OMI “Cheerleader” May Be The Song of the Summer

First Jamaican Release To Crack Top 10 Since Sean Paul’s “Get Busy”

What could be a more natural combination than reggae and summertime? Last year the Canadian band MAGIC! made the connection with their pop smash “Rude.” But it’s been quite a while since a Jamaican reggae song was the anthem of the Summer—twelve years ago, to be exact, when Sean Paul’s “Get Busy” was on its way to the top of the U.S. pop charts. But according to the latest Billboard Hot 100 chart, OMI’s 2012 jawn “Cheerleader”—which has been dominating the charts in Europe on the strength of a tasty remix by German DJ Felix Jaehn—is now a Top 10 single. And Billboard is already talking about OMI sneaking in to become 2015’s official “song of the summer.” Video After The Jump…

Back when OMI dropped the original version, the tune’s pop-oriented sound took a while to catch on his native Jamaica. But it looks like his persistence paid off. And the remix has given OMI new life. Backed by Clifton “Specialist” Dillon, the man responsible for bringing Shabba and Patra and Mad Cobra to a worldwide audience, OMI is currently signed to Ultra Records, the renowned label that specializes in EDM. He’s shot from relative obscurity to the whole world watching—and listening—for his next move. Gwan OMI!

Original 2012 Version

Felix Jaehn Remix

UPDATE: As of July 13, 2015——The first time the Billboard Hot 100 was compiled on a Monday—
“Cheerleader” hits the #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100, up from #2 the week prior.

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