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Tim Omaji
Tim Omaji
Tim Omaji
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Key Information

Timothy Ugbedo Omaji (born 9 September 1987), better known by his stage name Timomatic, is a Nigerian-born Australian singer-songwriter and dancer. Omaji rose to fame as a contestant on So You Think You Can Dance (Australia) in 2009 and placed seventh in the competition. In 2011, he appeared as a contestant on the fifth season of Australia's Got Talent and was placed third. Later that year, Omaji signed with Sony Music Australia and released his first single, "Set It Off", in November 2011, which peaked at number two on the ARIA Singles Chart and was certified four times platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association.

Early life

[edit]

Timothy Ugbedo Omaji[2][3] was born in Kaduna, Nigeria, on 9 September 1987.[4] He emigrated to Australia with his family when he was 10 months old. His father was an academic and was sent to different positions around Australia.[4] Omaji has an older brother and sister, and a younger sister.[5] He came from a musical family, with his father often playing guitar and the rest of his family displaying their passion for singing and dancing.[4] At the age of nine, Omaji formed a band with his family and he was the percussionist for that band.[4] During the intermission of their shows, Omaji would go on stage mimicking Michael Jackson's singing and dancing skills.[4] His parents have now moved back to Nigeria.[5] He spent part of his life in Darwin, Northern Territory where he taught a break dancing class. He left Darwin in 2003 and moved to Canberra.[6]

At the age of 15, he was nicknamed "Timomatic" by his friends, because of his hip-hop dancing skills.[4] He also secured a part-time position as artistic director and choreographer of dance company Kulture Break in Canberra.[7] He represented Kulture Break in overseas performances, including the United States, China and Singapore.[8] Timomatic finished Year 12 at Narrabundah College and then spent six months at University of Canberra before dropping out.[8] In 2008, he attended music school JMC Academy for a year and got a diploma in entertainment, majoring in vocal training.[4] Omaji stated: "I did this because I wanted to get my vocals and music up to scratch; that was me paying attention and focusing on my music."[4]

Career

[edit]

2009–12: Reality shows, Welcome and Timomatic

[edit]
Timomatic in concert, 2011

In 2009, Omaji appeared as a finalist on the second season of So You Think You Can Dance Australia and reached the top eight.[7] In 2010, he went on to play the role of Tyrone Jackson in the Australian version of Fame the Musical.[9][10] Omaji later withdrew from his role in the musical due to a back injury.[11] This led to him focussing more on producing music.[11] Omaji then began writing songs with DJ Poet, the official DJ for The Black Eyed Peas.[11] In 2011, Omaji appeared as a contestant on the fifth season of Australia's Got Talent.[12] He chose to audition for the show to prove that he was more than just a dancer, and chose Australia's Got Talent over The X Factor because it gave him full control over what he did, from music to styling.[2] Omaji placed third in the competition, with Jack Vidgen announced as the winner.[12]

On 12 May 2011, Omaji released his independent debut studio album, Welcome, which he began working on during his time in Fame.[11][13] "Save the Dancefloor" was released as a promotional single from the album on 1 August 2011.[14] In October 2011, Omaji was as a supporting act for American rapper Flo Rida's Australian tour.[15] On 17 November 2011, it was announced that Omaji had signed a recording contract with Sony Music Australia.[16] On 24 November, he was a supporting act for American hip hop group Salt-n-Pepa's Australian concert at the Enmore Theatre in Sydney.[17] Omaji's debut single "Set It Off" was released on 25 November.[18] It peaked at number two on the ARIA Singles Chart and was certified four times platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association, denoting sales of 280,000 copies.[19][20] "Set It Off" peaked at number 14 on the New Zealand Singles Chart and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand, denoting sales of 7,500 copies.[21][22]

On 12 January 2012, it was announced that Omaji had signed a global publishing deal with EMI.[23] His second single "If Looks Could Kill" was released on 23 March 2012.[24] It peaked at number eight on the ARIA Singles Chart and was certified double platinum, denoting sales of 140,000 copies.[19][20] In May 2012, Omaji was a supporting act for Nicki Minaj's Australian leg of her Pink Friday Tour.[25] His third single "Can You Feel It" was released on 22 June 2012.[26] It peaked at number 18 on the ARIA Singles Chart and was certified platinum, denoting sales of 70,000 copies.[19][20] In August 2012, Omaji was a supporting act, alongside Havana Brown and Taio Cruz, for Pitbull's Australian leg of his Planet Pit World Tour.[27] His self-titled second album was released on 24 August 2012, which debuted at number three on the ARIA Albums Chart.[19][28] On 3 October 2012, Omaji received his first ARIA Music Award nomination for Song of the Year for "Set It Off".[29] Omaji received more international exposure at the Miss Universe 2012 beauty pageant, where he performed in front of a huge global audience.[30]

2013–2016: Subsequent releases, return to Australia's Got Talent, and name change

[edit]

Omaji's fifth single "Parachute" was released on 5 June 2013,[31] after he debuted it at the first 2013 State of Origin game.[32] "Parachute" peaked at number 3 on the ARIA Singles Chart and was certified two times platinum.[19][33] In New Zealand, it peaked at number 22 and spent five weeks in the top 40.[21] In August 2013, Omaji returned for the seventh season of Australia's Got Talent, this time as a judge alongside Dawn French, Geri Halliwell, Kyle Sandilands and host Julia Morris.[34][35] His sixth single "Waterfalls" was released on 13 September 2013, and peaked at number 26 on the ARIA Singles Chart.[19][36] Omaji's first extended play, The Rain Remixes, was released on 11 October 2013, featuring five versions of "Waterfalls" and one of "Parachute".[37] On 12 November 2013, Omaji released his seventh single "Everything Is Allowed",[38] after premiering it on the Australia's Got Talent series final. In September 2014, Omaji won Male Artist of the Year at the Afro-Australia Music and Movie Awards.[39][40] In October 2014, Omaji released his eighth single "Delilah", featuring American rapper Pusha T,[41] and it failed to chart.

In January 2015, he changed his name from Timomatic to his birth name Tim Omaji.[42][43] Omaji was the supporting act for Jessie J's Australian tour in March 2015.[44] His ninth single "Something Bout You" was released on 6 March 2015, and was his first single released under the name Tim Omaji.[45] Omaji's tenth single "Go to Work" was released on 30 October 2015.[46]

2017–present: Stamina and Dance Boss

[edit]

In 2017, returned to releasing music under his stage name Timomatic. On 1 April 2017, Timomatic released "Swave", followed by "Do Want You Want" in July. In December, Timomatic released his second EP Stamina.

In April 2018, the Seven Network announced Timomatic has been appointed one of the three judges for up-coming new dance competition Dance Boss, alongside Sharni Vinson and Adam Garcia and hosted by Dannii Minogue.[47]

From October and November 2018, Timomatic will play Sam Onatou in the Australian season of MADIBA The Musical – A Celebration of the Life of Nelson Mandela.[48]

On 1 December 2021, Timomatic surprise released the album Bittersweet posting on Facebook "This project has been a labor of love. From R&B to Afrofusion, come vibe with me".[49]

On the 4 August 2022, Timomatic played at the Melbourne University law ball to a wild reception. Omaji also appeared in the Australian production of Moulin Rouge in 2022 under the name Tim Omaji.[50]

In 2023, Timomatic became an ambassador for BYD.

In 2023, Omaji played the role of Ike Turner in the Australian production of the Tina – The Tina Turner Musical.[51]

Discography

[edit]
Main article: Tim Omaji discography
  • Welcome (2011)
  • Timomatic (2012)
  • Bittersweet (2021)

Filmography

[edit]
Television
Year Title Role Notes
2009 So You Think You Can Dance Australia Himself; Contestant
2012 Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation[52] Himself; guest appearance 1 episode
2011, 2013 Australia's Got Talent Himself; Contestant, Judge
2018 Dance Boss Himself; Judge
2021 Clickbait (miniseries) Jimmy Akintola 1 episode

Concert tours

[edit]
Supporting

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Type Award Result
2011 Poprepublic.tv IT List Awards[53] Australian Male Artist Nominated
Breakthrough Artist of 2011 Nominated
2012 ARIA Music Awards[29] Song of the Year ("Set It Off") Nominated
Channel [V] Awards[54] [V] Oz Artist of the Year Nominated
2013 APRA Music Awards Most Played Australian Work ("Set It Off")[55] Won
ARIA Music Awards[56] Song of the Year ("Parachute") Nominated
Best Video ("Parachute") Nominated
MTV Europe Music Awards[57] MTV Europe Music Award for Best Australian Act Nominated
Channel [V] Awards[58] [V] Oz Artist of the Year Nominated
Poprepublic.tv Awards[59] Favourite Australian Male Artist Nominated
Favourite Single of 2013 ("Waterfalls") Nominated
2014 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards[60] Aussies' Fave Homegrown Talent Nominated
Logie Awards[61] Most Popular New Talent (Australia's Got Talent) Nominated
World Music Awards World's Best Male Artist[62] Nominated
World's Best Song ("Parachute")[63] Nominated
World's Best Video ("Parachute")[64] Nominated
Afro-Australia Music and Movie Awards[39] Male Artist of the Year Won
2024 APRA Music Awards[65] Most Performed R&B / Soul Work for "Falling" by Dean Brady
(Dean Brady, Jacob Farah, Jerome Farah, Kara-Lee James, Tim Omaji, Rahel Phillips) 		Nominated

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Tim Omaji

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Tim Omaji, born Timothy Ugbedo Omaji on 9 September 1987 in , , is a Nigerian-born Australian , dancer, and best known by his former Timomatic. He immigrated to with his family at ten months old, growing up in Darwin and amid a Nigerian-Australian household that emphasized self-confidence and . Omaji first gained national attention in 2009 as a contestant on the inaugural season of So You Think You Can Dance Australia, where his dynamic dance routines and charisma led him to finish seventh overall. Building on this exposure, he reached the finals of Australia's Got Talent in 2011, further showcasing his multifaceted talents as a self-taught performer. These television appearances marked the beginning of his transition from dancer to recording artist, with Omaji adopting the stage name Timomatic to reflect his energetic style. In his music career, Omaji released his self-titled debut album Timomatic in 2012 through , which debuted at number 3 on the Albums Chart and featured pop-dance tracks influenced by his dance background. The album spawned several hit singles, including "Set It Off," which peaked at number 2 on the Singles Chart and was certified four times platinum (280,000 units) by . Follow-up releases like "If Looks Could Kill" and "" also charted successfully, contributing to his multi-platinum selling status across singles and nominations for Song of the Year and Breakthrough Artist. By 2015, Omaji reverted to using his real name professionally to connect more authentically with audiences, though he occasionally performs under Timomatic for nostalgic bookings. Parallel to music, Omaji has built a robust career in acting and musical theatre, leveraging his vocal and performance skills. Early stage credits include the lead role of Leroy in Fame: The Musical (2011, though he withdrew due to injury) and supporting roles in productions like (2019). His screen work includes guest appearances in television series such as La Brea (2021) and a recurring role in the Netflix thriller (2021), alongside the feature film Ruby's Choice (2022). More recently, he portrayed Ike Turner in the Australian tour of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (2023–2024), earning praise for his commanding presence, and joined the cast of : The Musical as Happy Man/Mr. Thompson in its 2025 Australian premiere. These roles highlight his versatility across genres, from high-energy musicals to dramatic narratives. Throughout his career, Omaji has advocated for diversity in Australian , drawing from his experiences as one of few performers in early competitions and productions. As of November 2025, he continues to perform live, release independently, and engage in , maintaining a presence on platforms like where he has over 10,000 monthly listeners.

Early life

Childhood in Nigeria and move to Australia

Timothy Ugbedo Omaji was born on 9 September 1987 in , , to Nigerian parents in a family deeply immersed in music and performance. His father, an academic, frequently played Nigerian songs on his guitar, leading the family in regular singing sessions a few mornings each week that fostered a vibrant atmosphere of music and dance from Omaji's earliest days. At 10 months old, Omaji immigrated to with his parents and three siblings due to his father's academic postings, initially settling in for about five years (approximately 1988–1993) before moving to Perth, then Darwin, returning to around 2004, and eventually as part of the family's nomadic lifestyle shaped by professional opportunities. This large family environment, rich with West African cultural influences and parental encouragement of artistic expression, laid the groundwork for Omaji's lifelong interest in , including an early fascination with .

Musical and dance beginnings

In the family's household, Omaji's early exposure to music continued through and , influenced by his parents' love of music and his father's guitar playing. At age 9, Omaji joined a family band as the percussionist, performing alongside relatives and entertaining audiences with impersonations during intermissions, which sparked his initial interest in . Omaji began developing his dance skills around age 11, immersing himself in hip-hop and through self-taught practice and time spent with local dancers in cities like and Perth, as his family relocated frequently due to his father's academic career. He favored styles within hip-hop and participated in school performances showcasing these talents, honing an energetic, improvisational approach that became his signature. By age 14, he expanded into music by starting to sing at The Church in , drawing inspiration from Michael Jackson's work, particularly [Black or White](/page/Black_or White). At age 15, during high school in , Omaji earned the nickname "Timomatic" from friends, who admired his "automatic" and fluid hip-hop dancing style that seemed effortless and innate. This moniker stuck as he joined local dance groups, including serving as artistic director and choreographer for a -based company, and later debuting at age 16 in the semi-professional production IGNITE with Tracks Dance Company. From ages 17 to 20, he led Kulture Break, a hip-hop crew that toured and performed internationally in , , and the , while also winning the 2005 Battlegrounds National Hip-Hop Competition. These experiences built his foundational skills in both dance and emerging musical pursuits, blending Western pop influences like Usher and with the vibrant cultural rhythms from his Nigerian heritage.

Career

2009–2012: Breakthrough with reality TV and debut releases

Omaji gained initial visibility in the Australian entertainment industry as a contestant on the second season of So You Think You Can Dance Australia, where he finished in seventh place, showcasing his hip-hop dance skills honed from earlier training. His performances on the show highlighted the integration of his dance background with emerging musical interests, drawing attention from producers and audiences alike. Building on this exposure, Omaji competed on the fifth season of in 2011, reaching the grand final and securing third place overall through dynamic performances that blended singing, dancing, and choreography he created himself. This runner-up finish propelled his profile, leading directly to a recording contract with later that year, which provided the platform for his transition into a professional music career. Under the stage name Timomatic, Omaji released his debut single "Set It Off" on November 18, 2011, via ; the track, co-written by Omaji and produced by the duo DNA Songs (Anthony Egizii and David Musumeci), featured an upbeat sound designed to energize club environments and reflect Omaji's performance roots. The single achieved immediate commercial success, peaking at number two on the ARIA Singles Chart and becoming one of the most-played Australian tracks of 2012, establishing Omaji as a rising pop-dance artist. Prior to the Sony deal, Omaji had independently released his debut studio album on May 12, 2011; he handled the writing, performance, production, and editing of the project largely solo during downtime from his role in the musical Fame, resulting in a 12-track collection that captured his raw, self-directed creative process. The album's themes drew from his dance experiences, emphasizing rhythmic energy and personal expression in an R&B-infused style influenced by artists like and Usher. Omaji followed with his self-titled second studio album Timomatic on August 24, 2012, also through , where he co-wrote approximately 90 percent of the material in collaboration with producers including DNA Songs, , and Michael Linney, focusing on a polished production that amplified his -oriented in live settings. The album incorporated pop, R&B, and elements, with thematic inspirations rooted in Omaji's background as a dancer—exploring movement, energy, and emotional release through tracks that complemented high-impact performances akin to those of . This release solidified his breakthrough, bridging his reality TV visibility with a maturing musical identity.

2013–2016: Continued music, judging, and name change

In 2013, Omaji returned to Australia's Got Talent for its seventh season as a judge, alongside Dawn French, Geri Halliwell, and Kyle Sandilands. His role marked a shift from contestant to mentor, where he adopted an inspirational and encouraging style, drawing from his own experiences in dance and music to motivate young performers. Omaji's impact was evident in his ability to provide constructive feedback that emphasized growth, as noted by his longtime mentor Francis Owusu, who highlighted Omaji's history of uplifting peers at Kulture Break since age 15. Building on the success of earlier singles like "Set It Off," Omaji continued his music career with the release of on June 5, 2013, a pop-soul track produced in by Team Red, known for hits like Nicki Minaj's "Starships." The single debuted as a performance at the State of Origin rugby series, reflecting a creative direction that blended romantic themes with danceable energy, aiming to evolve beyond his debut album Welcome toward more mature, soul-infused pop. In November 2013, Omaji released the single "Everything Is Allowed", which peaked at number 48 on the ARIA Singles Chart, continuing his output of pop and dance tracks during this period. Subsequent singles, such as in 2014, maintained this trajectory, focusing on personal expression and live-band elements to signal a post-album phase of artistic experimentation. In January 2015, Omaji officially changed his professional name from Timomatic to Tim Omaji, reverting to his to better align with his evolving personal and artistic identity. He described the rebranding as a response to feeling that Timomatic, rooted in his dancing origins, no longer captured his shift toward soulful music influenced by his Nigerian heritage and artists like . This change allowed for greater authenticity, moving away from a persona to one that integrated his African-Australian background and broader creative vision. That same year, Omaji supported on select dates of her Australian tour in March, performing in and before the remaining shows were cancelled due to the headliner's illness. These appearances, featuring his new single "Something Bout You," helped solidify his reputation as a dynamic live performer capable of engaging audiences with full-band setups and energetic delivery.

2017–present: Later career, acting, and recent projects

In 2017, Omaji released his second EP, Stamina, under the Timomatic moniker, featuring tracks that blended pop and R&B influences, signaling a continued focus on music amid his evolving career. This release coincided with his increasing involvement in media, culminating in 2018 when he served as a judge on the Australian dance competition series Dance Boss alongside and , hosted by on the Seven Network. His role on the show highlighted a pivot toward television judging and mentorship, leveraging his background as a dancer and performer to guide amateur contestants competing for a . Omaji's transition into acting gained momentum in 2021 with his debut in the Netflix miniseries Clickbait, where he portrayed Jimmy Akintola, the sidekick to a reporter in the thriller's ensemble cast. This marked his entry into screen roles, building on his stage experience. In 2022, he participated in the Australian production of Moulin Rouge! The Musical at Sydney's Capitol Theatre, performing as the artist Toulouse-Lautrec among the Montmartre ensemble. The following year, Omaji took on the demanding role of Ike Turner in Tina – The Tina Turner Musical at Theatre Royal Sydney, opposite Ruva Ngwenya as Tina Turner, delivering a portrayal noted for its emotional depth in depicting the musician's abusive early partnership. Also in 2023, he became an ambassador for BYD, the electric vehicle company, aligning with his public persona as a multifaceted entertainer. By 2025, Omaji's career encompassed prominent theatre and music projects. He joined the Australian cast of Pretty Woman: The Musical in the dual role of Happy Man and Mr. Thompson, with the production premiering at QPAC in Brisbane in October before transferring to Theatre Royal Sydney in November. On June 7, he performed live shows at Ondo club in Warrnambool's Whalers Hotel and the Royal Hotel in Portland, marking his return to regional Victorian audiences after more than a decade. Later that month, on June 12, he launched his single "FRVR," a track emphasizing empowerment and commitment, with a live performance at the Stand Tall Sydney youth well-being event, attended by over 5,500 people.

Discography

Albums and EPs

Tim Omaji released his debut studio album, , on May 12, 2011, as an independent project that he wrote, performed, and produced entirely on his own while based in . The album features 12 tracks emphasizing high-energy with upbeat rhythms designed to evoke movement and positivity on the dancefloor. Key themes revolve around celebration, romance, and , as heard in songs like "Save the Dancefloor," which highlights communal energy through its pulsating beats. The full tracklist includes:
  • "Welcome"
  • "Kiss the Girls"
  • "Fight for Love"
  • "Be My Baby"
  • "Save the Dancefloor"
  • "Heavenless"
  • "Groove With You"
  • "Rest of My Life"
  • "Not Like the Movies"
  • "Give You My Heart"
  • "Ayo"
  • "Insomnia"
In 2013, Omaji released the EP The Rain Remixes through Sony Music Australia, featuring remixes of tracks from his major-label work. Omaji's follow-up studio album, Timomatic, arrived on August 24, 2012, marking a transition to more introspective and personal lyrics amid his growing mainstream exposure, while retaining dance-oriented production, and peaked at number 3 on the ARIA Albums Chart. Collaborators included the production team DNA, known for work with artists like Stan Walker and Jessica Mauboy, who co-wrote and produced standout tracks such as "Set It Off." The album blends pop, R&B, and electronic elements, with themes exploring love, vulnerability, and exhilaration, exemplified by the anthemic "Parachute" and reflective "Taken." It comprises 11 tracks:
  • "Can You Feel It"
  • "If Looks Could Kill"
  • "Explode"
  • "Moment to Love"
  • "Incredible"
  • "Set It Off"
  • "Carry You"
  • ""
  • "Trust"
  • "Taken"
  • ""
In December 2017, Omaji issued the EP Stamina, a five-track release that adopted a concise format to delve into themes of perseverance and inner strength, reflecting his experiences navigating independent artistry after major-label affiliations. Recorded amid career shifts, the EP maintains an upbeat core but incorporates motivational undertones, as in the title track "Stamina" and "Swave," which pulse with resilient energy. The tracklist is:
  • "Stamina"
  • "The One"
  • "Swave"
  • "Save It"
  • "Stamina (Yoji Remix)"
Omaji's 2021 independent Bittersweet represents a mature evolution, drawing on challenges for deeper emotional across its 12 tracks, blending soulful R&B with contemporary pop production, released as a surprise project on December 1. Themes of heartbreak, redemption, and growth dominate, informed by real-life experiences, with collaborations like Martinsfeelz on "Redemption" adding layers of vulnerability and hope. Notable for its raw lyricism in songs such as "Take Me" and "Would You," the underscores Omaji's shift toward authenticity in self-released work. The full tracklist includes:
  • "Take Me"
  • "Redemption" (feat. Martinsfeelz)
  • "Would You"
  • "Coming Over"
  • "Mine" (feat. Soli Tesema)
  • "Saturn"
  • "Miss You"
  • "Stay"
  • "Situationship"
  • "Naked Truth"
  • "Mindset"
  • "Bittersweet"

Singles

Omaji's singles have primarily been released under his former stage name Timomatic, with early tracks achieving significant commercial success on the ARIA Singles Chart through a blend of dance-pop sound and promotional efforts. His debut single "Set It Off", released in 2011, peaked at number 2 on the ARIA Singles Chart and was certified four times platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), denoting shipments of 280,000 units. The accompanying music video highlights Omaji's background in dance with high-energy routines performed in urban settings. The follow-up single "If Looks Could Kill", released in 2012, peaked at number 8 on the ARIA Singles Chart and was certified two times platinum by ARIA. It served as a lead track from his self-titled debut album, contributing to sales exceeding 140,000 units in Australia. "Parachute", released in 2013, peaked at number 3 on the ARIA Singles Chart and was certified two times platinum by ARIA. The single benefited from promotional tie-ins, including live TV appearances on programs like the Today Show to boost its visibility. After a period focused on acting and other projects, Omaji surprise-released the album Bittersweet in 2021. In 2025, Omaji released "FRVR" as his latest single in June. No B-sides or remixes were issued for these later tracks, though "FRVR" includes a version.

Acting and media

Television

Omaji first appeared on television as a contestant on the second season of So You Think You Can Dance Australia in 2009, competing in the hip-hop category and advancing to the top eight, ultimately placing seventh. His participation highlighted his dynamic background, earning praise for high-energy routines that blended contemporary hip-hop elements with personal flair. In 2011, Omaji competed on the fifth season of , performing a mix of singing and dancing that propelled him to third place. His audition featured an original track "Set It Off" with intricate choreography, while subsequent rounds included covers like Michael Jackson's "Can You Feel It" in the semi-finals and grand final, showcasing his versatility as a performer. This appearance marked a significant breakthrough, leading to a record deal shortly after. Omaji returned to Australia's Got Talent for its seventh season in 2013, this time as a judge alongside , , and . In this role, he provided insights on performance technique and stage presence, drawing from his own contestant experience to mentor emerging talents across auditions and live shows. In 2018, Omaji served as a judge on the Seven Network's dance competition series Dance Boss, hosted by , alongside and . The show featured amateur dancers from various workplaces competing for $100,000, with Omaji evaluating routines for creativity, synchronization, and emotional impact; notable moments included his feedback on group hip-hop performances and interactions with contestants like the Construction Guys, emphasizing in high-stakes challenges. Omaji has also made scripted television appearances, including a guest role as Jimmy Akintola, the sidekick to a reporter, in one episode of the 2021 miniseries . In 2022, he guest-starred as "Dad" in one episode of the series La Brea.

Film

Omaji transitioned to scripted acting roles in film projects following his earlier appearances after 2017. Omaji took on the supporting role of Deputy Principal Scott in the 2022 Australian Ruby's Choice, a drama centered on a family grappling with early-onset in matriarch Ruby. His character serves as a school authority figure interacting with the teenage protagonist, providing guidance amid the family's emotional challenges; Scott's backstory involves a compassionate yet pragmatic approach to student welfare, reflecting the film's themes of resilience and care. Directed by Michael Budd and starring , the film was originally slated for production in but relocated to , , due to restrictions, with occurring in Windsor in July 2021. No additional film cameos or uncredited roles for Omaji have been reported through 2025.

Theatre

Tim Omaji began his theatre career in the early with roles in several Australian musical productions, including the lead role of Tyrone Jackson in Fame (2010), Benny in (2018–2019), Benny in Rent (2021), and a part in . His dance background from early television appearances enhanced his stage presence in these ensemble-driven shows. In 2021–2023, Omaji portrayed the bohemian artist Toulouse-Lautrec in the Australian production of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, which premiered in Adelaide before touring to Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. As a key member of the bohemian ensemble, he contributed to the show's high-energy dance sequences and emotional depth, drawing on his multifaceted performance skills during intensive rehearsals that emphasized the production's lavish choreography. Critics praised his authentic delivery in scenes balancing revelry and pathos. Omaji took on the complex role of in the 2023 Australian tour of Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, which opened at Sydney's Theatre Royal in May and continued through Perth and . The part required navigating Ike's charismatic yet abusive duality, with Omaji highlighting the vocal demands of replicating Turner's raw rhythm-and-blues style alongside the show's rock-infused score. Reviews commended his grounded performance and emotional range, noting how he brought charisma to a challenging without overshadowing the narrative's focus on resilience. In 2025, Omaji joined the Australian premiere of Pretty Woman: The Musical as Happy Man and Mr. Thompson, dual roles announced in August ahead of its Brisbane opening at QPAC in October and Sydney run starting November. His performance style infused the characters with vibrant energy and comic timing, making him a standout in the ensemble numbers like "Welcome to Hollywood," where his dance precision amplified the show's feel-good romance. Early audience and critic feedback highlighted his versatility in blending humor with heartfelt support for the leads.

Tours and live performances

Concert tours

Omaji began his concert touring career as a supporting act, leveraging his dance background to deliver high-energy performances across Australian arenas. In October 2011, he opened for American rapper on the Australian leg of his tour, performing at venues such as Jupiters Casino in and other major cities including and . His sets emphasized intricate choreography, showcasing songs like "Set It Off" to energize crowds before the headliner, contributing to his rising profile post-Australia's Got Talent. Audience reception was positive, with fans noting his dynamic stage presence and ability to engage diverse crowds through dance routines that blended pop and hip-hop elements. In May 2012, Omaji supported on the Australian portion of her , appearing at sold-out shows like the in alongside fellow opener . The tour spanned key cities including and , where his performances highlighted dance-heavy interpretations of tracks such as "Can You Feel It," released earlier that year to promote his growing . Reviews praised his arena-ready delivery, with one noting his role in building excitement for the main act through polished routines that resonated with Minaj's high-energy fanbase. Fan interactions were lively, as Omaji often incorporated crowd participation during his 20-30 minute slots, fostering a sense of connection in the international tour environment. Later that year, in August 2012, Omaji joined Pitbull's World Tour Australian leg as a supporting act, sharing the bill with and at venues like in Perth and . His sets featured dance-centric performances of hits including "Set It Off" and newer material, aligning with the tour's atmosphere and drawing cheers from audiences hyped for Pitbull's global hits. Critics highlighted his strong vocals and slick choreography, describing how he got the crowd "on their feet from the get-go" with a performance that showcased his television-honed skills. Logistics involved tight coordination across multi-act bills, with Omaji's team managing quick transitions and fan meet-and-greets to build personal rapport. Following his 2015 name change back to Tim Omaji, he served as the supporting act for Jessie J's Australian tour in March of that year, performing at Eatons Hill Hotel in and Big Top Luna Park in before the tour's partial cancellation due to the headliner's health issues. Post-name change, his sets incorporated more solo elements, such as live band arrangements for songs like "Somebody Like You," "Emotional," and a cover of Michael Jackson's "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'," blending with vocal focus. Reception emphasized his evolution, with fans appreciating the intimate interactions and energetic delivery that complemented Jessie J's pop spectacle, though the abbreviated run limited broader exposure. These tours through 2016 solidified Omaji's reputation as a reliable opener, emphasizing and brief singles promotions amid logistical challenges like varying venue sizes and international production demands.

Recent live shows

In 2022, Omaji performed as the headline act at the University Law Students' Society (MULSS) Law Ball held on August 4 at the Palladium at in Melbourne, where attendees danced enthusiastically to his set amid an Amalfi Coast-themed evening. On June 7, 2025, Omaji delivered back-to-back shows in regional Victoria, first at the Ondo club within Warrnambool's Whalers Hotel and then at Portland's Royal Hotel, promoting his music through interactive performances that encouraged audience participation rather than passive viewing. The sets featured tracks from his 2024 EP Friday 6th alongside hits like "Set It Off" and "," appealing to longtime fans from his early television appearances. Later that year, Omaji launched his single "FRVR" with a live debut at the Stand Tall 2025 event on June 11 at the ICC Sydney Theatre, Australia's largest youth well-being conference focused on mental health and leadership for high school students. The performance reached an audience of over 5,500 attendees, who responded positively to the uplifting track amid inspirational speakers and activities aimed at building hope in young people. In November 2025, Omaji appeared at a LiveWire stage event at The Star Brisbane, a promotional performance tying into his role as Happy Man/Mr. Thompson in the Australian production of Pretty Woman: The Musical, which debuted in Brisbane that month and showcased his evolving live singing style influenced by theatrical dynamics.

Awards and nominations

Wins

Tim Omaji's early recognition in the dance community came in 2005 when he won the Battlegrounds National Hip-Hop Competition, a key event that highlighted his self-taught hip-hop skills and launched his career in performance arts. In , Omaji received the APRA for Most Performed Australian Work for his debut single "Set It Off," co-written with Anthony Egizii and David Musumeci, underscoring the song's widespread radio play and its role in establishing him as a prominent songwriter in the Australian music scene. This win, along with the Pop Work of the Year honor at the same ceremony, marked a pivotal moment in validating his transition from dancer to recording artist. Omaji further solidified his cultural influence in 2014 by winning Male at the Afro-Australia Music and Movie Awards, an accolade that celebrated his contributions to bridging African and Australian music traditions through his Nigerian-Australian heritage and rising stardom.

Nominations

Omaji has received numerous nominations across , television, and , highlighting his versatility as a performer and songwriter. The following table lists his key nominations, grouped by year:
YearAwardCategoryNominated work/nominationNotes
2012ARIA Music AwardsSong of the Year"Set It Off"
2012Channel [V] Awards[V] Oz Artist of the YearN/A
2013ARIA Music AwardsSong of the Year"Parachute"
2013ARIA Music AwardsBest Video"Parachute"
2014Logie AwardsMost Popular New TalentAustralia's Got Talent (as judge)
2014World Music AwardsWorld's Best Male ArtistN/A
2014World Music AwardsWorld's Best Song"Parachute"
2014World Music AwardsWorld's Best Video"Parachute"
2024APRA Music AwardsMost Performed R&B / Soul Work"Falling" by Dean Brady (songwriter)

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