“It’s not so much chart positions, or paying the bills or anything… it’s about being able to have something that is creative, something that’s a part of your expression..” OMAR (Interview)
Some of you danced the night away to his sound, whilst some of you made love with his music in the background. Some of you would have dissected his musicianship apart because you wanted to be like him, sound like him, or channel him. Whatever the case may be, there were millions of fans expressing the same sentiment you did back when you first heard his unmistakable sound, not to mention his seductively captivating harmonies and funky grooves! If you were born before 1990, you would know the sound of multi-award winning musician OMAR LYE FOOK or OMAR as he is widely known. Labeled the Godfather of the revivalist soul genre NEO SOUL, developed in the early 1990’s alongside artists such as Erykah Badu, Maxwell, Lauryn Hill, D’Angelo, and The Brand New Heavies; Omar crossed over international waters with his distinctive fusion sound, shaping the ground breaking Neo Soul movement around the world.
For the first time ever, Funkdafied and Red Karpet Music presents OMAR hitting Oxford Arts Factory on the 10th of November, 2012 for a unique performance with a LIVE BAND!
His first single ‘There’s Nothing Like This’ released through KONGO Records in 1990 was the very first track that instantaneously propelled Omar global recognition, not just with fans of his music, but cemented his musicianship amongst his critically acclaimed peers as an outstanding multi-instrumentalist. Most notably, legendary Stevie Wonder, upon hearing ‘There’s Nothing Like This’ publicly promised to make a no.1 hit for Omar which would only come to fruition 14 years later. After countless jam sessions, Omar and Stevie Wonder produced the track “Feeling You” released on TRU THOUGHTS label in 2006.
Omar’s discography articulates a man of quality control with a career spanning over 22 years, 6 albums, 14 singles and collaborative joints mostly accomplished with friends or those who were a fan of his music. His collaboration work ranges from Angie Stone, Erykah Badu, Stevie Wonder, Common, Caron Wheeler, Leon Ware, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Estelle and Syreeta Wright.
Support Acts, you ask?
The second support act is emerging Soul, Jazz and Hip Hop artist MILAN RING who will be performing not only songs from her new album in the works, but will also be playing guitar for Omar! If you don’t know Petersham’s diamond in the rough, get to know her FAST! Her maturity and musicianship is of a seasoned artist lending her guitar and vocal skills across multiple bands such as Sydney’s all female Jazz band named SIRENS BIG BAND, Sydney’s unique soulstress Alphamama, and a host of others. A well sought after musician across Sydney, Milan will surely be a name you will instantaneously recognize in the future.
Heard through the grapevine that there will be special guests added on the night… more details yet to be confirmed. Soul of Sydney fans brace yourself! Details have yet to be announced shortly!!
On Funkdafied….
Funkdafied and Red Karpet Music are excited to present this one time only event with one of NEO SOUL’S trailblazer, OMAR! With a plethora of soul musicians heading upon our shores within the next few months leading up to until the end of the year, Funkdafied is fast becoming one of Australia’s premiere events and promotions company. Funkdafied has invested hard work and years of propagating a community from the ground roots level up. The Sydney Soul community would not be what it is today without the influence and continued support of the community. So Funkdafied says ‘Thank You!”
It’s an exciting time for Australia, and with the event of Omar’s very first one and only Sydney performance, this may be the only chance you get to see him live on our shores. Let’s face it, how often do we get soul music royalty of his caliber grace our city? Not that often. Do yourself a favour and purchase your tickets fast! They are selling out! This is shaping up to be HUGE!!
INFORMATION
WHEN: 10th of November, 2012
WHERE: Oxford Arts Factory
Facebook invite: http://www.facebook.com/events/277783625661412/?ref=ts
MOSHTIX: http://www.moshtix.com.au/event.aspx?id=59664
Website: www.omarmusic.co.uk
Red Karpet Music: www.redkarpetmusic.com
Funkdafied: www.funkdafied.com.au
MILAN RING: www.milanring.com
Let’s take you back with Omar’s first single ‘There’s Nothing Like This’ KONGO RECORDS 1990
OMAR AND STEVIE WONDER ‘Feeling You’ TRU THOUGHTS LABEL 2006
TRU THOUGHTS OMAR PODCAST
PODCAST BY OMAR Released on TRU THOUGHTS 2011
