JLS star Oritsé's unique and sentimental baby name explained
JLS singer Oritsé Williams and his wife Kazz have opened up exclusively to OK! about the birth of their beautiful baby boy, Shiva Zion Olumidé Williams - who they welcomed into the world on October 3 at 6.47am, weighing 7lbs, 8oz.
His arrival, the couple explained, was a long time coming as they previously had two devastating miscarriages. “When we found out we were pregnant this time around, I was happy and scared at the same time," Kazz, 40, said. So, there's no doubt that baby Shiva, who also has big brother Omré from Oritsé's previously relationship, was a very special arrival for the couple and it’s no wonder that the new parents, who have been married for two years, are brimming with happiness.
"Shiva is one of the highest deities in South Asian culture, it represents the destroyer of darkness and negativity, and also the creator of all things beautiful and hopeful," Oritsé - who shot to fame with boyband JLS alongside Aston Merrygold, JB Gill and Marvin Humes – smiled as he explained his son's very special name.
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"Then Zion was a name we’ve both loved for a while. It means a place of unity, peace and freedom, and it resonates very deeply within Caribbean culture and my African roots. Finally, Olumidé is one of my middle names, and it means my hero has come. All three represent our South Asian, Caribbean and African cultures."
When they invited OK! in to their beautiful home, it’s clear to see they’re still very much in a baby bubble. So much so that Oritsé – who is also a solo artist – can’t help but sing some nursery rhymes in a Reggae style (The Wheels On The Bus, being a favourite!) to the baby adoringly. But what many fans don't know is that Shiva was a well-kept secret.
Just four weeks ago the singer – announced that his wife of two years was pregnant in an adorable Instagram post. On 14 October, the 37-year-old told his followers: “Overwhelmed with emotion, love, and awe, words can’t express how I feel about my Queen.”
But it turns out their baby boy had already safely arrived 11 days before. “We decided to keep our pregnancy news to just close friends and family,” Oritsé said. "Honestly, I'm on Cloud 9. I’m in complete awe of my baby boy, he is truly a blessing and I'm proud of us."
For support following pregnancy loss, contact Tommy’s, the pregnancy and baby charity, on 0800 0147 800, tommys.org
