He emerged on the music scene in 2009 with a moniker that clicked instantly with the people – Poor and Boasy.
Perhaps it was the defiance and the sincerity in the name that sparked the interest, but it worked for Omar Johnson, who later won the male title in the Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall competition that year and earned a $1-million prize. He managed to partially establish himself in the competitive music industry, but disappeared from the scene a few years ago. Now, the artiste has re-emerged, and while he’s no longer repping the ‘poor’ brand, he’s still “boasy”. In fact, his new name is Boasy Boss.
“Poor life did a follow me up too much,” he told THE STAR with a laugh, before adding that the name change represents an evolution.
“Boasy Boss is about confidence, leadership, and stepping into my full identity as an artiste. Is not just about money … it’s about mindset, growth, and commanding respect in the industry. The name reflects the energy I bring to the music and the brand I’m building now.”
Having taken a step back to “really focus on growth both personally and professionally”, Boasy Boss spent some time in The Bahamas and was proud to share that he is “the father of a four-year-old son and [his] daughter is now 17 and doing well”.
“I used that period to sharpen my craft, understand the business side better, and build stronger foundations. Sometimes stepping back gives you the clarity to come back stronger, and that’s exactly what I did,” said Boasy Boss.
He said that over the years, he never stopped loving music. He admitted, however, that the music landscape has evolved a lot since he was crowned Magnum King nearly 17 years ago.
“But, I see the challenge dem more as opportunity. I’ve been in music for a long time, so I understand the landscape and how to adapt. With the experience I’ve gained and the new strategies my team and I are using, I’m confident about making a strong impact again,” Boasy Boss declared.
He currently has two new singles that he is promoting, Prayer, produced by Vrai Brilliance and Breathing which features New York-based artiste Kevin J Styles and produced by Jusa Dementor.
“The response so far has been very encouraging … and I dropped a music video last week. Fans can expect strong lyrics, catchy melodies, and music that represents real life and ambition,” he said.
He also mentioned his new team which includes Vrai Brilliance, given name Aldain Hall, who wears many hats – manager, producer, and engineer.
“A team is important … nothing but greatness and good music for this year and years to come. I’m rooted and grounded. The goal is to expand my reach globally while staying authentic to the dancehall culture.”
In 2022, Johnson was charged with fraud-related offences, to which he pleaded guilty. When asked about it, he said, “I did some stupid stuff … but I’m more mature and responsible now and keeping my head high”.
Boasy Boss’s journey into music is one that many found inspiring. His bio states that growing up in tough circumstances in Kingston, he struggled for years before his breakthrough. At one point in his life, he survived by cleaning windshields for small tips, and there were nights when he slept in a cemetery near Half-Way Tree. He credits the Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall for the recognition it gave him and the confidence it inspired in him, and noted that the prize money was the icing on the cake.
