Oritsé Jolomi Matthew Soloman Williams, professionally as Oritsé, is an English singer-songwriter, dancer and record producer. He is best known as the founding member of the boy band JLS, who were runners-up to Alexandra Burke on the fifth series of The X Factor in 2008. JLS sold over 10 million records before disbanding in December 2013. Williams also won the ITV dancing competition Stepping Out in September 2013.
In 2007, Williams and his brother came up with a "grand plan" to cure their mother's MS. His brother was studying to be a scientist to find a cure for the condition, whilst Williams was going to back him up through his love of music. Williams then set up a boy band called UFO with Aston Merrygold, Marvin Humes and JB Gill. In 2008, UFO auditioned for the fifth series of The X Factor, but changed their name to JLS as there was already a rock band called UFO. JLS made it all the way to the final, finishing as runners-up behind Alexandra Burke. Since being on The X Factor, JLS have sold over 10 million records worldwide and had four UK top three albums and five UK number-one singles. They have also won five MOBO Awards and two BRIT Awards. In September 2010, they launched a range of condoms called "Just Love Safe". In February 2011, they teamed up with Burke to release a clothing range. On 24 April 2013, JLS made the announcement that they would split after the release of their fifth album, Goodbye – The Greatest Hits. In a statement, they said: "We wanted to make sure that you heard it from the four of us, that we have decided to bring our time as a band to an end." When they appeared on to discuss splitting up, Williams remained silent at first whilst bandmates Merrygold, Humes and Gill spoke, but he finally broke down in tears and had to be comforted by Humes.
2013–present: Life after JLS
''Stepping Out''
In August and September 2013, Williams and his then-girlfriend Aimee Jade "AJ" Azari took part in the ITV dancing show Stepping Out, reaching the final against Brian McFadden and his wife Vogue. Williams and Azari went on to win the series on 28 September 2013.
Note: In week 4, the challenge was for each celebrity to dance with someone else's partner in the "Wife Swap" challenge. Oritsé danced once with AJ and the second time with Brian's partner Vogue, her scores are not displayed on the chart below.
Oritsé changed his stage name to OWS and announced his first solo albumWaterline to be released in June 2015 available on iTunes. : During this period Williams was managed by John Black at .
Other ventures
Products and endorsements
In September 2010, an "Oritsé doll" was launched, along with the other 3 members of JLS. Updated dolls were produced for the launch of JLS' second album Outta This World. Durex teamed up with JLS to produce a condom range called "Just Love Safe", with each member of the group having their own box. Oritsé's box being red. JLS also released their iconic hoodie range, with Oritsé's Hoodie being, again, red. In 2010 Williams alongside Gill, Humes and Merrygold endorsed Nintendo Wii Party appearing in 7 different TV adverts. JLS where also part of the Walkers crisps "Make sandwich more exciting" advertising campaign, their performance at Sandwich Technology School appeared on the television ad alongside other celebrities such as Gary Lineker, Pamela Anderson and Jenson Button.
Philanthropy
Oritsé and the other 3 members founded "The JLS Foundation" a foundation that sets out to raise money for 6 different charities: Cancer Research UK, Rays of Sunshine, Brook, Childline, Beat Bullying and the MS Society. Despite the split, the foundation still exists and all members are still committed to continue the foundation. Oritsé was an ambassador for the MS society, a charity that helps raise money and awareness of Multiple sclerosis; an illness that Oritsé's mother was diagnosed with when he was younger. He left the role after being arrested. All sales from the JLS number one single Love You More went to Children In Need. In 2012 JLS performed at the "Children In Need Rocks Manchester" concert performing Take a Chance on Me. In 2013 Aston appeared on Children In Need for the last time as a member of JLS where the group sang a medley of JLS songs at the EastEnders set. Oritsé, along with the rest of JLS, have also helped raise money for Comic Relief, appearing in comedy sketches with both Miranda Hart and James Corden. In 2012, all the JLS members visited Uganda for Sport Relief appearing in emotional VT's across the night. The same year JLS released the official Sport Relief charity single, Proud which peaked at number 6 in the Official UK Singles chart, as well as hosting a special charity concert "JLS sing for Sport Relief" and doing the Sport Relief Mile. In total JLS have appeared in 5 charity singles: A cover of "Hero" as part of the X Factor 2008 finalists, Wishing On A Star X Factor finalists ft. JLS and One Direction "Love You More", "Proud" and "Everybody Hurts". 4 out of 5 of these charity singles went to number one on the Official UK Singles chart.
Legal issues
In September 2018, Williams was charged with the rape of a fan inWolverhampton. A second individual was charged with assault by penetration in connection with the same incident. Oritsé appeared in court on 11 October. His trial began at Wolverhampton Crown Court on 14 May 2019. Oritsé was tried in front of a jury of eight women and four men who deliberated for around two hours before unanimously acquitting Williams of all charges
