Giving back to society

West Africans fell in love with her when she sang on West African Idols in 2007. OMAWAMI MAGBELE shares her journey with Shirley Genga

Did you think you would make it that far with the Idols?

I really did not think I would make it all the way, but I guess God’s favour was with me.

How did the experience of being in the competition change your life?

When I entered, I was very green but being in the competition gave birth to an entertainer. I learnt how to make friends.

Had you done music professionally before joining Idols?

I had not done music professionally. I never ever thought that one day I would be a music star. I would sing in the shower and around the house though. My siblings and friends would watch Idols and say that I was better than the competitors and this encouraged me to try out.

How did winning the competition change your life?

People on the streets now know me. My income also changed because previously I had worked in a law firm but to me, things like wealth are superficial. What matters is that I still have people who love me just as I am.

Tell us a little something about your background?

I had a normal childhood. I was not raised on a silver platter. I am the 12th child in a family of 14; I have nine brothers and four sisters. I grew up in Warri, Delta State and was the typical girl next door with the usual dreams of becoming a lawyer. After clearing high school, I joined university and studied Law.

What are you doing in Kenya?

I am currently the Malaria Cause ambassador for Mortein Doom. I am in Nairobi to flag off the campaign for anti-malaria. We will be visiting Pumwani Hospital to educate new moms on how to prevent the spread of malaria. We will also educate them about the proper usage of insecticides and treated mosquito nets.

Why this particular campaign?

Because I am an artist and thus a public figure — I believe if you are a public figure, you are a powerful tool. Expectant mothers and children under the age of five remain the most vulnerable group to malaria. Being a mother, I can relate. I want to use my star power to encourage all mothers to take preventive measures.

You are known for hits like, In the Mood and If You Ask Me. How would you describe your music?

I like to be a versatile singer and so I do not like to be boxed into a particular music sound. I sing what I feel.

Tell us something about your first album and the one you are currently working on?

I released my first album Wonder Woman back in 2009 and it was well received. The songs in the album were about everything and anything with the main theme being about enjoying the moment. It ended up having a playful and feel-good sound.

With my latest album, however, I wanted to have a cause. I want to ensure that the songs in the album passed a message. My latest songs deal with society issues like incest and abuse in marriage. I will also be participating in a song with mothers across Africa to sensitise mothers on malaria.

What are some of the challenges that come with being a public figure?

The biggest challenge is the lack of privacy; your life becomes an open book so you have to find a way to keep your personal life private.

In 2010, you gave birth to your daughter. Tell us about that?

I had my beautiful little girl in June 2010. She is called Kamillah and I even brought her along for the trip. It is a wonderful feeling to be a mother. I have a lot to live for now that I have her, and I think I have a lot of passion for the malaria campaign because many children in Africa lose their lives to malaria, a disease that is preventable.

How did you get back into shape after the pregnancy?

I do not like the gym. I prefer to eat healthy but after I got my daughter, I did some gym but only until I got back into shape. Now I do not gym anymore, I just make sure I eat healthy.

In your opinion, what do you think is the most important thing about being a celebrity?

I think as an artist, it is important to use your star power to give back to the society. Being a public figure has given me the opportunity to be the anti malaria spokesperson, which is a huge milestone. I do not see myself as just an artist, but as someone who can affect lives and bring positive change.

You are very stylish. Tell us about your style?

I am very simple and when I am dressing up, I go for an outfit that is simple and elegant. Another constant in my wardrobe is the African print. Even when I wear a contemporary dress, I pair it with a clutch made of African print. I love the African fabric and prints.

Any advice for aspiring singers?

There is no shortcut to success; you have to work hard. You need to identify what it is you want to do and then work hard.