Obituary

It is with deep emotion that we share the passing of a great man.

Omari Olaingoni Omari passed at the tender age of 32. But to say that he did not live a full life is a misstatement. Omari was known for telling a good story, stories that would make an entire room laugh. He enjoyed being the “life of the party” as seen weekly as a DJ. A DJ that prided himself in making people dance to songs that they didn’t even like. Our father once told him that this was the ultimate compliment for someone in their line of work. He learned more than that compliment from our father. Omari learned his trade and followed the career path paved by our father, who was his hero and best friend.

Omari was raised in South Minneapolis and went through the Minneapolis Public School system. After establishing his business, O2 Entertainment, he once again settled on the south side. He bought a house within minutes of our childhood home. If Omari wasn’t providing entertainment for others he was fixing a house, engaging in landscaping, working on a car, or one of his other newfound talents. He was a busy body as a kid and an adult.

O2, as some of us prefer to call him, was a man that acted with his heart. And that which he believed, he believed fully. Omari was a giver; a giver of his time and resources. Whether DJing an event for the YMCA at no cost or donating funds to organizations at the University of Minnesota, Omari’s kind heart surpassed all other traits.

As we know, MISTA MUSIK also enjoyed having fun. He loved live music – especially reggae – and frequently traveled to Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. And of course, he LOVED to ride his motorcycle. The seemingly impossible task of healing appears slightly easier knowing that he left us doing what he loved.

Omari received the most joy when surrounded by his family and friends; above all while with his wife and son. He had the constant tingle of a person in love while in the presence of Josi. His son, Jose Juan, lit in him a light that no other human being could illuminate.

Omari is survived by his wife – Josi; and children from previous relationships – Jose Juan (7 years old) and Mariam Elena  (born May 17, 2013); his mother and father – Samia and Hassan; sisters – Joy, Khadija, Mariam Mapenzi, Mariam Halwa, Hadija, Rakia (sister-in-law); brothers – Ibrahim, Hassan, Salim, Abdul; as well as countless aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. In our home everyone is family.

We will forever miss Omari’s smile, laugh, voice, honesty, and heart. Thank you for teaching us all to love hard.

We love you.