Singer chases continental dominance in 'Play na play

Omawumi has set out today to launch her return into the music scene after a year off from dropping new music. She comes in with a bang, with great plans to release an album that marries creative artistry, and Pan-African branding.

The singer has already concluded recording of her live album, which has her breathing core aspects of African performing arts and melodies into the a record. The entire project is recorded live, with more production credits coming in from Grammy award-winning artist Angelique Kidjo, Grammy nominated artist Salif Keita and more yet to be announced international collaborations.

With a stylistic traditional African set, complete with black men dressed in native costumes, and beating drums, illuminating fires and body markings Omawumi is making ‘Grammy music’.

The singer, known for her Afrocentric style takes this visual a step above the Nigerian market, aiming for continental dominance via imagery and collaboration. ‘Play na play’ is the perfect Afro-Soul fusion song, with lush drum patterns, rattles and two languages fused together.

There’s Angelique Kidjo featured on this one too. The Beninese veteran is regarded as one of Africa’s greatest acts alive, and her appearance in this video brought on the endorsement of quality and artistic symphony that Omawumi desired when this collaboration was crafted.

‘Play Na Play’ is a live production arranged by Cobhams Asuquo. The video was shot on location in New Jersey by George Steuber for Monstar Film and Produced by Bukola Aré for OF A KIND Creatives. Fashion Styling by Rosemary Kokuhilwa with Make Up by Joyce Jacobs.

Not all elements were away from her home country, as Omawumi, still touches down home with pidgin English; “Ýou suppose know yourself when you see person wey no straight’, she sings out a classic Nigerian cautionary line.