Queen Omega, a prominent female reggae artist, converses with Kadambari Raghukumar in the “Here Now” podcast at WOMAD Aotearoa. She highlights her gradual rise to fame, the pivotal role of her dub plate, and her commitment to inspiring women in reggae. Omega pays tribute to reggae legends who influenced her while advocating for authenticity in performance.
In a recent episode of the podcast “Here Now,” Queen Omega, whose birth name is Jenelle Osbourne, converses with Kadambari Raghukumar during the WOMAD Aotearoa festival. Recognized as one of the most prominent female reggae artists, she proudly represented Trinidad and Tobago after the recent carnival season.
Born in San Fernando, Queen Omega’s ascent in the reggae music scene has been gradual yet impactful. Although she has been performing throughout her life, her collaboration on a ‘Little Lion Sound’ dub plate featuring a Dr. Dre tune marked a pivotal moment, garnering attention from those outside the reggae community. “I was grateful because it feels good to know that after all that years that I’m now getting some traction,” she expressed.
Moreover, Queen Omega has embraced her role as a trailblazer for women in reggae, sharing the stage with renowned artists such as Buju Banton and Don Carlos, whose music has greatly influenced her. She acknowledged, “If it wasn’t for Bob Marley and all the legendary singers before… I would not get the inspiration to do reggae.”
Emphasizing her journey and message, Queen Omega stated that she aims to inspire other women to pursue their ambitions in the music industry without compromising their values. “When a lot of women see me now, then they would know we could do it. We don’t have to show skin. We could perform.” Her commitment to building a legacy and paving the way for future female artists is evident in her actions and words.
Queen Omega’s story encapsulates her dedication to reggae music and her role as an inspiring figure for female artists. Her journey reflects the importance of perseverance in the pursuit of one’s passions. Moreover, her acknowledgment of the foundational artists who shaped reggae highlights the intergenerational influences within the genre. As she continues to carve her own path, Queen Omega sets an inspiring example for aspiring musicians, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with authenticity.
Original Source: www.rnz.co.nz
