Toronto-based R&B singer Omar Lunan, now known as oH!, has been an industry veteran for over a decade. From starring on Canadian Idol to playing alongside the likes of Usher, Brandy Norwood and Ginuwine, oH! who is currently signed to S.O.G. Entertainment Inc.; distributed by Orchard-SONY is now preparing to make his solo debut with his new single “The Greatest,” out now. An eight-song EP is to follow “The Greatest” on Nov. 1, before heading out on a national tour, bringing his distinct and memorable musical stylings to audiences across the country.
The singer’s voice glides across jumpy electronic synths on “The Greatest,” declaring his love for his subject with unabashed enthusiasm. The track blends his signature R&B style with catchy, pop sensibilities to create a listening experience worth remembering.
“To have and to hold from this day forward,
I want you in my life
for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer
I’ll be right by your side”
— “The Greatest”
“I’ve always wanted that full, life long, fulfilling, heart bursting, transcendent love that everyone desires in this life. The only way to get there was to write it, and believe that I was capable of it,” oH! says of “The Greatest.” “The more I forgive my own misgivings, the more I let go, the more space was created for the deepest, most fulfilling love I always wanted.”
The theme of love in oH!’s music traces back to the impact of hearing Whitney Houston’s rendition of “The Greatest Love of All” when he was a child, “I still remember the feeling of hitting the note ‘G’ — those high notes as a seven-year-old… I always wanted that feeling of elation. I knew it was a song about love, but didn’t find meaning until I was older and experienced the word first-hand. I love ‘love.’ There’s nothing more amazing than it.”
“If the sun and stars were falling’ from the sky
All that matters in this world is you and I”
— “The Greatest”
In creating “The Greatest,” Lunan aimed to capture the emotional response that infatuation elicits, and bottle it up into the form and structure of a song. “If you remember the first time you fell in love — with anything or anyone, the rush of oxytocin… slight euphoria and the break of a smile while the memories all come rushing in. This is what I was hoping for with writing the song.”
oH!’s extensive background in the music industry spans from performing on “Sesame Street” as a child to his time in the major label-signed group “The Show,” who performed with artists such as Usher, Ginuwine and 98 Degrees. He has also spent time performing as resident vocalist at the Dazzling Lounge’s “Live Thursdays” alongside resident band “The Recipee.” Collectively, they’ve earned opportunities to perform or tour with acts such as Tank, Brandy Norwood, Justin Timberlake, Daniel Caesar, Deborah Cox and Mya. oH! solidified his presence in the local Toronto music scene after his time competing on Canadian Idol.
oH!’s blending of genres, heartfelt lyrical material and deep understanding of both musicianship and the music industry define him as an artist on the precipice of great solo success. If “The Greatest” is just the start of oH!’s solo musical endeavors, listeners are in for a treat.
