OMAR
British Soul Pioneer
Omar’s achievements are long, including an MBE. A career into its fourth decade – a ‘signature’ hit tune that led on to eight solo albums of unique, evolving sound.
Omar’s achievements are long, including an MBE. A career into its fourth decade – a ‘signature’ hit tune that led on to eight solo albums of unique, evolving sound.
If anyone has doubts about that, then they might want to consider the list of legendary artists who happily line up to collaborate with him musically, or simply sing his praises – from Stevie Wonder, the late Leon Ware, Erykah Badu, Common, through to Carleen Anderson, D’Angelo, and Soul II Soul’s Caron Wheeler, Angie Stone and U.K. artists Courtney Pine, Rodney P, Kele LeRoc, Natasha Watts and Estelle, all appreciate his truly original and unique voice, musicianship and songwriting talent.
The musical history of British soul pioneer Omar is renowned – the Lyefook family has musical talent embedded deep in their DNA, Omars’ father Byron worked as a studio musician and drummer with Bob Marley, Horace Andy and even The Rolling Stones. Omars’ younger brother, the Grammy winning producer, remixer and DJ professionally known as Scratch Professor has been making jaws drop since the age of 13, stunning the crowd at the 1988 DMC UK Finals with his turntable skills. Samia Lye-Fook (Omar’s sister) is a renowned vocalist in her own right, and a BRIT School alumna, then there’s their big brother…. Omar.
His 1990 debut album that featured the hit, There’s Nothing Like This and signed to Gilles Peterson’s boutique label Talkin’ Loud. part of Phonogram, in 1991. Both the reissued There’s Nothing Like This album and single rapidly made the UK top twenty. OMAR: “I have my own sound and I am very proud of that.
If you listen to The Anthology, you can hear the evolution. My whole life goes into the music and it's just a continued blessing. “He is currently working on his latest album, 'Brighter the Days' including collaborations with Common, Q-Tip, India. Arie and Pharoahe Monch.