There's nothing like talking to Omar about Prince and his idol Stevie Wonder. In part 1 we discuss being hailed as a musical prodigy, influences, collaborators and the creative process. Not to be miss
Omar burst onto the UK and world music scene as a prodigious young teenage talent, and was signed to the Talkin' Loud label in the early 90s. Emerging from the London Acid Jazz scene alongside seminal groups like The Young Disciples, The Brand New Heavies and Jamiroquai, he made waves with breakout soul ballad There's Nothing Like This, and early albums such as 1992s Music. Having never compromised his musical and artistic integrity to court mainstream success his eclectic output has won him the admiring ears of many of the industry's biggest names. He's collaborated with Erykah Badu, Angie Stone, Paul Weller, Leon Ware, Lamont Dozier and of course one of his biggest idols Stevie Wonder. In this candid conversation he discusses being compared to the likes of Prince and Stevie, but also how he's maintained his career over the last 30 years. 'Essensual' listening...