Omawumi

Omawumi Megbele, who performs under the stage name Omawumi, grew up in Warri within Nigeria’s Delta State. As an actress and singer/songwriter she blends soul and R&B into an upbeat pop style built on funk grooves. After earning a law degree from Ambrose Alli University in 2005, she chose to pursue music by entering the 2007 West African edition of the Idols talent series. Her commanding vocal presence and outgoing charm carried her to first-runner-up finish. She then turned her attention to writing and recording original material, resulting in the 2009 debut album Wonder Woman, issued on OMA Records. Critics responded enthusiastically, highlighting both the strength of her delivery and the wide stylistic range that encompassed Afro-pop, jazz, funk, and techno elements.

That same year she stepped into acting with a role in the stage production V-Monologues, which examined hardships confronting Nigerian women. Subsequent screen credits included the 2010 musical drama Inale, the 2011 film Return of Jenifa, the 2013 release House of Gold, and the 2014 feature Make a Move. Her second album, Lasso of Truth, arrived in 2015 and took its title from Wonder Woman’s signature weapon, extending the thematic thread begun with her first record. Reviewers again praised its stylistic breadth, noting soul, funk, and reggae textures alongside lyrics that addressed various social concerns. The set also included a collaboration with fellow Nigerian artist WizKid on the track “Warn Yourself.”

Omawumi’s third project, Timeless, followed in 2017 on Cabal Entertainment, a label linked to Roc Nation Africa. The album title reflected her refusal to anchor her songwriting to any single trend or genre.