Omawumi


Omawumi Megbele, known by her stage name Omawumi, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter and actress of Itsekiri ethnicity She is a brand ambassador for Globacom, Konga.com, and Malta Guinness. She's also part of the campaign called "Rise with the Energy of Africa". She gained attention as the 2007 runner-up on West African Idols, a reality TV show part of the Idols franchise. Her second album, The Lasso of Truth, was reported to be a commercial success in Nigeria.

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. She married Toyin Yusuf on 13 January 2018.

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, Phyno, 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 alongside Majid Michel and Ice Prince.See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/02/omawumi-ice-prince-debut-in-yvonne-nelsons-new-movie/#sthash.3XsMkB4C.dpuf">

Brush with the media

Omawumi has had at least two brushes with the media. On one occasion she slapped a photojournalist. On the other occasion she worked out of the set of an interview looking very irate.

Discography

;Studio albums
;EPs
;Singles

Awards and nominations

YearEventPrizeRecipientResultRef
2009The Headies 2009Best Vocal Performance "In the Music"
2014ELOY AwardsBest Female Artist
2016The Headies 2016Best Vocal Performance "Play Na Play"
2018The Headies 2018Best Recording of the Year"Butterflies"
2018The Headies 2018Best Vocal Performance "Butterflies"