Omawumi Bares Her Emotions in “More”

Omawumi Megbele, professionally known as Omawumi, came into the limelight in 2007, when she emerged as the 1st runner-up at the West Africa Idols captivating hearts with her vocal dexterity. In a career spanning 16 years, she has released six albums, as well as collaborated with a varied cast of artists including P-Square, 2Baba, 9ice, Angélique Kidjo, and Angie Stone, to name a few. 

In 2008, she released her hit single In The Music, marking the official beginning of a successful music career. For Omawumi, music has always been beyond the sound; it is a mirror for reflecting emotions and sentiments. In her 2015 chart-topper, If You Ask Me, she weaves a thought-provoking narrative about sexual abuse, shining the light on its societal consequences. Perhaps, stemming from her stint as a lawyer, her music consciously draws from real-life experiences. 

After thriving in a successful career spanning over a decade and a half, Omawumi is solidifying her legacy as one of the most iconic female artists in the country and is now focused on telling impactful stories through film and music. Her latest project and sixth album, More, delves into the subjects of belief, faith, and‌ politics from an experienced perspective—she turned 41 this April.

The eight-track album kicks off with Thank God, a title that quickly calls to mind her collaboration with the late rapper Da Grin in 2009. Produced by Cobhams Asuquo, it reflects on gratitude and takes a retrospective look at her journey, while highlighting the importance of adhering to “God’s time.”

This is not surprising, as a common theme in her opening tracks like Joy on Love Deep High Life, her previous album released in 2021, follows the same tone of reverence and devotion. On Try, she segues from thanksgiving to explore the challenges of a rocky love affair. Her tone here is accusatory: “you no dey try for me,” she sings about an uninspired lover, while her voice, restrained, jives with a laidback beat created by SizzlePRO.

The titular More, likewise produced by Sizzlepro, follows the same mid-tempo. Featuring the rapper PsychoYP, the song syncs Omawumi’s soulful vocals with his alternative sound, crafting an unexpected but unique love song. Love You Well, featuring Yemi Alade, is another such impressive collaboration, with both artists reveling in the elasticity of their vocal range. 

YOLO, featuring Timi Dakolo and Cobhams Asuquo, exemplifies the kind of collaborative instincts that have allowed Omawumi to create some of the most memorable collaborations during her career. With its churchy vibe and hint of Highlife, the song advocates living life to the fullest, because “life na one… YOLO.” Omawunmi preaches a hedonistic gospel of music, wine, and festivities: “Deejay play something/ come and pour something/ make we drink and jolly dey go” 

Refusing to shy away from exploring negative emotions, No Be Play and Fear explore the anxieties and uncertainties of the human experience. Auzubilllah takes a different turn from the previously explored themes, to focus on social issues, with a strong political undertone. On this track, she assumes the role of a politician vying for several positions, articulating her intentions and impact on people’s lives. Auzubillah concludes the album with a climactic tempo, fading away, akin to post-election washing acts, seen in politics. However, the delivery of this track seems slightly disconnected from the album, standing out as an outro rather than a continuation of the album. 

 More encapsulates the range of Omawumi’s artistic arsenal, exploring a spectrum of subjects and emotions, including gratitude, faith, anxiety, fear, as well as the beauty of true, undiluted love. Rumored to be a last hurrah, the album can very well pass for one, as Omawumi hardly leaves any emotion unturned.