Omi (singer)
A Jamaican singer whose sun-drenched single 'Cheerleader' became a global anthem, defining the sound of a summer across continents.
Born 1986 (age 40)·Jamaican singer·Birthday: September 3·Millennials
Biography
Omar Samuel Pasley, known as Omi, emerged from the parish of Clarendon, Jamaica, with a voice that blended reggae's easy rhythm with pop's universal appeal. His journey wasn't an overnight story; his original 2012 version of 'Cheerleader' had modest regional success. The track's destiny changed when German DJ Felix Jaehn discovered it and applied a breezy, tropical house remix. Released in 2014, this version became a meteor, topping charts in over 60 countries and turning a laid-back Jamaican melody into a worldwide singalong. The success propelled Omi onto the international stage, leading to his debut album 'Me 4 U' and performances from European festivals to American television. His story is a modern testament to how a local sound, with the right alchemy, can capture the planet's mood.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Omi was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Omi Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Omi's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- His single 'Cheerleader' (Felix Jaehn Remix) reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2015.
- The 'Cheerleader' remix achieved multi-platinum certifications in over ten countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
- He performed his global hit on prominent platforms like *The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon*.
- Signed to Ultra Music, a label under Sony Music, and released his debut album 'Me 4 U' in 2015.
Did You Know?
His stage name 'Omi' is derived from the first two letters of his first and middle names: OMar samuel.
He originally recorded 'Cheerleader' as a tribute to the supportive women in his life.
Before his music career took off, he worked in a call center in Jamaica.
The Felix Jaehn remix of 'Cheerleader' spent six consecutive weeks at number one on the UK Singles Chart.
“I just wanted to make music that felt good, that made people feel good.”
