Omi: The Reggae Fusion Hitmaker

Omi is a Jamaican singer-songwriter who achieved global fame with an irresistible blend of reggae, pop, and dance music. His breakthrough single became one of the best-selling digital songs of all time, cementing his status as a one-hit wonder with a lasting impact on the charts.

Early career

Born Omar Samuel Pasley in 1986 in Clarendon Parish, Jamaica, Omi began his musical journey in his church choir. His early professional steps involved collaborating with Jamaican producer Clifton Dillon, also known as "Specialist," who would become a key figure in his career.

He released his debut single "Standing on All Threes" in 2007, but it was his 2012 single "Cheerleader" that first gained traction in Jamaica and parts of Europe on the indie label Oufah.

Breakthrough

The global explosion came in 2014-2015 when German DJ and producer Felix Jaehn created a tropical house remix of "Cheerleader." Released through Ultra Records and Sony Music, the track became a viral sensation, topping the charts in over 60 countries.

It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and was certified multi-platinum worldwide, with over 10 million copies sold in the US alone.

Key tracks

Cheerleader (Felix Jaehn Remix) — This global chart-topper is Omi's signature song, a sun-drenched fusion of reggae and house that dominated airwaves for over a year.

Hula Hoop — Released as a follow-up single in 2015, this track attempted to replicate the successful formula with a similarly upbeat, tropical pop-reggae style.

Standing on All Threes — His earlier, more traditional reggae-influenced single showcases his vocal style before the massive pop crossover.

Masterpiece — A later single that continued his collaboration with Felix Jaehn, aiming for another dancefloor-friendly reggae-pop hybrid.

Following the monumental success of "Cheerleader," Omi released his debut studio album, "Me 4 U," in 2015. The album incorporated the tropical house and pop-reggae sound of his hit, but no subsequent single matched its unprecedented commercial performance.

He has continued to release music independently, including the 2020 single "I'm Alive," maintaining his focus on positive, melodic reggae fusion. His career remains a definitive case study in the power of a viral remix in the modern music industry.

Fans of Omi's accessible, sunny reggae-pop style might also enjoy the sounds of Sean Paul for his dancehall-pop crossovers. Shaggy shares a similar knack for blending reggae with pop hooks for massive chart success. The smooth vocals of Gyptian offer another take on Jamaican music reaching international audiences. For a more recent pop-dancehall vibe, explore Konshens.

Omi's music, particularly his era-defining hit "Cheerleader," maintains a strong presence on various radio formats. It is a staple on mainstream top 40 stations, tropical house and summer hits playlists, and reggae fusion radio streams, ensuring its continued recognition.

You can hear Omi's catalog of reggae fusion hits on radio stations featured on our website. Explore the stations available on onairium.com to discover where this Jamaican artist's music is currently playing.