Omari Banks is a reggae artist from the Caribbean – specifically, the island of Anguilla. Known more for his athletic career as a professional cricket player, Omari is also the son of renowned artist, Bankie Banks. According to the bio page of his website, he first performed onstage with his father in Milan, Italy at the age of five, and then discovered a love for writing songs and playing the guitar. Although he would travel the world as a professional athlete, becoming one of the first Anguillan to play test cricket for the West Indies in 2003, he would also become known for playing impromptu shows around the world with his guitar.
In 2010, Banks debut an album, titled, Move On, which was recorded in Kingston, Jamaica and Houston, Texas. His music is described as a blend of Jamaican reggae, which carries rock and blues backbeats, according to his website. It is also considered as a contemporary fusion that blends lovers rock and R&B.
His music is described as a blend of Jamaican reggae, which carries rock and blues backbeats
Top Shelf Reggae had a chance to check out his song, “No Point To Prove” off his 2015 album of Move On, Deluxe Edition. The song features Peetah Morgan from Morgan Heritage and Damian Marley backup singer, Nikki Burt. Immediately, one notices the authenticity of the music and spirit of the song. Banks is correct – he has “no point to prove.” The roots reggae, backup vocals and very essence of the song is enough to make any reggae fan, one of Omari Banks.
We here at Top Shelf Reggae also got the chance to check out his song, “Me and You.” Indeed, it is a contemporary lover’s rock song mixed with R&B vocals. In fact, Banks just released the video for it on March 11th, which premiered on the Reggaeville’s YouTube account.
Banks play at the SXSW on Saturday, March 19th in Austin, Texas. For more information, check out his website.
Omari Banks “Me & You” official video
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