| Omar Lye-Fook | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Omar Lye-Fook |
| Born | 14 October 1968 London, England |
| Genres | Neo soul, soul |
| Occupations | Singer, songwriter, musician |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | Late 1980s–present |
| Labels | Kongo, Talkin' Loud, RCA, Naïve, Blunt Music[1] |
Omar Lye-Fook (born 14 October 1968, London)[1] and known as Omar, is an internationally acclaimed British soul singer, songwriter and musician. Omar grew up in Canterbury, Kent. He learned his craft classically, playing the trumpet, piano and percussion. Omar also spent two years at Chetham's School of Music in Manchester, and the Guildhall School of Music in London. His most well-known song was his debut single "There's Nothing Like This".[1] It reached #14 in the UK Singles Chart on re-release in 1991.[2] Allmusic noted that he is described by some as the father of British neo soul.[1]
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Following his first two single releases, "Mr Postman" and "You and Me" featuring backing vocals from Caron Wheeler, Omar released his first album, entitled There's Nothing Like This in 1990. Initially released on his father's record label, Kongo Records, it entered the UK Albums Chart, peaking at #54.[1][2] Signing to his first major record label, Talkin' Loud, saw the re-release of his debut album, which climbed to #19 in the British chart. This was followed in 1992 by his second album, Music, which proved less successful (UK #37) than the first.[2]
A new signing to RCA Records led to Omar undertaking collaborations with other musicians, including Lamont Dozier, David Frank (The System), the former Heatwave bassist Derrick Bramble, Leon Ware and Stevie Wonder.[1] In 1996, Omar contributed "Water to Drink" to the AIDS benefit album, Red Hot + Rio, produced by the Red Hot Organization.
In 2003, after one of his songs ("There's Nothing Like This") was used in the intro round on Never Mind the Buzzcocks, presenter Mark Lamarr questioned Omar's supposed instant recognizability, quipping that he would require a Blockbuster card to confirm Omar's identity. Omar's agent, e-mailed the show and a few episodes later, Omar appeared in the show's 'identity parade' round, Blockbuster card in hand. Lamarr was forced to concede that Omar was recognizable, and a rather more significant artist than he had earlier given him credit for.[3]
In 2006, the Urban Music Awards presented Omar with the Best Neo Soul Act and Outstanding Achievement Awards.[1]
After studying at the Identity Drama School, on 11 June 2009, Omar made his acting debut in Ché Walker's musical, Been So Long.[4]
Omar is sometimes credited as Omar Hammer. His birth father's surname is Lye-Fook, while his stepfather's surname is Hammer.[1] He and his siblings, two brothers and a sister are all musicians. Samia Lye-Fook (Omar's sister, and youngest of the four) is a BRIT School alumna, who has provided background vocals for some of Omar's recordings.
Omar became the father of twins in early 2008.
| Year | Title | UK Singles Chart[2] | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | "There's Nothing Like This" | #14 | Kongo Records |
| 1992 | "Your Loss My Gain" | #47 | Talkin' Loud |
| 1992 | "Music" | #53 | Talkin' Loud |
| 1994 | "Outside" / "Saturday" | #43 | RCA |
| 1994 | "Keep Steppin'" | #57 | RCA |
| 1997 | "Say Nothin'" | #29 | RCA |
| 1997 | "Golden Brown" | #37 | RCA |
Some of the musicians Omar has performed with include (but are not limited to):
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