Career
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. 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.
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. 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.
In 2006, the Urban Music Awards presented Omar with the Best Neo Soul Act and Outstanding Achievement Awards.
After studying at the Identity Drama School, on 11 June 2009, Omar made his acting debut in Ché Walker's musical, Been So Long.
He was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2012 Birthday Honours for services to music.
Read more about this topic: Omar Lye-Fook
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