OMAWUMI'S MUSICAL SOJOURN: PAINTING STORIES THROUGH MUSIC

In the opening notes of her 2011 debut album, Wonder Woman,' Omawumi crafted a playful overture, a skit that mimicked the spirited fervor of a Pentecostal choir. With joy, she sang, “Hallelujah, God has given me victory, amen/hallelujah, it must be permanent in my life/hallelujah, God has given me healing/it must be permanent in my life”

The cheerful melody embodied not just the crux of her musical style but also the very essence of who Omawumi is.

At that moment, the audience saw her goofiness, her unapologetic appreciation for the divine, and that starpower that has connected and retained her audience. The 1 minute and 12-second skit portrayed Omawumi as an entertainer of the highest caliber.

A daughter of Delta State, Omawumi is gifted with an outstanding voice, resonating with the vibrations of passion. Her style, proudly African, is not just worn, it is embodied in her lyrics. However, what truly makes her a force to be reckoned with has always been her approach to music.

In an interview with Guardian NG, the journey to the 2007 West African Idols began when she heard conversations nudging her to participate. ‘They are doing singing contests now and you won’t participate; you would start making noise in the house. Go and sing o.’

The people who nudged her to participate were right, her future changed as she clinched the first runner-up and that paved the way for six music projects, multiple awards, and movie roles.

There's a popular pidgin phrase that says ‘We dey roll dice, but na God dey give us 2 six’. The saying reflects a belief in the role of divine intervention or destiny in shaping one's experience. It underscores the notion that while humans can plan, destiny is the ultimate arbiter.

I asked what prompted the shift from law to music, Omawumi retorted; “As much as I loved music it was more of a side hustle of some sort. I was always going to teach law, I studied law because I am passionate about law and order and about people understanding the rights available to them, I was waiting to go to law school when I auditioned for Idols West Africa and when I saw how the money was coming, and I am good at it o! I just shifted gears to explore what music had to offer.”

Her debut album “Wonder Woman” was an amalgamation of genres. The lead single “In The Music” a kwaito production, Possessed the pop allure of Tina Turner and the sassy vibe of Brenda Fassie. Striking a nostalgic chord with the audience. The song's core message is that music heals and brings wholeness, urging people to embrace it irrespective of appearance, race, or genre.

Nigerians have consistently turned to music as a means of solace, celebration, and optimism. As long as the rhythm is catchy and the lyrics resonate, music becomes a journey for us.

Omawumi grew up with elders, 14 siblings, and her parents, which exposed her to a diverse taste in music.  different music artists and genres. Her mother was into Mariam Makeba, Brenda Fassie, and Yvonne Chaka Chaka while her father was a Jazz Connoisseur for as long as she could remember.

It was no surprise when she became the lead vocalist in the children's choir of Foursquare Gospel Church in Warri at the age of 8 while in Nana Primary School Warri.

Omaumi was part of a group twice, in secondary school and when she was at Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma Edo State. Before she released her debut album, Omawumi had recorded a few songs.

“Wonder Woman” was a diverse musical offering, catering to various tastes. “When Breeze Blow” is a heartbreaking ballad that borrows international influences while infusing local flavor with its bold yet relatable hook: "When breeze blows, fowl yansh go open." Omawumi made a hit record encouraging people to seize the moment for enjoyment and celebrate the Nigerian way (“Today Na Today”). A song like “Serious Love Nwantiti” expresses a deep and genuine love.

Less than 2 years after her debut, Omawumi returned with “If You Ask Me” The song heightened people’s attention to the molestation of children and young people in their homes.

Inspired by an incident she witnessed, A young girl was beaten by her father, as he shouted and accused her of sleeping with someone for a GCE/JAMB form. The daughter responded “Shebi you used to do it to me! Haven’t you taken me somewhere to remove the pregnancy?” This revelation left her and the audience in shock.

According to UNICEF Child Protection, Six out of every 10 children experience some form of violence – one in four girls and 10 percent of boys have been victims of sexual violence. Of the children who reported violence, fewer than five out of 100 received any form of support.

“If You Ask Me” highlighted the problem and encouraged people to speak out to save a child and help with adequate care.

By 2015, Omawumi returned with her sophomore album “Lasso Of Truth”. The album title is a continuation of her debut. Drawing inspiration from the character Wonder Woman, whose lasso forces honesty. Omawumi's music serves as a truthful connection; listeners are meant to relate and recognize the honesty in her narrative.

The music video was shot by Clarence Peters and was delivered in the form of a theatre showcase, I inquired about where the passion for acting came from and how it helped her progress into the Nollywood roles. She shared “The passion for acting stemmed from the music actually, performing and emoting is acting! And when I found that out, I decided to try acting, it’s not as easy but it’s quite fulfilling to learn as you go.” 

Acting roots trace back to secondary school, where she led the drama group as a press club member. Her Nollywood journey began with the 2009 V-Monologues, addressing Nigerian women's challenges. Progressing to “Olurumbi” she debuted on screen in the noteworthy 2010 film “Inale”. She expanded into production in 2019, co-producing 'She Is' ****alongside Waje. Directed by Eneng Enaji, the film encapsulates her humanitarian values, scrutinizing societal expectations for accomplished Nigerian women.

While we grapple with time, it becomes vital to seek out music that deeply connects with our souls. Omawumi introduced her third album, "Timeless," two years after "Lasso Of Truth." She described the album as a heartfelt creation, made with love streaming from her heart to your ears and into your soul.

Omawumi's album underscored the advancement in her artistry, the album set a higher standard. Recorded with live instrumentation spanning Nigeria, South Africa, and America, the album embraced diverse musical elements, featuring orchestras in Johannesburg, horns in Lagos, and strings in Houston. 

From the funky undertones that appreciate love & contentment in "Somtin" to the heartfelt climax of "E Don Do Me," the reggae-infused “E Don Loss”, a jazz-inspired rendition of Fela's "Ololufe," (the only love song the legend ever released.) Omawumi's vocal prowess takes center stage. Notably, her incredible range is evident on the Lagos swing of "Dolapo." 

"Timeless" captured the essence of a life already experienced, and provided an unfiltered glimpse into the beauty and challenges of reality. Featuring esteemed artists Angelique Kidjo, Youssou N’dour and Salif Keita.

Inquiring about her method for melding genres to craft her distinctive sound, she explained “For me, the music and the lyrics come hand in hand, and when it does, I just make it as it comes, in rare occasions I change the genre because I mostly write in mid-tempo or Reggae or jazz. So, when I realized I didn’t want to be hindered by limiting my genres, I decided to make my delivery distinct so once you hear me, you must know it is me.”

In this period, she embraced the concept that things improve with age, much like fine wine. She leans towards introspective journeys and narrative creativity, providing listeners with a glimpse into real-life experiences. Playfully responding, I inquired about her approach to musical evolution in the industry, “It has matured o! I realize that I don’t have to try too hard, when something na follow come, na follow come😁.”

In 2019, Omawumi released the EP "In Her Feelings," addressing diverse topics from love to social commentary. Tracks like "Without You" and "For My Baby" express her love for her husband, while "Mr. Sinnerman" delves into social issues, and "Tanbansi” is a catalyst for societal change.

Omawumi conducted a writing camp in Jos this year, collaborating with artists and producers to breathe new life into an old dream. However, with shifts in genres, the rise of new artists, and the popularization of new sounds, she, like many peers, faces the dilemma of adapting, evolving, or conforming.

I asked her about the challenges and adjustments encountered when passion transforms into an obligation. She tells me “The major challenge is the inspiration well tends to run dry. That’s why as an artiste, it is ideal to make sure that the passion remains. Know why you do what you do and don’t be moved by distractions.”

The outcome of the writing camp is her latest endeavor, titled "More". Utilizing the storytelling approach that has proven successful for her, she explores a range of themes including love, appreciation, unrequited love, and social commentary.

“More” is a reflection on life's teachings “Auzubillah” details the lies and fake promises that the corrupt leaders say just to get into power and end up making the masses suffer more. As of September 2023, the Inflation rate increased to 26.7 per cent. For context, Zikoko recently shared how inflation affects drug prices.

Omawumi documents the frustration in the music and the same vein offers a gate-away with “YOLO” featuring Cobhams & Timi Dakolo imploring the listener to seize the moment, however little, and celebrate. 

This is the first collaboration between the trio since West African Idols, asking about the collaboration and how it came about? 

She cheerfully shares;

“I reached out to Cobhams to produce something fantastic featuring timi dakolo for ‘More’ after I had finished my Jos music discovery camp (that’s what I call it). So he was excited of course and came up with the music and concept, I was like eh high life? Are you sure? He said ‘Trust me, Omawumi’ so I did! And now I can’t stop enjoying the song, you sef check am now.” 

Having accomplished six projects, I inquired about the considerable shifts in her approach, mindset, and the messages she seeks to convey through her music. She shares “The message is that ‘It is not that deep’, life will always go on so enjoy the journey, make music that you can listen to and smile and be happy. Strife to create or contribute to an environment that promotes peace.”

With nearly two decades of experience in the music industry as both an artist and a woman, I inquired about the distinctive challenges she has encountered and the positive transformations occurring for women in the field. She shares, “I am proud to be a woman in the music industry.  I don’t dwell on challenges o! The women in the industry are doing it big and it gives me great pleasure to be part of the process.”

Chatting with Omawumi about support and opportunities for women in music, and what steps you think should be taken to achieve this, she states “It is important to have more support not just for the women in the industry but for everyone. Every talent needs support one way or the other and one of the major steps to achieve this is structure.”

Bringing our interview to a close, I ask a final question: Are there moments that stand out as sources of pride for you? Specific achievements or milestones that have defined your musical journey? She retorts, “None specifically when I’m deeply immersed in the process, the delivery, the performing, everything becomes fulfilling and I’m grateful to have a family that I can go back to when the lights go off.”

As soon as I read that, I saw a message from my family’s group chat. I smiled as if to say ‘I get it, Omawumi, I get it.’