Omega Mighty wants her music to make you feel confident and empowered. But the artist admits even she has struggled to feel that way at times.
“It’s something that might be challenging and difficult for many people to understand, it has been even something that has been challenging for me to hone into—growing up in Toronto, with Caribbean parents, and feeling like you don’t fit in, because, you know, I grew up dreads all my life,” she tells Complex Canada.
Her message is to simply be yourself—and if that self diverges from the norm, then allow yourself to be that way. She does just that on her debut EP Me & Youforia, which encompasses her smooth and sultry R&B tone mixed with her Caribbean edge and magnetic energy.
The choreographer-turned-solo artist released her debut single, “Whine Masta,” in April of last year. Since then, she’s been wowing fans from over 106 countries with her unique brand R&B and dancehall fusion music. After developing a career and working with wonders such as Danny Fernandes, Arkells, and her sister Haviah Mighty, Omega is continuing to make strides in the music scene.
Next up, she’ll be taking centre stage at AFROWAVETO’s Black History Month showcase, Supernatural. Designed to celebrate overlooked urban music genres, this all-female showcase lineup includes performances by Chelsea Stewart, Dynesti, Chizzy Bashment, Alicia Cinnamon, and more. The showcase takes place this Thursday, Feb. 24, and will be live streamed on AFROWAVETO’s Youtube Channel.
Honing her craft for over 20 years, Mighty first graced the stage at four years old. She started with piano recitals, then with her siblings, known as the Mighty 4 (at the time), and by the age of 17, as a solo act. Music and rhythm have been constant throughout her life. Omega and her siblings would perform together during her childhood, taking turns in the spotlight. After sharing their love for music on and off stage, they each eventually curated their own unique sounds
As the Toronto- and Brampton-raised artist gained a reputation for her high energy and embracive performances, Omega would occasionally ask Haviah to join her as a special guest. Haviah would have her own entrances, and spit her bars, adding a layer of hip-hop flare to Omega’s performances. It was during these blossoming times that Omega crafted her artistry into what it is today.
We sat down with the electric performer to learn more about her journey, what to expect from her upcoming performance at AfrowaveTO, and what’s next.
You are a part of a family of musical geniuses. How does your family feel about you taking this step towards your solo career again?
They are the most supportive. My parents, first of all, really spearheaded this journey for me by putting me into music lessons when I was four years old. So being on stage comes naturally to me because of the training that I had since I was a little girl.
There are five of us, and we all have different things that are going on, (but) they’re wonderful at splitting their time. They take the time to listen to the progressive steps of the music and provide valuable feedback. They’re so ingrained in such a part of this journey, for me, particularly, but for all of us as musicians.
And if you come to the family home, you know, you’re going to see the studio that was built out, you’re going to see the instruments all over the place. It is such a part of who we are innately. It’s something that is celebrated in the household. And I think that allows me to flourish. So, not only have I been encouraged to actually do this, you know, I have the support.
Since re-announcing yourself as a solo artist and the release of your debut album, you’ve been receiving a lot of attraction. How do you feel about the amount of attention you’ve been getting?
It’s super wonderful to honestly be recognized again, for something that you do. That is really not the norm. The type of music that I make is not yet something that I hear from the masses. It’s really still unique, and it’s kind of really niche. My take on even blending and having a fusion of R&B and dancehall, it’s still done in such a unique way. So, it’s so wonderful to know that it resonates with other people.
“Present as you feel rather than trying to fit in a mould that others expect of you.”
After working with Danny Fernandes and Haviah Mighty, to name a few, are there any lessons that you’ve learned that you are applying now?
I’ve learned so many lessons. It’s honestly to take time sometimes; don’t rush things. When I think about what I’m doing now, by the same token, I’ve been writing music for a number of years, and whether or not all of those songs were released, it gave me the opportunity to truly develop as a songwriter, as an artist, producer, and all around creative.
So, don’t rush the creative process. Things change over time, and be willing to kind of just adapt and go with the flow because this world is ever-changing, trends are changing, it’s important to take note of those things while staying true to yourself. Those are some of the lessons that I’ve learned over time.
What message do you want people to receive when listening to your music?
It’s really all about being empowered and being confident. It’s something that might be challenging and difficult for many people to understand, it has been even something that has been challenging for me to hone into—growing up in Toronto, with Caribbean parents, and feeling like you don’t fit in, because, you know, I grew up dreads all my life.
So, when I create my music … the message that I want to send to others is to really just be yourself … understanding that you’re a multifaceted person, and you’re allowed to (be) that. You’re allowed to explore different elements of yourself, you’re allowed to include different elements, and holistically bring those together and be that person, present as you feel rather than trying to fit in a mould that others expect of you.
“Urban music, Black music, Afro Caribbean music here in Toronto is important. It inspires so many other genres of music, whether or not people really realize it.”
What can people expect from your upcoming performance at AFROWAVETO’s Supernatural Showcase?
One of the big things about performance for me is certainly thinking about it from a production sort of standpoint. So, you can always expect to see me with my dances. With AFROWAVE, it’s just going to be a vibe. So, if you’re ready to honestly just vibe and move and groove and feel good, then that’s what you can expect.
Since performing is one of your staples, why is it important for people to watch not only your performance but the entire Black History Month Supernatural Showcase?
I think it’s really important for people to watch to be able to honestly understand what Toronto, Canadian music is evolving into. And I really want people to take away that there is so much talent in Toronto. I am so honoured to be sharing the stage with seven other talented Black female artists. And urban music, Black music, Afro Caribbean music here in Toronto is important. It inspires so many other genres of music, whether or not people really realize it.
So, that’s what I want people to really take away from this and to understand those different elements, feel those elements, (notice) some of those written patterns, and concepts that are explored. They are the grassroots and really the foundation for so many other genres of music.
After your performance airs, what can we expect next from you?
I’m in the studio. I’m writing, so you can definitely expect some new collaborations.
If you haven’t had a chance to take in the full EP, Me & Youforia, make sure you get a chance to do that. There is a really dope record on there called “AYO (Color Your Love),” which features EverythingOShauN, from Toronto. That is such a vibe when it comes to really understanding the blend of my take on infusing R&B, dancehall and Afrobeats. Produced by Artafacts Music, such a talented producer. You can definitely expect more vibes like this (…) and visuals.
