Omar live in Nottingham

Image Credit: Camilla Caam Rehnstrand

Soul music may always be inextricably linked to the States, a pantheon of greats from Detroit, New Jersey, Chicago and other cities across the nation, but we're not that bad at it ourselves either.

From the soul diva's Sade and Beverley Knight, melting pot grooves Soul II Soul and Massive Attack and even up to the computer wrought sound of the Jamie's Lidell and XX, the UK can boast a thoroughly unique take on the genre.

One of the most important figures within that spectrum is Omar. Although he will always be known by many as the voice behind the timeless 'There's nothing like this' (watch above), he can boast of a career that is close to 25 years in the making and a status feted by a host of luminaries and peers within soul.

Past collaborators have ranged from the legendary Stevie Wonder up to neo-soul queens Angie Stone and Erykah Badu, with rappers Common, Estelle and Ol Dirty Bastard also working with him, the latter eloquently remarking on his music that "this cat's shit is banging".

He's been recognised by the Queen via an MBE, but arguably more importantly the lifetime achievement award bestowed on him by Gilles Peterson proves his immeasurable input on music - as anyone who loves soul music will attest the BBC Radio 6 Music DJ has a bit more savvy on the music than ol' Liz.

Recent album The Man (stream above on Spotify) also saw lofty critical praise, maintaining the singer's status as one of the finest voices this nation has produced. You can catch him in Nottingham on Easter Sunday (20th April) with a full live band, gracing the city's venue The Approach. For tickets and more info tootle on down to this part of the site.

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