At one point in Jamaican Gospel Music, you wouldn't have been able to say the phrase 'Jamaican Gospel' without mentioning the name 'Omari'! One could say he carved his own path in the industry and was a part of the introduction of a new era of Gospel music here in Jamaica. PAJE had the honour of catching up with Omari and we're pretty excited about allowing you to get to know him! So, let's jump in!
PAJE: When we think of the peak times in Jamaica's Gospel Music industry, 'Omari' is a name that rings loudly, yet still, you've been making steady moves even beyond that and for your consistency, we commend you! What has your journey been like and what would you say has kept you motivated throughout the years?
Omari: My journey has been very interesting and eye opening because of the different people and places God has placed me to bring this message of the gospel to and to establish his kingdom in the earth, and I believe what has kept me motivated throughout the years is my love for people (I genuinely love people they are God’s greatest asset in the earth)
PAJE: One thing we can say when we reflect on your music is that you definitely seem to have a deep relationship with the Lord - what would you say are 3 defining factors about your relationship with God that have kept you grounded in Him?
Omari:
1.The fact that I have the Lord in the Bible says, abide in Him, and He will abide in you
2. His word I truly believe in the word of God, and I mean every word ,there is so much that the Lord has revealed to me about himself through the word
3. My call and purpose, In the earth a person who has a true revolution for why he exist in the earth will have an easier time being grounded, because you will not be easily moved by everything that comes to detract and distract
PAJE: Many of us have witnessed you through the years and it can easily feel like we know you through the way you express yourself through music and on social media, etc. However, we want to hear from you... how would you describe yourself as an individual?
Omari: Omari is a fun loving creative person Who finds great joy in serving others and helping them to find their true identity through Christ
PAJE: Tell us 5 things about yourself that the public wouldn't readily know about you.
Omari:
1.I am a jokester I love to make people laugh
2.I love cooking.
3.I am a homebody. You will not find me in the streets, unless I have something important to do.
4.I am the biggest Brazilian football fan
5.I use to work in a bookstore called ( Sangster ) before I entered the music industry
PAJE: Over the past 3 years, especially, many Christians have had their faith tested in multiple ways. What are the 3 biggest lessons you have learned in the last 3 years?
Omari:
1.To take your relationship and walk with the Lord Jesus very seriously
2. Don’t work for the awards of men, but for the rewards of God
3.Love more forgive quickly and walk in wisdom
PAJE: From what we can see, you are a multi-faceted and purposeful individual. With that in mind, we'd love to know more about what you do outside of music.
Omari: Ha ha ha - Outside of music I love spending time with family, cooking ,preaching in the spoken word, playing football, watching educational documentaries and sports
PAJE: Do you have any projects coming up soon?
Omari: Yes, I am working on a few projects ,but right now. the focus is putting out some new singles and new music videos
PAJE: What are five things you know now about the Gospel music industry here in Jamaica or being an artiste overall that you wish you knew before you got started?
Omari:
1. I wish I knew how unstructured the industry was before I entered
2. I wished I had the understanding and the clarity about my purpose that I have now before I started
3. I wish I had more knowledge about the business aspect of the industry before I started
4.I wish I knew that the industry was more religious oriented than kingdom oriented
5. I wish we had more knowledgeable and equipped managers, PR’s and professional personnel within the industry
PAJE: What would you say to the person who recognizes that God is calling them higher but they are afraid to step into more because they're afraid of what comes with it?
Omari: What I would say to individuals, who is fearful of stepping out to do what the Lord, has instructed them to do, is that the calling of the kingdom is a calling of faith not fear and if you’re sensing fear that is evidence that the enemy is afraid of the Calling and the purpose that is on your life. But I promise you if you just step out, the fear you are feeling will be broken.
PAJE: Thanks a lot for sharing your heart with us, Omari! We pray God's continued blessings over your life and ministry and look forward to seeing more from you in the new year! Before you go, though, is there anything else you'd like to say?
Omari:
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