Conversations with Ebony Omar

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ebony Omar.

Hi Ebony, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story began on the east side of Detroit, where music, faith, and family shaped me from an early age. I began singing in church as a child and grew up surrounded by Detroit’s rich gospel and R&B traditions. Those early experiences gave me the foundation to pursue music professionally, eventually becoming a Top 5 finalist during the Detroit auditions for BET’s Sunday Best and performing alongside accomplished artists.

My creative journey also led me into modeling. I have walked during New York, Los Angeles, and London Fashion Weeks and appeared in several publications. Although I was grateful for those opportunities, music remained the part of me that never went away.

After relocating to California, I spent time healing, growing, and building a meaningful career in education. Eventually, I felt called to return to music—not as the person I was years ago, but as the artist and man I had become. That decision inspired my upcoming project, Full Circle, which represents returning to my first love with greater confidence, honesty, and life experience.

My recent singles, “Better Than Nothing” and “First Place,” have introduced listeners to my sound: contemporary R&B rooted in soul, vulnerability, and Detroit gospel. The music has received radio play, playlist support, magazine features, and recognition from independent music organizations. I am now preparing to release my next single, “Try Again,” while continuing to build toward the full project.

Today, I balance my work as an educator with my career as an independent recording artist. My journey has not followed a traditional timeline, but that has become one of its greatest strengths. I am creating some of my most authentic work in this chapter of my life and proving that purpose does not have an expiration date. Sometimes life brings you back to where you began so you can finally become who you were always meant to be.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not always been a smooth road. One of my greatest challenges was stepping away from music for several years while navigating life, healing, and building a career in education. Returning to the industry later in life required me to rebuild my confidence and believe that my opportunity had not passed me by.

I have also had to navigate an industry that often places limits on artists based on age, image, identity, or what it believes is marketable. Financing my own music, visuals, promotion, and performances while working full-time has required sacrifice, discipline, and patience. Without the resources of a major label, I have had to learn the business side of music and advocate for myself at every stage.

Another challenge has been introducing my audience to a new chapter. Many people originally knew me through modeling or education, so I have had to help them understand that music is not a recent hobby—it is where my story began.

The road has sometimes been discouraging, but it has also made me more resilient. I no longer measure success only by how quickly something happens. Every listener, radio spin, playlist placement, article, and message from someone who connects with my music reminds me that the journey is worthwhile. The obstacles have made this chapter more meaningful because I know exactly what it took for me to return.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an independent R&B and soul recording artist performing under the name Ebony Omar. My music blends contemporary R&B with the gospel foundation and musical influences I developed growing up in Detroit. I specialize in emotionally honest songs about love, relationships, vulnerability, healing, and self-worth.

My recent singles, “Better Than Nothing” and “First Place,” show two different sides of my artistry. “Better Than Nothing” explores the complicated space between loneliness and settling for an incomplete relationship, while “First Place” is an uplifting celebration of recognizing someone’s value. I am currently preparing my next single, “Try Again,” which explores the possibility of revisiting a love with greater maturity and intention. These songs will be part of my upcoming project, *Full Circle*.

I have had the opportunity to work with Grammy-winning producer Lamar Alexander and Grammy-winning vocal producer Day Underscore. My music has received independent and college radio play, algorithmic playlist support, media coverage, and recognition from independent music organizations. “Better Than Nothing” was also nominated for a Tantalis International Music Award. I am especially proud that I have built this chapter independently while continuing my full-time career as an educator.

What sets me apart is the life behind my voice. I am not creating from theory—I am singing from decades of love, disappointment, healing, faith, and personal growth. My background in gospel, professional modeling, education, and lived experiences all influence how I communicate through music and visuals. I want listeners to hear sophistication and maturity without losing the honesty, sensuality, and emotion that make R&B feel personal.

More than anything, I am proud that I gave myself permission to begin again. My journey demonstrates that an artist’s most meaningful chapter does not have to happen at the beginning of life; sometimes it arrives when the artist finally has something real to say.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I have learned is that purpose does not have an expiration date. For years, I believed success had to happen within a particular timeline. Stepping away from music and returning later taught me that time was not working against me—it was developing me.

The life I lived between those chapters gave me the emotional depth, discipline, and confidence I now bring to my artistry. I have also learned not to wait for permission or outside validation. As an independent artist, I must believe in my vision before anyone else can see it, advocate for myself, and remain consistent even when the results are not immediate.

Most importantly, I have learned that starting again is not the same as starting over. I returned with experience, wisdom, and a clearer sense of who I am. What once felt like a delay now feels like preparation, and that understanding has changed how I approach both my music and my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://omarwinning.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omarwinning
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100016889894585&mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ebonyomarofficial?si=GA28l7RqNrbDz0VL
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7Et534Yv7MOBCU8Kc1lUbE?si=tGvOD2QFQTaUmkFHq052ZA

Image Credits
Kevin Hernandez
Mark Hill
Amari Hollis