SheiFunmi Interviews OMAWUMI

Check out my interview with one of Nigeria’s R’n'B sensation Omawumi she emerged as the runner up in the first ever West African Idols competition. Today she is going places and doing wondrous projects with her vocal ability.

Hey Oma, thank you for granting this interview, how are you?

We are looking unto Jesus o!

Congratulations on hitting the MTN TOP MUSIC CHART

Thanks

It’s been a minute since you have been in the music industry every since your outburst from the West African Idols, how does it feel to have come this far?

To tell the truth sometimes the feeling is overwhelming, looking back and thinking of the journey, the transformation, God’s mercies. I’m indeed grateful,on the other hand it is challenging, dealing with work pressure and gossip, Na Wa!

Do you still keep in touch with the contestants?

Yes I do,I spoke to Eric yesterday and Timi and I chat regularly via blackberry. I saw joan ekpai and Uche Ume (Kuume) recently

We have alot to talk about and clear up but before then, the i am curious about something, you had the intention of being a lawyer before God surprised you with West African Idols, do you see yourself practicing law later in future?

When I was studying Law, it was with the intention to teach, now I’ve learned to make plans but not to question the journey because God’s purpose always prevails, in other words, them no dey know finish, but I know I will go to Law School.

Where does the inspiration for your music come from, the video, the track it’s self they are all phenomenal, so tell us what is that thing that drives you to pick up your pen and paper to write songs?

Inspiration can come from anywhere. Ultimately from God but sometimes through other people’s experiences, my experiences, depends on how I’m feeling at a particular time.

Omawumi shey you know i like to gossip, oya gist me, is it true that you are dating “Dr frabz” ?

I know say u like Gossip and I no go indicate anything. E no concern u simple and short!

Let’s clear up rumors right now because i don’t know where people are getting their facts from but it’s best to hear from the horse’s mouth, the twirling rumor is about your marriage crashing, please clear that up, what is it about this rumor?

This one is funny,I HAVE NEVER BEEN MARRIED or ENGAGED for that matter.

How would you describe music?

The creation of sound that forms into beauty (last track-wonderwoman album). You should listen to it.

Who is your favorite artiste in the present mainstream in Naija?

Them many! I like different artistes and their songs. If I start we no go finish this interview.

Which artiste do you refuse to work with?

I’ve not thought of it like that o! I think what attracts me to work with an artist(e) is the drive, ginger as we like to put it. If the person makes great music etc.

You have been doing a lot of collaboration lately with artistes, who is the artiste you will love to do a collaboration with in your next project?

A lot? Its mostly for causes or joint celebration o! example ‘Maga no need pay’, ‘Christmas in Lagos’,etc. But outside my album that has Eldee the Don, Naeto C, Dr Frabz, Waje, Kel, Shank, Eric Arubayi. Its only Da Grin with ‘thank God’ o! As for who I want to work with next make I hold my tongue until e don set.

Tell me one thing that irritates you about people

When I find people that are sly and are not sincere, it irritates me.

When life becomes unbearable and you want to give up, what do you do?

I get confused most times,I stray and life throws some funny punches (I have a song that relates to this in my album its called ‘Brighter Day’) the prechorus goes like this ;
‘Always think of something new to put a smile upon your face, Take it easy,take it slow…the pain will surely go away
Life will throw big punch at you,roll with it but roll happy When it really gets worse Believe that its just one short walk away from a Brighter Day’
So to answer ur question I dey advise myself with my song and leave all my burdens with the Good Lord!

Thank you for your time Oma, i gast to do a duet with you soon o, abi wetin you think?

I dey wait you. *laughs*