Omar Lyefook

You can’t mistake his vocals. That commanding, distinct, soothing and sensuous baritone that he has been co-signed by Stevie Wonder and the queen of England. From soul to house, jazz to reggae, the producer and multi instrumentalist does all the things he does, so effortlessly. Read on to find out more about this family man up close and professional.

N-F: You’re dubbed as the British main man of Soul and as a child you were classically trained. Was that your choice?

Omar : When I was about 8 years old, there was a guy who was teaching brass instruments and I was “Yeah, I want to play that.” And my mom said that I should learn it. From there I played also played the euphonium and started playing the piano and percussions. But it wasn’t until I was about 14 that I decided I wanted to make my own music and write my own songs. At 16, I started releasing music, it has been more than 30 years that I’ve been releasing music.

N-F: Wow! That’s impressive and what were some of the albums that made your teenage hood meaningful, care to share?

Omar: The first albums that I bought with my pocket money was Police ‘Regatta De Blanc’ and Michael Jackson’s ‘Off The Wall’

N-F: What would you say is the underlying message for every one of your songs

Omar : Whatever mood that gets me at that time. If you listen to my music, you won’t hear anything that sounds the same, simply because I like to take advantage of the type of music of that time.

N-F: I guess because of that, you also do a lot of collaborations. What does it take for someone to collaborate with you?

Omar : It just has to be the right time and right place. When I make music I’m always by myself, so to work to someone else it’s always quite special.

N-F: Now that you have your own studio, what’s the music making process like?

Omar : I can’t talk to you about the process that I used to have. *Laughs* But now it’s a cup of tea and just taking listening to the music. It sounds a little bit boring, doesn’t it?

N-F : It’s very classy I would say, goes well for a gentleman like you. Apart from being in the studio, you tour a lot. Do you perform with the same musicians every time?

Omar: I wish but economically it doesn’t work that way. I wish I could the same people that I could juggle with all the time. I use bands in the territories that I am. For example if I’m in Germany, I perform with a German band. All I care about is they learn my music and they know it religiously. Because I’ve been to places that they don’t know the music and it pisses me off.

N-F: Do you consider yourself as a perfectionist?

Omar: Not at all. I’m a vibes man.

N-F: Ah, Ok, now I get it. Now, tell me about your involvement in theatre. You went to acting school. So has it always been in you to act? Or was it a back up plan?

Omar : I needed another avenue to make some money, but I was always acting at school. In Manchester, I took some lead parts, but my first audition was for this guy called Che Walker. I got the part. He also wrote a one man play for me, it’s called ‘Lovesong’. I’ve been performing that a lot and I will be performing that for you when I see you.

N-F: Ah that would be nice. Looking forward to it. Didn’t know I’d that privileged. Haha. I guess it’s best if we move along now. So, tell us how you keep yourself grounded. You seem to be free from any gossip although you’ve been in the industry for a long time.

Omar: I just enjoy what I do. I have a good time.

N-F: How do you feel about audiences that are only responsive to you most popular song ‘Nothing Like This?’

Omar : I don’t mind that at all. If that is what they like, I don’t mind.

N-F: I really hope you can make it here so that you can show people what you’re all about. Thank you for your time

Omar : Thank you very much

Photo credit : Kohann Tensen