Over the weekend, international artist, OMI, who shot to fame with his hit songs Cheerleader and Hula Hoop, performed in Mumbai as a part of his Asia tour. We had the chance to catch up with him and go over what he’s been up to since and talk about his plans going ahead. Here are the excerpts from our conversation.
What are the five things on your bucket list that you would like to achieve this year?
The first would be the ultimate success of having a multiplicity of hits. Secondly, having a family is also really important to me. I would also like to work with other artists and producers I’ve always admired. Performing in India, which has finally come true and last but not the least, having a good and prosperous 2018.
Talking about a productive year, what are your plans with regard to new music and maybe an album?
So, just last week we finished recording in London. I love the direction and I love the growth. Ultimately, that’s one of the primary objectives. I want my fans to be able to see the growth and development of my talent as an artist.
You’ve got a new album coming out. Could you tell us your inspiration behind it?
It covers a diverse range of topics, but they’re not topics you haven’t heard about. Rather, it’s my interpretation of it. It’s also all about how I articulate and deliver the overall expression. This is something that I want to bring across to my fans. I want them to come along on this journey that I’ve had.
‘Cheerleader’ was a huge hit and quickly went viral all over the world. Did you think this was going to happen? Who or what was it about?
The funny thing about Cheerleader is that it wasn’t even supposed to be a song! My intention for it was to be like an interlude to something. It was only 2 verses and there were no instrumentals behind it. It was just all acapella. But you know, sometimes in the strangest places there is something magical hidden and this was the proof for me.
Who would you dedicate your success to?
For one, I would dedicate it to my family. I would also like to dedicate it to my manager who is also like my dad and mentor. At the end of the day, what he has done managing artists in Jamaica right now, is unmatched. He has also taught me a lot about becoming the man I am today.
It’s your first time in India. Do you have a message for your fans here?
My fans have been calling for it for a while now and I’m finally here. I loved sharing the space and had a really good time. So, thank you for coming out!
How do you prepare for a night like this? Do you have any expectations or do you just go into it with an open mind?
Yeah, I just go into it with an open mind. That’s how we’ve always been doing it so far on this tour. You don’t want to go into anything with any kind of expectations because then you will have disappointments. Disappointment can affect your mood and kill the whole vibe. I always say that if I walk into a venue and there are just three people standing there, I’m going to perform for those three people like its three hundred thousand people. That’s the attitude to have.
When you started your career, what was the one piece of advice that kept you going?
As my manager and mentor always told me, remember the past and ensure the future! This is something that lives with me every day. Keep looking forward but remember where you’ve come from. Timing is everything.
What is the ultimate dream?
The ultimate dream for me would simply be living a life that I can be proud of. Something I can look back at as my legacy. The fact is, we’re not here forever. So, that would be the most important thing.
Lastly, if you could collaborate with anyone on this planet, who would it be?
So, it is a dream right now, but I’m going to make it happen! It would have to be with Laurel (who played the opening set to his performance). Even though we are in the same camp, we haven’t done a song together yet. This is something I’m looking forward to and make this dream come true.
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