Ovamarz Releases New Single and Dance - "Street Groove"

The name Ovamarz is as synonymous with dance as breath is to life. Ovamarz is already in the history books for creating some of the biggest dance moves, including “Nuh Linga” which became the talk of 2010 Olympics, when international audiences saw it being performed by Usain Bolt. Island Fuse recently caught up with Ovamarz to find out more about his latest project - “Street Groove".

I-F: “Street Groove” is your hot new single produced by Russian 21st. Tell us more about the track and the inspiration behind it?

OM: The track is a nice mellow cross over track called “Street Groove Riddim” that has many artists like kartel, konshens, Rhyno and more.........[A]s a dancer the producer, Russian, called me to voice a dance song to create a different vibe. The inspiration came about as I was observing how tense the dancehall scene had become, lacking in vibes. So I came up with the street idea because dancehall started in the streets, the groove in the streets, thus the song - "Street Groove".  I have built a signature dance for this song called “Street Groove” but it will only be released [with] the video.

I-F: We are seeing a lot of dancers transition from dance to music such as Bruck Up and now you. Why the transition from dancer to artist?

OM: I started my transition from dancer to artist in 2007 when my first dance “Raging Bull” was
creating waves around the world. I [went] to New York and Yawdish Production recorded me singing the first "Raging Bull" song but that was not promoted well... we were all young.... just having fun. I went back to Jamaica and Mr. Vegas linked me in Nannyville. [He] ask me about the "Raging Bull" dance, took me to the studio [to] voice over a new "Raging Bull" song, added his singing part ....and when it was completed, the fans love it, it was a hit. I have been recording music ever since.

I-F: How difficult is it for dancers to get the recognition they deserve in the music industry?

OM: Very difficult. It takes a lot of money to promote yourself. Plus the people in the entertainment business continue to see you as “just a dancer” and don’t really take you serious. We have many artists already in the game so as a dancer I have to be more creative, work harder and be more dedicated than ever.

I-F: In 2008 you started the Above A Dem Dance Group, what has the movement accomplished so far?

OM: My own group has allowed me to be in control of how creative I can be, how and when the dances are going to be promoted. My group and I have become more popular because we are more visible as a creative and productive group and not just a bag of hype. We have gotten more media write up, won the award for the best dance group at the 2009 Stone Love Weddy Weddy Anniversary event. I also won the Dance Xpression award for the most creative dancer and was nominated for best dance group for 2010 by IRAWMA.