- OMAR LYEFOOK MBEOmar's career is a testament to his enduring talent and influence. First gaininginternational attention via that signature hit,There's Nothing Like This, whichlaunched his series of standout solo albums, collaborations with both legendaryartistslike Stevie Wonder, Lamont Dozier,the lateAngie Stone, Leon Ware,Robert GlasperandErykah Baduthrough to the current crop of cutting-edge musicmakers such as Giggs, and a catalogue of side projects spanning decades, Omarhas consistently evolved his soundwhile staying true to his roots.That approach continues in 2025, as he celebrates his 40th anniversary as arecording artist with the release of his 9th studio album,Brighter The Days, whichhas been lauded to be his most self-assured, well rounded, eclectic, and continuesto highlight his trademark vocals and songwriting. His unique, instantly identifiabletouches always result in nothing but memorable music and further augments hismulti-generational, worldwide appeal as new generations of fans continue todiscover Omar’s timeless sound. Often tagged ‘neo soul’ or even ‘acid jazz’-thetruth is Omar is his own one-man genre, as this latest album attests.The highlights acrossBrighter The Daysare many,This Thing Called Lifeis anepic work worthy of a film soundtrack, the title track is a funky Al Green-inspirednumber,Researchis a dancefloor club anthem, and the varied collaborations withrapperGiggs, India Arie, Raheem DeVaughn, Eric Roberson, Ledisi, andJeruThe Damajaspan sounds and styles most artists cannot reach. Several numbers
includingThere’s Much Love In The Worldfeature lush string arrangements byChris Cameron(George Michael, Randy Crawford, Tina Turner) and the entirecollection displays influences from funk, hip hop, library music, samba and Latintextures and even a pumping rhythm & blues tinged, storming duet withPaulWeller.Omar describes Brighter The Days as his most accomplished work yet:“Each albumis an evolution, if you will. But I'd like to think this is my magnum opus.”He alsohighlights the significance of orchestral elements in his music:“The strings influenceis from me playing in an orchestra, because there’s a certain vibration that you get,especially with a large orchestra,”he notes.“There’s nothing quite like that feeling ofhearing all those strings play together, and that’s why I always like to implementthem in the music.”This new project continues Omar’s long-standing collaboration withImpressiveCollective’s Greg Boraman, which began in 2013 withThe ManonFreestyleRecordsand continued withLove In BeatsandThe Omar Anthology.“Music iswhat I live for"Omar states"but so too are my children. Brighter The Days justmeans something better is coming for all of us.”Omar Lyefook MBE–A career overviewOmar’s full story starts in 1968, he was born in London on October 14, and raised inCanterbury,Kent.Omar comes from a deeply musical family. His father,Byron Lye-Fook, was a drummer for legends such asDoris Troy, Bob Andy&MarciaGriffiths, while his brother, Grammy-winning producerScratch Professer, madewaves in the DJ world at just 13. Omar’s early years were steeped in classicaltraining, playing trumpet, piano, bass, and percussion. He studied at the GuildhallSchool of Music and Chetham’s, later receiving an Honorary Doctorate fromGuildhall.Omar’s breakthrough came withThere’s Nothing Like This(1990), a silky balladthat propelled him to fame. Originally released on his father Byron'sKongolabel, thesong’s reissue onGilles Peterson’s Talkin’ Loudin 1991 landed in the UK Top 20.His next albums, Music (1992) and For Pleasure (1994), showcased his expandingartistry, featuring collaborations withCarleen Anderson, Leon Ware, andLamontDozier. Hits likeSaturday, Outside, andLittle Boycemented his reputation. By1997, Omar had signed with RCA, releasingThis Is Not A Love Song, whichincluded a standout cover of The Stranglers’Golden Brownand duets withSyreetaWright. His genre-blending sound fusing soul, jazz, Latin, and Caribbean influencesearned him the title of ‘The King of British Neo-Soul.’In 2001, Omar moved to French label Naïve Records forBest By Far, featuringcollaborations withErykah BaduandKele Le Roc. His 2006 albumSing (If YouWant It), co-produced withScratch Professer, featuredCommon, Angie Stone,Rodney P, andEstelle. The biggest coup, however, wasFeeling You, a duet with
longtime admirerStevie Wonder, who had promised Omar a song back in 1992.Fourteen years later, Wonder called Omar out of the blue, leading to anunforgettable session that produced one of Omar’s most celebrated tracks.Over the years, Omar expanded into acting, playingAvery Bakerinthe legendaryBBC television soap operaEastEnders, starring in the one-man stage playLovesong, and making numerous television appearances. His contributions toBritish music were recognized in 2012 when he was awarded anMBE, presented byPrince Charles(nowKing Charles), who requested a copy of his next album.In 2013, renowned London soul boy and broadcasterMark Webstertipped offFreestyle Records’Greg Boramanthat Omar was looking for a new label, resultingin a series of well received projects, the first being 2013sThe Man, which was hailedas one of his best. Featuring collaborations withPino Palladino, Daniel Fridell, andHidden Jazz Quartett, the album reaffirmed Omar’s ability to innovate whileretaining his unmistakable sound. In 2017 Omar followed up withLove In Beats, anambitious project featuringLeon Ware, Robert Glasper, Ty, Jean-Michel Rotin,Natasha Watts, The Floacist, andMayra Andrade.2019s career spanningThe Omar Anthologydemonstrated, as if there was anydoubt this artist's consistent and long running excellence.In parallel, Omar continued to collaborate extensively, touring and recording withBritish saxophone legendCourtney PineonBlack Notes From The Deep(Freestyle Records)and supportingStevie Wonderat his 2016 Hyde Park concert.His work withThe British CollectivealongsideJunior Giscombe,the lateNoelMcKoy, Don-E, andImagination’sLeeeJohnfurther showcased his impact on UKsoul.Reflecting on his four decade long professional career:“I have my own sound, andI’m very proud of that, I’m still growing, still learning. My whole life goes into themusic, and it’s just a continued blessing.”With his latest album and a career still ascending, Omar remains a singular force inBritish soul music, proving that true artistry only deepens with time.
Fri Jun 12 2026
8:00 PM (Doors 7:30 PM)
£27.50
18 And Up (14+Accompanied)
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Omar
-
Omar
Neo-Soul
- OMAR LYEFOOK MBEOmar's career is a testament to his enduring talent and influence. First gaininginternational attention via that signature hit,There's Nothing Like This, whichlaunched his series of standout solo albums, collaborations with both legendaryartistslike Stevie Wonder, Lamont Dozier,the lateAngie Stone, Leon Ware,Robert GlasperandErykah Baduthrough to the current crop of cutting-edge musicmakers such as Giggs, and a catalogue of side projects spanning decades, Omarhas consistently evolved his soundwhile staying true to his roots.That approach continues in 2025, as he celebrates his 40th anniversary as arecording artist with the release of his 9th studio album,Brighter The Days, whichhas been lauded to be his most self-assured, well rounded, eclectic, and continuesto highlight his trademark vocals and songwriting. His unique, instantly identifiabletouches always result in nothing but memorable music and further augments hismulti-generational, worldwide appeal as new generations of fans continue todiscover Omar’s timeless sound. Often tagged ‘neo soul’ or even ‘acid jazz’-thetruth is Omar is his own one-man genre, as this latest album attests.The highlights acrossBrighter The Daysare many,This Thing Called Lifeis anepic work worthy of a film soundtrack, the title track is a funky Al Green-inspirednumber,Researchis a dancefloor club anthem, and the varied collaborations withrapperGiggs, India Arie, Raheem DeVaughn, Eric Roberson, Ledisi, andJeruThe Damajaspan sounds and styles most artists cannot reach. Several numbers
includingThere’s Much Love In The Worldfeature lush string arrangements byChris Cameron(George Michael, Randy Crawford, Tina Turner) and the entirecollection displays influences from funk, hip hop, library music, samba and Latintextures and even a pumping rhythm & blues tinged, storming duet withPaulWeller.Omar describes Brighter The Days as his most accomplished work yet:“Each albumis an evolution, if you will. But I'd like to think this is my magnum opus.”He alsohighlights the significance of orchestral elements in his music:“The strings influenceis from me playing in an orchestra, because there’s a certain vibration that you get,especially with a large orchestra,”he notes.“There’s nothing quite like that feeling ofhearing all those strings play together, and that’s why I always like to implementthem in the music.”This new project continues Omar’s long-standing collaboration withImpressiveCollective’s Greg Boraman, which began in 2013 withThe ManonFreestyleRecordsand continued withLove In BeatsandThe Omar Anthology.“Music iswhat I live for"Omar states"but so too are my children. Brighter The Days justmeans something better is coming for all of us.”Omar Lyefook MBE–A career overviewOmar’s full story starts in 1968, he was born in London on October 14, and raised inCanterbury,Kent.Omar comes from a deeply musical family. His father,Byron Lye-Fook, was a drummer for legends such asDoris Troy, Bob Andy&MarciaGriffiths, while his brother, Grammy-winning producerScratch Professer, madewaves in the DJ world at just 13. Omar’s early years were steeped in classicaltraining, playing trumpet, piano, bass, and percussion. He studied at the GuildhallSchool of Music and Chetham’s, later receiving an Honorary Doctorate fromGuildhall.Omar’s breakthrough came withThere’s Nothing Like This(1990), a silky balladthat propelled him to fame. Originally released on his father Byron'sKongolabel, thesong’s reissue onGilles Peterson’s Talkin’ Loudin 1991 landed in the UK Top 20.His next albums, Music (1992) and For Pleasure (1994), showcased his expandingartistry, featuring collaborations withCarleen Anderson, Leon Ware, andLamontDozier. Hits likeSaturday, Outside, andLittle Boycemented his reputation. By1997, Omar had signed with RCA, releasingThis Is Not A Love Song, whichincluded a standout cover of The Stranglers’Golden Brownand duets withSyreetaWright. His genre-blending sound fusing soul, jazz, Latin, and Caribbean influencesearned him the title of ‘The King of British Neo-Soul.’In 2001, Omar moved to French label Naïve Records forBest By Far, featuringcollaborations withErykah BaduandKele Le Roc. His 2006 albumSing (If YouWant It), co-produced withScratch Professer, featuredCommon, Angie Stone,Rodney P, andEstelle. The biggest coup, however, wasFeeling You, a duet with
longtime admirerStevie Wonder, who had promised Omar a song back in 1992.Fourteen years later, Wonder called Omar out of the blue, leading to anunforgettable session that produced one of Omar’s most celebrated tracks.Over the years, Omar expanded into acting, playingAvery Bakerinthe legendaryBBC television soap operaEastEnders, starring in the one-man stage playLovesong, and making numerous television appearances. His contributions toBritish music were recognized in 2012 when he was awarded anMBE, presented byPrince Charles(nowKing Charles), who requested a copy of his next album.In 2013, renowned London soul boy and broadcasterMark Webstertipped offFreestyle Records’Greg Boramanthat Omar was looking for a new label, resultingin a series of well received projects, the first being 2013sThe Man, which was hailedas one of his best. Featuring collaborations withPino Palladino, Daniel Fridell, andHidden Jazz Quartett, the album reaffirmed Omar’s ability to innovate whileretaining his unmistakable sound. In 2017 Omar followed up withLove In Beats, anambitious project featuringLeon Ware, Robert Glasper, Ty, Jean-Michel Rotin,Natasha Watts, The Floacist, andMayra Andrade.2019s career spanningThe Omar Anthologydemonstrated, as if there was anydoubt this artist's consistent and long running excellence.In parallel, Omar continued to collaborate extensively, touring and recording withBritish saxophone legendCourtney PineonBlack Notes From The Deep(Freestyle Records)and supportingStevie Wonderat his 2016 Hyde Park concert.His work withThe British CollectivealongsideJunior Giscombe,the lateNoelMcKoy, Don-E, andImagination’sLeeeJohnfurther showcased his impact on UKsoul.Reflecting on his four decade long professional career:“I have my own sound, andI’m very proud of that, I’m still growing, still learning. My whole life goes into themusic, and it’s just a continued blessing.”With his latest album and a career still ascending, Omar remains a singular force inBritish soul music, proving that true artistry only deepens with time.
£27.50 18 And Up (14+Accompanied)
Omar
Neo-Soul
Share With Friends