Omar (singer) life and biography

Omar is a British Soul icon, born and raised in Canterbury, England is also considered the most influential name in UK soul music. He grew up in a musical household to a Chinese Jamaican father and Indian mother. His father was a band member, he also founded Kongo records and inspired his son to take trumpet, piano and drums lessons as young child. He took a two years college in Manchester.

His debut single "There's Nothing Like This" released in 1990 became his most well-known single, which reached #14 in the UK Singles Chart on re-release in 1991. Allmusic noted that he is described by some as the father of British neo soul.

It followed two new singles "Mr Postman" and "You and Me" with backing-vocals from Caron Wheeler. Later, he stunned his fans with the first album release also named There's Nothing Like This.

His second album Music got released in 1992 didn't enjoy the same success as his first one. In 2006, the Urban Music Awards presented Omar with the Best Neo Soul Act and Outstanding Achievement Awards. By the years, Omar also studied acting at the Identity Drama School and on 11 June 2009, he made his acting debut in Ché Walker's musical, Been So Long.

Omar's albums:

There's Nothing Like This (1990) - UK #19 (re-issue)
Music (1992) - UK #17
For Pleasure (1994) - UK #50
This Is Not a Love Song (1997) - UK #50
Best By Far (2001)
Sing (If You Want It) (2006)

On November 3rd, Omar announced he will be performing a special live show in London's Floridita (in Soho's Wardour Street) on Thursday, December 1st. He'll be joined by his full band, supported by the sultry vocal talents of Liney Weir.

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