Idols West Africa was a great opportunity – Omawumi

I’m female and I am the first runner-up of Idols West Africa. Before then, I was working in Port Harcourt and waiting to attend Law School. I grew up in Warri and had my primary and secondary education in Warri. I read law in Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State. When did you realise you […]

I’m female and I am the first runner-up of Idols West Africa. Before then, I was working in Port Harcourt and waiting to attend Law School. I grew up in Warri and had my primary and secondary education in Warri. I read law in Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State.

When did you realise you had the voice to sing?

Since I was little, I guess…I used to mimic opera singers while listening to my dad’s classical music. I was a member of the children’s choir while I was in primary school and I just perfected it as I went along.

Last year at the Hip Hop World Awards, you were voted the Next Rated. Did it come to you as a surprise?

Yes, it did come as a surprise. I was nominated alongside top upcoming artists that were equally thriving in the music industry.

Do you see yourself living up to the expectations of those who voted for you?

I’m trying by God’s grace, because it is all in His hands.

What are we expecting of you in 2010?

I’m promoting my album ‘Wonderwoman’ this year, so the first quarter of this year will involve my nationwide club tour. I have a couple of international gigs in between and my album launch in February in Delta State, my home state. Then, I’ll move on to the rest…I also have a couple of theatre productions I’m working on (backstage and on stage, acting as well).

What do you consider your greatest achievement in life?

I’ve not started life, so I believe the best is yet to come, but I must mention my emergence as the first runner-up, which flagged off my career and winning one of the most coveted awards of the Hip Hop World Awards 2009.

Do you think you went into the right profession by studying law rather than going straight into entertainment?

Yes, I believe so, because education is very important and not to be toyed with….now that I’ve veered into this profession, which is by the hand of God, I will do all I can to make the most of it.

Although you were not the winner of Idols West Africa, what was it that spurred you on to continue and develop your musical talents?

When one is given an opportunity in life, it is always best to see it to the end and that is how I see it. It was a wonderful opportunity whether I came first or not, because I had already established a fan base.

Your song, ‘In the Music’ has a uniqueness of its own. What was the inspiration for the Kwaito-like rhythm?

I was brought up listening to music of different genres, and at that time, I wasn’t very conversant with the Nigerian groove of music, so I did what I had to do. Besides, it was the lyrics of ‘In the Music’ that came to me first and I just belted out a comfortable tune at that time.

Do you write and compose your songs?

Quite often, I do the lyrics and compose them myself, but I get help sometimes from my producers or fellow artistes.

I was reading something about you that said and I quote, “The insane collection of high-heeled shoes displayed in her bedroom and dangerously short dresses are another dead giveaway”… Are collecting and putting on shoes and short dresses your weaknesses/hobbies?

Well, I loooovvvveeee shoes and the short dresses are just my signature.

Did you have any objections from your family regarding your going in for the Idols West Africa competition?

Not at all! My mum encourages me to complete my education and that is why I will go to Law School eventually, but she is proud of me. And if my dad were alive, I’m certain he would have thought the same.

As the 12th child in a family of 14 children, how do you feel being the one that has carried the family to such heights?

Well, don’t think I’m the only one who has carried my family name this far, because my siblings are also thriving in their choice of profession.

Have you been able to go back to Law School or are you still deferring it?

I will eventually go to Law School. In fact, I planned it for this year, but time and chance are in God’s hands.

You said in one of your previous interviews that distribution and piracy are two of the biggest issues facing you. How have you been able to manage them?

Well, granted, these are the issues I’m facing as every other artist. I’m doing the best I can and working with the marketers for my album. Things are going well.

You also said apart from your home and car, your diamonds are also expensive. What is their worth?

E no concern you o! But the diamonds were a gift for my birthday.

What is the other side of Omawumi that we don’t get to see on stage?

I’m an extrovert. I like indoor and board games a lot, like scrabble, ludo, puzzles, etc. I like cooking, so unlike ladies who shop when they are depressed, I find myself cooking when I’m down (laughing)! I like reading and singing (of course!).