Reading

Musician Omnia Azar is a Divine Vessel for Healing

Previous Story
Article Image

Litscope: Leo & Marie-Helene Bertino’s ‘Parakeet’

Next Story
Article Image

Kibibi Ajanku’s Indigo Journey

Omnia Azar’s music defies categories. Her poignant lyrics and vibrant sounds incorporate elements of jazz, soul, funk, hip-hop, and R&B and her stage presence and unique vocals have made her a standout, both in Baltimore and beyond. Originally from Benton Harbor, Michigan, Azar is a Baltimore-based singer, songwriter, and arranger of music.

Along with working on her own music, Azar loves to collaborate with other musicians, recently as the featured vocalist and arranger of Kariz Marcel’s song “Pokemongo.” Azar has shared the stage with Chico Debarge, Sunshine Anderson, Dwele, and Avery Sunshine and worked on projects and showcases with artists including Navasha Daya, Blaqstarr, Meagan McNeal, Osiris Azar, Yolanda Lavendar, and DC and III Conscious.

Her self-titled EP from 2017 can be found at Bandcamp, and listening to her work is a testament to her stated mission: “To inspire the masses with her music, spreading a message of Light, Love, Peace, Truth, Freedom, and Growth.”

This interview and photoshoot were conducted in person before COVID-19 shutdowns, with additions via email over the past few months.

Name: My real name is Omnia Azar, and it’s also my stage name.
IG: @omniaazar
Age and Sign: I’m 35 years old. Born July 27th.  My astrological sign(s): Leo sun, Sagittarius moon, and Taurus rising. There’s more earth, some air, and a sprinkle of water in my chart. I absolutely LOVE who I am!

Wearing: Look #1: Hat, blazer, and leather fringe jacket: vintage (thrift stores), sheer hooded shirt, fishnet thigh-highs & accessories/jewelry: local malls. Hand-painted pants: Chicago-based lifestyle boutique (@shopiame). Boots: Donation from a clothing swap. Look #2: Jumper: local lifestyle boutique called Flourish (@flourishbaltimore). Sheer long-sleeve: from a local boutique called It’s Malacka’s Fashion Studio (@itsmalacka). Hat: local vintage shop from Little Five Points area in Atlanta, GA. Necklace and cuff: local online boutique called Charm City Noir (@charmcitynoir). Earrings: thrift/vintage shop (unknown). Boots: local mall.

 

On intentionality: I’m very intentional about the message(s) that I put out into the world. Through music (as well as my everyday lifestyle) I seek to be a catalyst for Light, Love, Peace, Truth, Liberation & Growth. I am a Divine vessel that brings forth healing for myself and others.

Favorite lyrics: OMG this is a hard one! There’s so many! But One of my favorite lines is from Erykah Badu’s “Didn’t You Know” that says “So when I stumble off the path, I know my heart will guide me back.”

Why she makes music: I make music because it is my “Life Force/Power.” Music has been a saving grace for me my entire life, and I desire for my music to be that for others. I want the masses to hear my music and know that they can GROW from any circumstance/ situation/ experience, hardship, or otherwise and fearlessly be your most authentic self each and every day that you present yourself to the world. My music carries an amazing vibe that I’m beyond proud of!

Musical instruments: I play violin, flute, and oboe. All three hold a very special place in my heart, but if I had to choose one, I would say oboe. Being a part of a regional symphony orchestra for several years instilled a love for classical music. Due to both my middle and high school band directors having graduated from HBCUs, I was introduced to several genres such as funk, pop, jazz, etc.

Dreams: My dreams are constantly evolving. Once upon a time, I was afraid to dream after a few of them were “shattered” when I was younger. As of right now, concert wise, it would be Dreamville festival and Coachella. Venue: I would say Carnegie Hall and some beautiful place on the continent of Africa.

 

Listen to Omnia Azar at Bancamp.com, head to Link.tree to purchase music, and contact the artist directly for inquiries and bookings.

 

Related Stories
Orange Grove Dance's new performance, executed by human dancers and choreographed with Artificial Intelligence (AI), in review.

A&I, which launched on Friday, April 19th at The Voxel in Baltimore, combines experimental dance, ambient soundscapes, minimalist stage design, and innovative lighting techniques with a high-tech concept.

This year the MdFF will emphasize emerging filmmakers and technologies, with an emphasis on local and global impact

Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Katori Hall brings four gay Black men together for the weekend

With The Hot Wing King, Baltimore Center Stage serves up a lively spread of rapid-fire one-liners, spicy moves, and camaraderie that serves as an entree to a discussion of contemporary Black manhood through April 28

How Happenstance, a First Memory, and Improvisation Shaped Who the Artist is Today

Wendel Patrick is an associate professor of music engineering at the Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University; he is also a composer, producer, beatmaker, pianist, sonic architect, photographer, and videographer. But how has he sustained a career with such a diverse breadth of work?