A former cop who became a global music sensation recalled the moment his music started to take off while he was still wearing the badge.
Omar Samuel Pasley, who is more commonly known by his stage name Omi, is celebrating 10 years since his hit single ‘Cheerleader’ became a viral hit. It reached number one in 20 countries including the US and the UK.
The 37-year-old was a police officer in Jamaica for three years and enjoyed caring for his community. But his true passion was music and he was making tracks while serving the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).
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(Image: PA)
While he is living his dreams now, with an anniversary tour announced for later this year, the ‘Hula Hoop’ singer has looked back on the moment his life changed forever. Speaking to Daily Star, he said: “It was a very exciting journey. As a police officer, I learned a lot of life lessons and I’ve been able to incorporate in my present career.
“I was in the for three and a half years and most definitely enjoyed my time with them. There is the sense of duty to your country that’s first and and foremost but also sense of purpose. That in itself was rather gratifying for me.
“But I was always doing music. Even now we’re always working on new music. We’re going to be releasing a few more singles early next year leading up to an album. And I’m celebrating the 10 year anniversary of Cheerleader. Can you believe it’s been a decade that long?
(Image: marvin bartley studios ltd)
“It was unbelievable when that song went worldwide. I think it surpassed a lot of our expectations.
“We just want to do this to commemorate the journey that we’ve gone through with the song, the places the song’s gone, and how many billions of people that this song has reached. Being from a very humble background, this is this is quite a celebration.”
Omi met internationally renowned manager and producer, Clifton ‘Specialist’ Dillon while he was a young recruit in the policing academy and they began making music together. Cheerleader became a local hit, but when it was remixed by German DJ Felix Jaehn it blew up internationally.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
Eventually, he gave up his career in the police force, telling the Jamaica Star that “both careers couldn’t co-exist”. However, he hasn’t forgotten his humble roots and is giving back to communities in his new tour.
To welcome the tour, Omi will be making a donation to The Black-E, Liverpool a black-led charitable organisation dedicated to connecting artists and communities.
Andrea CEO of The Black-E said she is “overjoyed” that OMI will be hosting his concert on November 8 and feels it will be a “very positive and unique experience in the community. The Black-E are dedicated to the arts and it’s our sole purpose.”
He will also be buying Bleed Control kits from Knife Savers after his performance in the North West. The star will then venture to Project House in Leeds for a performance on November 10.
Tickets are on sale via Eventbrite and Dice with more dates to be announced soon touring the country.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
