, letting Him calm my heart.

Another thing that helps is leaning on my people. I used to bottle everything up, always showing up for others while neglecting myself. But I’ve realized that I don’t always have to be strong. My friends have been my biggest support system, reminding me that I don’t have to carry everything alone.

For anyone struggling with overwhelming moments, my advice is: find your safe space whether it’s music, prayer, writing, or simply taking a break. Talk to your people, don’t isolate yourself. And most importantly, give yourself grace. You are allowed to feel, to rest, and to take things one step at a time.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Jennifer Obaze
Jessica & Tolu
Akinniku Kofoworola
Ope Sadiq
Oleski

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