ALBUM REVIEW

ARTISTE- OMAWUMI
TITLE- WONDER WOMAN
Let me start by commending Omawumi’s courage for stepping out with this brilliant album. She is indeed a singing mannequin for talented writers to hang their work on. She actually proved this during her days at West African Idols reality show while she also justified her award as the best vocalist at the last Hip-Hop World Awards (HHWA). We also understand her fear for debuting with this album probably as a result of her emergence as the Next Rated Act also at the HHWA. We deduced her fear was due to the successful outing of Asa and Wande Coal, who are also previous winners of the Next Rated category with their debut albums.
Omawumi’s debut album comprises 14 tracks, 1 skit, intro and the outro. All the songs on the album were produced by Dr. Frabz except In the Music and I Miss My Baby which were produced by Cobhams Asuquo. She sure kept the collaborations at minimum. The album features Eldee Da Don, Shank, Naeto-C, Dr. Frabz, Kel, Eric and Waje.
When her first single; In The Music hit the airwaves last year, some music enthusiasts were exposed to an eclectic style of music that incorporated the South-African kwaito beat into one brand and matched with charismatic lyrics. The record became a mainstay in clubs across the country, as well as making its way up to the top singles chart.
Working with Dr. Frabz; her boyfriend on this album was a good decision. He brought his wealth of experience to bear on the production of the album. Despite keeping her numerous fans on a long wait, Omawumi finally dropped her much anticipated debut effort titled Wonder Woman. In effect, this is Omawumi’s best chance of emerging as an emcee to court with at a time when most of her other female counterparts are more concerned about their sex appeal rather than skills.
Aside the intro, the album opens with a beautiful song titled Mafimisere featuring Eldee Da Don’s cocky verse. Over an upbeat backdrop from the producer; Dr. Frabz, she proceeds to Today Na Today which was her second single. Serious Love Nwantinti comes in immediately afterwards with a more contemporary approach describing how love struck she is with her love.

While smoother tracks like; The Way That I Feel and Love It provide a bit of dynamism. ‘When Breeze Flow is one of the few slower cuts that actually leave an indelible impression of emotional gush on your minds. In all, Omawumi’s strongest point is her lyrical prowess which she proudly displayed like a peacock. The album is infectious enough to get your feet shuffling and salute her vocal dexterity. At the end of the album, Wonder Woman charts a direction for other female emcees to be more concerned about their mode of delivery other than sex appeal.
With the album ending on high note, it’s reassuring to see Omawumi getting her act together and making an album that’s good from start to finish.
Wonder Woman could be summarized as an attempt to blend R&B ethics with a Hip Hop edge, yet only the former is apparent. While Omawumi may have made a conscious effort to instil a lasting effect through her playful cadence and free spirited antics, Woder Woman is ultimately an album about to gain serious reckoning. For some listeners, the groove may be enough to keep this CD in rotation. About two years after her stay at West African Idols, Omawumi has left other contestants scratching their heads.
She pours so much soul and emotions into each song with her angelic voice, and it's interesting to see how much different this album is, compared to some other albums.
The album is the foundation of her growing into a different woman, at least behind the soundboards. The problem with it however, is that she is yet to discover that secret other singers such as Asa have to massage the ballad and grab your emotion.