Album: Omari: Heal Jamaica, Heal the World

Artiste: Andrew ‘Omari’ Edwards

Executive Producers: Andre ‘Omari’ Edwards and Jonathan Mckenzie

FOR more than four years, Omari has been one of the constant faces of Jamaica’s gospel. From his days with Rappers for Christ, to his solo career, Omari has managed to produce songs like Help! and Why, which have resonated with the public.

So where else can this musical minister go from here?

Well, after four years on the scene, Omari launched his 17-track debut album Omari: Heal Jamaica, Heal the World two Sundays ago.

This album has no shortage of outstanding songs that shows the work of an effective songwriter. God Naah Sleep and Live Up are testament to this.

These songs, which are already hits, are both inclusive of shining background vocals and the right lyrical content. Another stand-out on this album is True Friend. This track speaks to only one real friend that will never pretend to be a friend, that is Jesus. It’s quite infectious and also well written.

The first track, Step, has a funky musical edge that will pull the young people into the album and will keep them moving.

Omari goes hardcore with the rap-reggae mix After 12, which will quickly become a favourite, as well as the pop-influenced track Impossibly featuring Papa San.

Collaborations continue as Nashia adds her musical flair to the captivating body-rocking track God Over Everything.

The collaboration that takes it for TEENage on this album is The Call, which features the voices of Chevaughn and Craig Jackson from Voice Mail. This track is guaranteed to be a huge hit in the alternative circles. It is filled with great melody and string instruments that will move the soul.

Omari also pairs with Promise, Naycha Kid and Shaze on You’re All, Revelation Unfold and You Need Jesus respectively, to produce three far-from-dull tracks that speaks to encouragement, redemption and transformation.

Season tracks Why and Help are two obvious stand-outs. Another close-to-season track Speak Life is possibly the most transparent track on this album. The song, which seems to touch on most, if not all, of the challenges that we face as a people locally and abroad was designed for Omari. He certainly went all out on this one lyrically.

Jehovah Guide Me is another favourite. The chorus to this one will quickly send you into a prayerful and reflective mood. Two other burning likes are God A Guide and Tell Me A Who. On these two tracks, Omari reflects real life experiences in the lyrics and opens his heart, showcasing desperation for Christ.

Seventeen tracks deep and real, Omari has now officially raised the bar. This album could very much be the album that propels his career to that all important next level.

TEENage encourages you to look for Omari: Heal Jamaica, Heal the World at music stores islandwide and look out for its debut on iTunes.

TEENage rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars