Omawumi

Omawumi
Omawumi Megbele in the film "House of Gold" in 2015
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
Website	officialomawumi.com

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 sophomore album, The Lasso of Truth, was reported to be a commercial success in Nigeria.^[9]

Biography

Early life and education

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

Music career

Omawumi rose to prominence as a contestant on Idols West Africa. Omawumi, with her strong voice and out-going personality, 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, D'Banj, Banky W, M.I, Sasha, 9ice, Chaka Demus and Pliers, Carl Thomas, Angie Stone and Donell Jones, Angelique Kidjo , among others.

Acting career

Omawumi played a minor role in the 2009 edition of the V-Monolugues, a play that reflects the negative issues affecting women in Nigeria. She also starred in the musical play Olurombi. She had a minor role in the movie Inale, a Hollywood/Nollywood Bongos-Ikwe production, starring Hakeem Kae Kazeem, Dede Mabiaku, and Ini Edo. In 2011, she starred in Funke Akindele's Return of Jenifa. Moreover, she starred in Yvonne Nelson's House of Gold (2013) alongside Majid Michel and Ice Prince.^[10]

Discography

Album

Title	Notes
Wonder Woman	Track list Starting Point (intro) Ma Fi Mi Shere feat. eLDee tha Don Today na Today Serious Love Nwantinti Love it feat. Shank When Breeze Blow The Way that i feel feat. Dr Frabz Chocolata feat. Naeto C I stand (Skit) In The Music Brighter Day I miss my baby As i dey Niger delta 1 feat. Eric Arubayi Same Guy feat. Waje and Kel Blessings Flow Outro
Title	Notes
Lasso of Truth	Track list If you ask me When the Boss is coming The African Way The best you can be I Go Go What a Bang Bang feat. 2face Idibia Personal Race feat. Timaya You must love me Warn yourself feat. wizkid Stay Alive (Jeje Laiye) Belle feat. Flavour Life goes on feat. Afay

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
2014	In the Music		in post production

Awards and nominations

Year	Event	Prize	Recipient	Result
2014	ELOY Awards[11]	Best Female Artist	N/A	Nominated

References

1. "Omawumi @Omawumi – Artist Profile". Africax5.tv. 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. 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 Guiness 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, Ice Prince debut in Yvonne Nelson's new movie". vanguard. 1 February 2013. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
11. "Seyi Shay, Toke Makinwa, Mo'Cheddah, DJ Cuppy, Others Nominated". Pulse Nigeria. Chinedu Adiele. Retrieved 20 October 2014.