Local musician O’Mega Red is giving back and paving the way for the next generation

BUFFALO, NY (WKBW) — With 21 stages and hundreds of artists, it’s nearly impossible to spend time getting to know the talent at the 20th annual Music is Art festival, so we sat down with one artist, O’Mega Red .

He played on the GCR Audio stage on Saturday night, but it’s far from his first performance. He’s been a musician since he picked up a saxophone in Boston in 3rd grade, so it turns out music runs in the family.

“I have a lot of family in the music industry, my aunt was called Donna Summer, she was an icon,” said Robert Grant, his family name knows him.

He credits the queen of disco with teaching him how to make a hit. Take his classes and work with artists like Ray J and get his music played on TV and in movies. Since then, he has worn many hats, from singer and rapper to businessman and mentor.

“I’m just trying to pass on the knowledge, which is what you’re supposed to do, to help the next generation,” Grant said.

He learned the lessons of good and bad influences. He talked about spending time in jail, but says that experience probably saved his life.

Now he’s focused on building his “Stay Grindin'” brand and working with young artists to teach them the craft behind the music and how to keep money in their pockets.

But it’s more than music, he’s served on multiple boards in our community, from the Boys and Girls Club to Accessible Academics and more. He donated instruments, raised money for local charities, and helped students get to college.

When he moved from Boston to Buffalo, he quickly discovered that giving back was the way of 716.

“I feel like Buffalo is very loyal, once they trust you and believe you’re really there to help the community, they support you and they support you,” Grant said.

And now he’s here to stay, shaking the stage and giving back.

For more information on O’Mega Red and his music, click here.