(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Whether you're a music fan or not, it's impossible that you haven't heard, or danced to, the biggest hit of 2015. Jamican American artist OMI's hit song Cheerleader was the unofficial anthem of last year.Initially released in 2012, it was the later remix version that gained global recognition and propelled Omi on to the international stage.
The remix version incorporates a house beat with additional trumpet, bongos and a "samba-like" piano part getting the old and young grooving to the reggae like melody and the conversational lyrics. Cheerleader made history when it topped the UK Singles Chart for a fourth week in a row, marking it as the longest period any Jamaican artist has held that position on the charts.
OMI, who is a fan of superhero movies and enjoys cooking Jamaican cuisine, will be coming to Dubai for the first time to perform in Mall of the Emirates on January 15 as part of the Dubai Shopping Festival's (DSF) Fashion Central Activation. The South Galleria at 6.30pm will be a fusion of fashion and entertainment when Etoile La Boutique's fashion show will feature models strutting in their latest collection while OMI takes the stage.
With honesty and a great sense of humour OMI talked to City Times about his upcoming Dubai debut, his inspirations and his biggest cheerleader.
Are you excited about your first performance in Dubai?
I'm really looking forward to doing a lot of things in Dubai. Based on what I see in magazines and on TV, it looks like somewhere I really need to explore.
I tried to reserve all expectations especially when I'm going to do something for the first time, if I'm going to perform somewhere for the first time or I'm supposed to be somewhere for the first time.
Why do you think your song Cheerleader became so popular?
It's just how relatable it is. It's a very simple conversation, if you notice what I say in the lyrics, it's a conversation. It's one that you would sit and tell somebody about, 'there's this person and I really feel this way about them'. It's like a conversation and I think that is why a lot of people relate to all good songs. It's how relatable it is.
How did the song come to you?
It was a very organic experience, it was very natural. It was an experience at the time along with the inspiration. There was the melodic value of it which you know is pretty catchy but then there is the lyrical aspect of it which was the story.
Where do you get your inspiration when you're working on a new song?
Well, the environment has a lot to do with it. Also talking to people, I mean having a conversation you never know, it might spark something. It comes through everyday life experiences both mine and others. But like I said, the environment has a lot to do with it.
Do you start with the lyrics or the melody when you're writing a song?
There is no particular order, it's like whatever comes, I embrace it. They have no respect for my sleep though, you know? (laughs). It (inspiration) will come at three or two o'clock in the morning. It's bad to ignore it, it's very bad to ignore it. You have to not be lazy, you have to get up, drag yourself out of bed and go try and lay it down somewhere either on a recorder or on your phone or something. You have to respect it or it's not going to respect you.
Who is your biggest cheerleader?
My biggest cheerleader is mummy, man. She's been there literally since day one, so I have to give her that crown.
What do you enjoy about performing live?
Just that one on one interaction it's different from being in the studio, trying to produce something, trying to create something. But actually being out there and seeing the reactions of what you have created, you know. And every experience on stage is different from the last one or the next one. So it's always fun and interesting.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I paint, I'm an artist. I draw and I paint and I just like to relax at home. I'm not much of a partygoer.
We know you aren't into parties, but how did you celebrate new years?
I spent my new years at home with family, my mum was over for the weekend. I kind of had a chance to actually just relax because all year it was so busy. A lot of things going on, lots and lots of travelling, so I had to factor in some family time.
What's coming up for you in 2016?
We basically want to continue the momentum - we are looking forward to promoting the album. People might not understand the work that goes into not only producing an album, but also marketing an album and it's the kind of work that you have to put in. So we are looking forward to prompting the album a lot more, which means a lot more touring, a lot more performances, a lot more interviews and I'm also looking forward to a lot more collaborations with various artists.
Who is someone you would love to collaborate with?
He's probably tired of hearing me call his name but whatever though (laughs), John Legend, definitely, he's my all time favourite.
What's been a highlight for you over the last year?
I think my album coming out was a major thing for me personally. You know, whether it sold a million or not, it's my first album and it's something I've always imagined, something I've always dreamt about - having an album out, having people listen to a number of songs on one disc. It's a major thing for me personally.
What's your advice for singers trying to make it in the industry now?
Well my advice has always been to seek the right advice form the right people. I know it seems like a very odd thing to say but it's very important to seek the right advice from the right people. And you can know, there is a feeling that you should have when somebody is fooling around or somebody is not telling you the right things. It's a gut feeling you should have. Read more, explore more about music. If you want to become a musician, you have to learn about music. I mean if you want to become a doctor you have to go to school and learn how to become a doctor - that's how you become certified. Now, I'm not saying you have to go to school for music, but at least learn the business of music. Learn about music in different aspects other than just singing and performing.
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