Anguillan artist Omari Banks blends Soca and Afrobeat in new release: "I was inspired by my childhood memories growing up in Anguilla"
Omari Banks returns after after a two-year hiatus
Renowned recording artist Omari Banks is set to drop his new single, "Africa Identity," on July 19th via ONErpm. This track marks his return after a two-year hiatus since "Educate Us" in 2022. Inspired by Anguilla's 50th carnival anniversary, "Africa Identity" blends soca and Afrobeat, celebrating the island's cultural heritage and African roots. Omari, who produced and wrote the song, drew from his childhood memories and musical influences growing up in Anguilla.
"The song was inspired by the 50th year of carnival celebrations in Anguilla, which is a celebration of the emancipation from slavery and how our African identity should be at the forefront of our celebrations," Omari explains. "I was inspired by the memories as a child growing up in Anguilla, the music I heard, and how it made me feel, and also how it ties into our African ancestry."
Collaborating with Dennis Warrington, Omari Banks crafted a beat that blends soca and Afrobeat elements, highlighted by his signature guitar and the dynamic saxophone of Jamaican legend Dean Fraser. Recorded in Anguilla at studios of Warrington and Justin Richardson, "Africa Identity" celebrates cultural pride.
"The song is about celebrating our identity, which is Anguillian but rooted firmly in African culture, and this we should never forget," Omari emphasizes.
Omari Banks has always been passionate about spreading messages of love and consciousness through his music. "The message I want to convey is we must be proud of who we are and never forget the lessons of the past as they shape our future," he says.
As fans eagerly await the release of "Africa Identity," Omari also hints at the exciting news of a full album set to be released in 2025. "Music and life continuously change as we grow, and that I believe is natural. But as a musician, I'm constantly inspired by what I'm hearing in the present, so expect more of me and my guitar and a bit more uptempo tunes at times," he shares.
While there are no immediate plans for a music video, fans can look forward to a lyric video, and Omari will be performing "Africa Identity" on his upcoming summer and fall tours in the US and UK.
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