Queen Omega, a rising female reggae artist from Trinidad, discusses her journey and impact on the genre in a podcast interview. Despite a gradual rise to fame, her collaboration with a Dr. Dre tune helped her gain recognition. She highlights her role in inspiring women in reggae, emphasizing talent over appearance and celebrating the legacy of reggae pioneers.
Queen Omega, born Jenelle Osbourne, is one of the prominent female reggae artists currently making waves in the music scene. In a recent episode of the podcast “Here Now,” Queen Omega spoke with Kadambari Raghukumar about her performance at WOMAD Aotearoa and her journey in reggae music. Although she hailed from Trinidad and Tobago, the artist proudly represented her roots at the Taranaki festival.
Queen Omega’s ascension to reggae fame has been gradual. Despite her lifelong dedication to performance, it was her notable collaboration with a Dr. Dre tune in a ‘Little Lion Sound’ dub plate that significantly raised her profile. “For me, it really did a great thing because a lot of people who don’t listen to reggae get to know who Queen Omega is. I was grateful because it feels good to know that after all that years that I’m now getting some traction,” she expressed.
Beyond her musical achievements, Queen Omega has become a trailblazer for female artists within the reggae genre. She has performed alongside esteemed artists such as Buju Banton and Don Carlos, whom she idolized during her upbringing. “I give thanks for the pioneers before because if it wasn’t for Bob Marley and all the legendary singers before, I grew up listening to Skatellites, Don Carlos, I grew up to listen to Burning Spear all the foundation artists. If it wasn’t for them, I would not get the inspiration to do reggae,” she stated.
Queen Omega is conscious of her legacy and aspires to inspire other women in the industry. She champions the idea that women can succeed in reggae without compromising their values or image. “It’s just brick upon brick, and I’m also leaving my legacy behind. Because 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,” she concluded.
Her journey highlights the importance of resilience and empowerment, particularly for women artists in reggae, as she continues to pave the way for future generations.
In summary, Queen Omega is making significant strides in the reggae music scene while proudly representing her Trinidadian roots. Her journey exemplifies perseverance in the industry, and she actively works to inspire future female reggae artists. Acknowledging her musical inspirations, she emphasizes the importance of legacy and empowerment, demonstrating that talent and dedication transcend traditional expectations.
Original Source: www.rnz.co.nz
