Omawunmi Megbele is a Nigerian singer. She was born on the 1st of january
1970 to the late Dr. F. Megbele and Mrs. Q. Aya Megeble. She schooled in
Warri, and studied Law at Ambrose Alli University, Edo State.

Omawunmi, as she's popularly called now, was the first runner-up of Idols
West Africa 2007.

Her debut album features singles like In the music and Miss my baby.

If she did not make an impression to you during the first edition of Idols
West Africa then her single In the Music, which is cruising the air waves
at a frequency that is sure to soar the chart, must definitely have made
you nod your head to good music. Omamwumi Megbele is that kind of musician
that will make you start thinking if you made the wrong decision to be in
the profession you are in. In this chat she talks about her life after
Idols, the fame, the fortune, the music, her career and entrance into
Nollywood.


You were the runner up in Idols and one would have thought you will release
your album and capitalise on your fame then, Why wait for the while you
did?
True but I was tied to a contract that had major issues, some which I don't
know about and others I do not wish to discuss. However, another challenge
was the type of music to release, hence the song In the music. Remember the
words, 'Whether na Kwaito, whether na jazz, Afro-beat or dance hall you can
do as you like' and I didn't want to rush.

Will you say that the Idols image you carved for yourself is yielding
dividends now?
Oh yes...it is yielding immensely...but I wouldn't say I 'carved' any
image. My God, my friends, fans and foes help to build my character but yes
Idols put me on the pedestal.

What doors will you say participating in Idols opened for you?
For one, I became famous and that alone opens other doors..

You were a lawyer before Idols, have you ever thought of practicing again
after you went on Idols?
Yes I have, Law is a noble profession and the quest for that knowledge is
equally a passion, but I'll leave that to God and Fate.

How will you rate the performance of the East African Idols?
It equally interesting and challenging, some honest truths? The prize money
was more plus I had to travel down to Nairobi to see the power in their
voices those people are good but not better than Naija o.

The Nigerian music entertainment business has a lot of competition now,
apart from the Idols thing, how are you preparing to be on top of your game
as regards female singers that dominate the scene?
How am I preparing? Your questions sha! hmmn...I can only show you what I
have, I gave you a sneak preview in Idols, you liked it abi? eehen now I
show you small again, I cant release everything one now...As for being on
top of my game? My fans will decide.

Your single is out, what really inspired that song because watching you
render all those R and Bs that you did perfectly well, one would have been
tempted to think that you will well be into R N B, what inspired that song?

'In the music' was written on Third Mainland Bridge on my way to the studio
to record the R and B song. Like I said earlier, the genre of music to
release was a challenge for me, because growing up; I had the opportunity
to be exposed to other genres of music. That confusion led me to decide
that every song in my album will be a different genre, from soul to R n B
to highlife to techno, even Makossa (if I summon the courage soon). The
lyrics came to me easily; I just wrote what I came up with in my head.

The song reminds one of Yvonne Chaka Chaka, is she your most favourite
female artiste?
Yes she is amongst my favourite African female singers, top of the chain is
Mama Africa Miriam Makeba and there are others like Onyeka Onwenu, Christy
Essien Igbokwe, Brenda Fassie, Lebo and many others.

The music video also depicts the South African flavour, how far did you
research for the video?
Well 80 per cent of the concept came from the director and I am happy with
it. Sometimes a song does not necessarily have to be interpreted word for
word.

Will you use your singing career to reflect on Niger Delta issues?
Yes and my message is preach peace and happiness to all.

Can you tell us what has really changed from the Omamwumi of 2006 and that
of now?
Well physically, I've added more weight but I'm fit, spiritually,
materially, I'm not complaining.

You are starring in Vagina Monologues which is a stage performance, is this
your introduction into Nollywood?
Make we dey look; na from clap them take dey enter dance.

If you were to choose between Nollywood and Music, which do you wish to be
doing in the next 10 years?
Music.

How is your relationship with the other Idols contestants?
We're all good.

In your coming album will you have a collabo with any of them? Who will you
want to have a collabo with among the Idols top 10 and also which Nigerian
musician will you want to do a collabo with?
You wait and see, that will be the surprise.