Omawumi

Omawumi Megbele (born 13 April 1982), known by her stage name Omawumi, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter and actress of Itsekiri ethnicity[5] She is a brand ambassador for Globacom,[6] Konga.com, and Malta Guinness. She's also part of the campaign called "Rise with the Energy of Africa".[7] She gained attention as the 2007 runner-up on West African Idols, a reality TV show part of the Idols franchise.[8] Her second album, The Lasso of Truth, was reported to be a commercial success in Nigeria.[9]

Omawumi
Omawumi Megbele during an interview in 2016
Background information
Birth name	Omawumi Megbele
Also known as	Omawumi
Born	13 April 1982 Delta State, Nigeria[1]
Origin	Warri, Delta State
Genres	Soul,[2] R&B,[3] pop,[4] afro-pop[2]
Occupation(s)	Singer, songwriter, actress
Years active	2007–present
Associated acts	2Face Idibia, Timaya, Flavour N'abania, wizkid, Cobhams Asuquo, Lynxxx

Early life

Omawumi was born on 13 April 1982 to Chief Dr. Frank and Mrs. Aya Megbele.

Education

She began her education at Nana Primary School during her pupilage, and later attended the College of Education Demonstration Secondary School. She graduated from Ambrose Alli University with a Law degree. After graduating in 2005, she moved to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where she worked with her family's law firm called "O.S Megbele & Associates". She also studied French at Alliance Francaise. She married Tosin Yusuf on 13 January 2018.

Career

Omawumi rose to prominence as a contestant on Idols West Africa. Omawumi was voted the 1st runner-up of the competition when it ended in May 2007. Since then, she has had numerous performances on the stage with musicians such as P-Square, 2face Idibia, Phyno, D'Banj, Banky W, M.I, Sasha, 9ice, Chaka Demus and Pliers, Carl Thomas, Angie Stone and Donell Jones, Angelique Kidjo, among others. In September 2008, Omawumi released her debut single "In The Music". Her album Wonderwoman was released on November 11, 2009. The album The Lasso of Truth was released on April 10, 2013.   The Lasso of Truth

Her fourth album In Her Feelings was released on 14 June 2019, which comprises Afro-fusion and Jazz to R&B, ‘In Her Feelings’ embodies tracks of multiple genres which include ‘For My Baby’, ‘Mr Sinnerman’, ‘Away’, ‘True Loving’, ‘Tabansi’ and ‘Green Grass’.

Her single ‘Lituation’ was released on May 22, 2020.

Acting career

Even before Omawumi made her official debut in the world of make-believe, she has always incorporated the element of visual demonstration and dramatic elements to her music videos which in turn, deem her worthy of being a thespian and the movie roles that came her way. She kick-started with a role on stage in the 2009 edition of the V-Monologues. A literary work geared towards portraying the plights and struggles of women in Nigeria. She subsequently went on to score a role in Olurumbi, a Yoruba indigenous folktale and musical. She made her screen debut in 2010 with the high budget AMAA award-winning film, Inale. A Nigerian musical drama hosting an array of actors within Nollywood and Hollywood. She made her second appearance alongside Ice Prince, in the Ghanaian movie titled ‘House of Gold’ produced by Yvonne Nelson and directed by Pascal Amanfo in 2013. In 2019, she took a leap to venture into movie production as she joined forces with Waje to collaborate on a film project as co-producers. The movie titled ‘She Is’ directed by Eneng Enaji is an extension or replica of her humanitarian works and the values she has upheld and consistently communicated in her work of art. ‘She Is’ takes a ride through the societal standards, expectations and restrictions a successful Nigerian woman is faced within Nigeria. The film is a presentational art that paints a picture as it is in the society and raises questions and debate topics on possible solutions. She starred in the movie, alongside her co-producer.

Discography

Studio albums

• Wonder Woman (2009)
• Lasso of Truth (2013)
• Timeless (2017)

EPs

• In Her Feelings (2019)

Singles

• Lituation ft. Philkeyz (2020) [10]

Filmography

Year	Film	Role	Notes
2010	Inale		with Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Caroline Chikezie and Nse Ikpe Etim
2011	The Return of Jenifa		with Funke Akindele and Helen Paul
2013	House of Gold	Nina Dan Ansah	with Yvonne Nelson and Majid Michel
2014	Make a Move		with Ivie Okujaye and Majid Michel
	In the Music		in post production

Awards and nominations

Year	Event	Prize	Recipient	Result	Ref
2009	The Headies 2009	Best Vocal Performance (Female)	"In the Music"	Won
2014	ELOY Awards	Best Female Artist	N/A	Nominated	[11]
2016	The Headies 2016	Best Vocal Performance (Female)	"Play Na Play" (featuring Angélique Kidjo)	Nominated	[12][13]
2018	The Headies 2018	Best Recording of the Year	"Butterflies"	Nominated	[14]
		Best Vocal Performance (Female)		Won

References

1. "Omawumi @Omawumi – Artist Profile". Africax5.tv. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 16 February 2014.
2. "Bands We Like: Nigerian Singer Omawumi's Powerful Voice". MTV Iggy. 26 January 2011. Retrieved 16 February 2014.
3. "Omawumi, Ice Prince debut in Yvonne Nelson's new movie". Vanguard News. 1 February 2013. Retrieved 16 February 2014.
4. "Omawumi gives birth to baby girl in US". Vanguard News. 20 June 2011. Retrieved 16 February 2014.
5. "I never knew I would become a musician – Omawumi". Nigerian Tribune. 28 December 2013. Archived from the original on 4 January 2014. Retrieved 4 January 2014.
6. "Glo Picks Omawumi, Others As New Ambassadors". PM News. 10 May 2013. Retrieved 10 May 2013.
7. "my first job was the team song I did for Malta Guinness with Cohbams Asuquo". vanguard. 29 October 2011. Retrieved 29 October 2011.
8. Yemisi, Adeniran (22 June 2013). "Omawumi Megbele: Red, hot and rising". National Mirror. Retrieved 4 January 2014.
9. Olatuja, Adebimpe (27 December 2013). "Music: Best of entertainment in 2013". National Mirror. Retrieved 4 January 2014.
10. "Omawumi x Philkeyz - Lituation (With Lyrics)". Naijapals. 8 February 2020. Retrieved 9 February 2020.
11. "Seyi Shay, Toke Makinwa, Mo'Cheddah, DJ Cuppy, Others Nominated". Pulse Nigeria. Chinedu Adiele. Retrieved 20 October 2014.
12. Akan, Joey. "Headies 2016, Full Winners List". Retrieved 15 May 2018.
13. "The Headies Awards 2016: Complete list of Nominees - INFORMATION NIGERIA". INFORMATION NIGERIA. 9 November 2016. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
14. "Headies releases nominees for 2018 awards [FULL LIST] - Daily Post Nigeria". Daily Post Nigeria. 13 April 2018. Retrieved 14 April 2018.