In a heartfelt sit-down with Hip TV, Nigerian singer and songwriter Omawumi Megbele—known simply as Omawumi shared the story of how one unexpected phone call from music producer Cobhams Asuquo changed the course of her career.
“He Just Called Me Out of the Blue”
Reflecting on their first interaction, Omawumi recalled the moment vividly.
“The first time we met, he just called. I knew we met on the show, and he said, ‘Omawumi, this is Cobhams Asuquo—you know he likes to funkify his name. There is a song I want you to do. It might not come out as anything for now, but let’s just go with it.’”
She accepted the offer without hesitation, unaware that the collaboration would become a turning point in her journey.
A Song That Sparked a Career Shift
Omawumi went on to record the track, and what happened next was nothing short of transformative.
“I did the song, and then the agency picked it. I became the brand ambassador for that product for two years. Cobhams taught me a lot of nuances when it comes to delivery and posture.”
The opportunity not only gave her visibility but also helped her refine her artistry under the guidance of one of Nigeria’s most respected producers.
“He Believed in Me Early On”
Known for her breakout moment as runner-up on Idols West Africa in 2007, Omawumi credited Cobhams as one of the few people who saw her potential from the beginning.
She emphasised how their collaboration opened doors to endorsement deals, future projects, and a deeper understanding of her craft.
“Cobhams taught me so much. That one song led to so many things. He believed in me when it wasn’t trendy to.”
From that moment forward, Omawumi’s career soared, and she continues to shine as one of Nigeria’s most beloved vocalists.
