Queen Omega: Elevating Female Reggae Artists from Trinidad to Taranaki

Queen Omega, a prominent reggae artist, has gained recognition for her performances and collaborations. During the WOMAD Aotearoa festival, she shared her journey and influence in reggae, emphasizing the importance of legacy and empowering female musicians to thrive without conforming to societal expectations.

Queen Omega, born Jenelle Osbourne in San Fernando, is a prominent female reggae artist who recently appeared on the Here Now podcast, hosted by Kadambari Raghukumar, during the WOMAD Aotearoa festival. Though the Trinidad and Tobago carnival has passed, she proudly represented her heritage at the Taranaki event. Her trajectory in the reggae genre has been gradual, as she has been performing for many years.

Many may have discovered Queen Omega through her collaboration on the ‘Little Lion Sound’ dub plate featuring a Dr. Dre tune. This exposure has allowed her to reach audiences unfamiliar with reggae, providing her with a sense of fulfillment. “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 those years, I’m now getting some traction.”

In addition to her music, Queen Omega seeks to pave the way for female reggae artists and has collaborated with notable figures in the industry such as Buju Banton and Don Carlos. She acknowledges the influence of foundational reggae artists, saying, “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.”

She emphasizes her desire to leave a legacy, encouraging other women to pursue their passions without adhering to expectations regarding appearance. She stated, “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.”

Queen Omega’s journey in the reggae music scene encapsulates her dedication to the genre and her mission to empower female artists. Her rise to recognition, particularly through modern collaborations, has allowed her to share her passion with a broader audience. Moreover, she honors the pioneers of reggae while striving to inspire future generations of women musicians to pursue their craft authentically.

Original Source: www.rnz.co.nz