The rising prince of reggae: OMI

Cheerleader is a worldwide hit. What’s the story behind the song? Where did you get your inspiration?

I woke up humming the melody one morning when I was 21. It was like a little Jamaican nursery rhyme, like ‘One, Two, Buckle my Shoe’, that kind of thing–‘Ring Game’ is what we’d call it. The rest of the song just fell into place like a jigsaw puzzle. We put a third verse to it, worked on the beat, and sent it out to the world.

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The song wasn’t a hit when it first released. But four years and a peppy remix later, it’s become quite a sensation. How does it feel?

It was reinvented last year by Felix Jaehn. The song took off and it has been making waves ever since. Man, I describe it as a monumental feeling! It’s overwhelming.

So, what do you think clicked this time around?

The song and how it sounds, you know the beats and how you just can’t help tap your feet to it. Our whole intent was to reach a wider audience and man! We did it.

From creating history–being the only Jamaican artist to top the UK Singles Chart–to laying tracks for your untitled debut album, life is pretty smooth right now. What are your plans for the future?

To do stuff, make music and yes, that’s it. So far I’ve bought a new set of rims for my car, a brown Infiniti. I love that car. I’m giving it a face-lift.

Wow! That’s some love. Talking about love, Cheerleader’s lyrics depict the importance of a romantic companion as a support system. How do you want your cheerleader to be like?

I’m not looking for a ‘yes’ woman, but a strong person who knows when to be objective and when not to be.

Felix Jaehn’s remix has been an integral part in making the song a commercial success. Any plans of working with him in the near future? We have heard that you two are yet to meet each other.

I loved the mix even before it took off. So calm and unusual for a remix. It made you want to listen to the words, too. I love his work and even though we haven’t had the chance to meet yet, I would definitely want to work with him again.

You have brought a fresh wave to the world of Pop culture. Did you always want to join the music industry or did things just fall into place?

Music has always been a part of my DNA. My father, Jah Ken, was a noted musician as well. He passed away when I was nine, but imprinted on me the lessons and tools for life. I think it was genetically encrypted. I started writing music when I was 14, always interested in words.

The poetry side of the music artist fascinated me. I knew I had to follow my father’s footsteps.

When did you get your calling to be a musician and singer?

Everyone knew I had a passion for art, but when they saw me rapping over beats–and doing music that I wrote–they were like ‘You got to get into a studio, man’. I knew that if it didn’t sound like something where I could make a difference in the world, I wasn’t going to pursue it. A lot of different genres have been touched by Jamaican roots. I became an explorer, going deeper into the idea of music as pure expression.

How are things panning out on the musical front? What’s keeping you busy these days?

Right now I’m completing the newest batch of songs. However, touring is what is taking all my time and that gives me great unfiltered feedback.

From the October 2015 issue of FHM India.