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February 17, 2008
Good came out of Omari's depression
By: Joseph Cunningham
Gospel artiste, Omari has caught the attention of high-profile media with his song, "Help." The music video is enjoying steady rotation on RETV, Music Plus, MTV Tempo, BETJ and Sky TV in the UK.
In a recent interview Omari explained, "The idea for "Help" came about at a time when I was in a state of depression. I was pretty much lost and I used to think I could never become anything in life without holding on to others." Further, he said, "I was driving by Riverton City dump one day and the idea for the song started to materialize. The song is like an autobiography based on what I have experienced."
His birth name is Andrew Edwards and he grew up in Mandeville, Manchester, attending Manchester High School.
Omari revealed that, "Music has always been a passion for me ever since I was in high school. I actually wanted to become a secular artiste but I got saved just as I was about to leave high school and the gospel route was what I decided to pursue."
His first recording was the Danny Browne produced single "Joy to the World" and later he recorded "How We Celebrate Christmas."
"I was in a group called Rappers for Christ from 1997 to around 2001. I decided to go the solo route so I hooked up with Danny Browne from Main Street."
Omari was once the road manager for gospel deejay Prodigal Son. After Prodigal Son relocated overseas for a short while, Omari said he felt his world was crumbling. "I didn't know what else to do and things were falling apart for me. But eventually I overcame the hurdles and soldiered on," he said.
He is now in demand for gospel shows both locally and in the Caribbean. "The song has really done a lot for me and opened up some doors that were not readily available to me before," Omari said.
At the recently held Mega Jamz Gospel Awards, Omari was voted the Best Male Vocalist and won in the category for Best Video. Additionally, he received three nominations in the first Reggae Academy Awards. He has been nominated in the categories Best Video and Best Gospel Song, and Best Gospel Male Vocalist; all for the song, "Help."
Omari's follow-up single is titled "Speak Life." The accompanying music video is currently in the pipeline. His debut solo album is expected to be released this summer.