Lagos-based creative, Oma Mahmud an artist, producer, mix engineer, and sound magician has spent years smashing genre boundaries from mixing up hip-hop’s elements with rock’s explosive energy, and Afrobeat’s rhythmic heartbeat to create his signature style, which he calls “Afro-rock.” he has been one of one artist in this new gen.
His career hit a major milestone when he landed on the legendary Metallica’s star-packed Blacklist anniversary album. He added fire guitar riffs, slick production, and mixing magic to a track. This big break came about after his 2020 hit Jaiye caught global attention, showcasing his talent to the world.
Still, in 2020, Oma Mahmud released three singles: Money Problems, Jaiye, and Now. Each song was packed with gritty guitar grooves and stories that felt personal and universal at the same time. These tracks built the foundation for his 2021 debut album, For the Love of Woman and Country (FTLOWAC) a project that was a double-sided love letter: one side celebrating romance, the other digging into social and political issues close to his heart. The tracks on the project, such as Jalo, Vybz x Emotion, and Now!!! Solidifying his status as a cult favorite.
In 2022, he expanded the project with a deluxe edition, adding even more layers to his storytelling. That same year, he headlined shows and fired up the stage at December 2023 Show Dem Camp’s Palmwine Fest with his unforgettable live performance, which served as his last before he decided to step back from the spotlight, taking a two-year break of silence to recharge and refocus.
Now, after a long pause, Oma Mahmud is back with Awilo, a vibrant, feel-good track that throws listeners straight into the joy of childhood memories. The song is a celebration, a tribute to the legendary Congolese artist Awilo Longomba, whose music soundtracked parties across Africa in the ’90s and 2000s.
Awilo isn’t just a song; it’s a time machine. It brings back the thrill of birthday parties where kids battled in dance-off competitions, the sound of plastic chairs scraping as aunties and uncles clapped and cheered, and the golden era of African dance music that united families and friends together.
On Awilo, Oma mixes catchy, upbeat melodies with thumping basslines and sharp, modern production, creating a sound that’s both nostalgic and fresh. The lyrics bounce between French, Pidgin English, and English, mirroring the multicultural vibe of his upbringing in Lagos and the sounds that shaped him as an artist.
Even during his break, Oma’s influence never faded. His DIY approach to writing, producing, and mixing his music has served as an inspiration to Nigeria’s alternative scene, earning praise from names such as Rolling Stone, MTV Base, and Culture Custodian.
Being back on the scene with Awilo, he’s not just revisiting the past; he’s reigniting it. The track reminds us why his music sticks: it is filled with pure vibes, alive, and makes you move. With an expected return on stage, Awilo invites everyone to the dancefloor first.
