Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

Gospel act Omari is more than your regular preaching deejay. Going against the grain and working with secular acts and producers, Omari is hoping to bridge the gap between Christian and non-Christian music.

Known for songs such as Help and Why, Omari will soon be turning out more hit songs with non-gospel artistes and producers to bring his music to a wider crowd. Linking through famed producer Tony Kelly through myspace.com, Omari travelled to Florida recently to work with the producer. During that time the two turned out two singles, Need Jesus and Where Would You Be, and have plans of collaborating on more projects.

This is the first of many new projects for Omari, including a possible collaboration with international superstar Shaggy, as well a collaboration with Bay C from T.O.K. He also has a song coming out soon with producer Birchill. Omari was also the first gospel act to voice a 'special' for sound system veterans Stone Love recently.

The road to success is slowly being achieved for the gospel act, who sees his songs being played on non-gospel stations. "I work hard at my music, striving to be different, and deal with more spiritual music that people can identify with. I write spiritual music and gospel music, music that can motivate people," Omari said.

Motivating persons and shepherding the non-Christians is what Omari is all about, as seen on his appearance on Sting 2008. Omari was one of three gospel acts on the show and while some Christians might have frowned at this, Omari believes in opening his ministry to a wider audience.

"The reaction from persons at Sting was encouraging. I have people coming up to me saying I did well and even though I wasn't the first act onstage for the night, I opened Sting. I believe gospel artistes have a place in the church but we need to find a place in the music as well. We need to not only perform for the converted but for others so that they can be moved as well," he told the STAR.

For Omari the future is looking bright, with three nominations at the Reggae Academy Awards, in the categories, 'Best Solo Male Vocal Gospel Performance', 'Best Gospel Song' and 'Best Gospel Music Video'. Omari has also been nominated in this year's Marlin Awards - Nassau, Bahamas' most prestigious award show. He is currently working on his untitled new album, set for release this summer.