THE WORLD CELEBRATES 9JA ‘LEMAR’

Remember a few years back when folks were having a laugh about great celebrities actually being Nigerians? I remember them saying that Celine Dion’s real name was Selena Odion and that she was from Bendel State… yea… I know how stupid that sounds; you don’t have to remind me okay? Well the truth is that during that time, there was a silent cry for something or someone Nigerians could be proud of. It was a time when Nigeria and Nigerians craved for some recognition, some appreciation, some celebration done by the outside world, beyond our shores for something that came from US. It was a time before the likes of Tuface and D’banj walking away with the MTV Base Act of the year. It was a time before international collabos were done by our people, before songs from a lowly Yoruba girl became soundtracks to international movies and sitcoms.

Hmm… I believe the good book says, ‘My people perish from lack of knowledge’. A few write ups ago, I put up an article titled, the world celebrates Naija and the personality up for celebration was our very own Sade Adu. Before that article, quite a number of people did not know that Sade was a Nigerian. Dugh! Well… in today’s article, I am going to shock y’all with another truth.

This absolutely hot and sexy hazel-eyed brother was born in London to both South- eastern Nigerian parents, listening to soul music and R&B. Lemar Obika professionally known as Lemar was born in Tottenham, London, England and is a British soul, R&B singer, songwriter and vocal producer who has had a run of chart success in the United Kingdom, Europe and Australia.

Lemar used to sing at home with his brothers and sister, pretending to be The Jacksons. He was seventeen when he had his first concert at the Junior Jam at the Temple in Tottenham supporting Usher. He gave up an opportunity to study pharmacy at the Cardiff University to pursue a musical career. Lemar had some success supporting various artists such as Destiny’s Child, Total, Uncle Sam and Usher Raymond on their UK club tours and after some years, managed to secure a recording contract with BMG. Following this, he released his debut single “Got Me Saying Ooh”. Unfortunately his record deal with BMG fell through in less than a year due to restructuring at the record label. He had to eventually take a job working as an accounts manager at NatWest in Enfield, north London.

Lemar was most notably brought to public attention on the BBC’s Fame Academy in 2002, a combination of a talent quest and reality television show. He made the finals of the show winning plaudits for his version of “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green and singing a duet with Lionel Richie on “Easy”. While he ended up finishing third in the show, which was won by David Sneddon, he caught the eye of fellow British soul singer Beverley Knight, who invited him to sing a duet with her during her concert at the Hammersmith Apollo. Sony Music was so impressed with his potential that they signed him to a five year record deal worth £1 million (One million pounds). He was also the contestant from Fame Academy chosen to represent the UK in Eurobest, coming 5th (the eventual winner being Chenoa from Spain.

You probably can’t remember who beat Lemar on Fame Academy in 2002, because the real winner was the man who came third- and who has become the best black British male soul singer of recent years. With two Brit awards and three Mobos, Lemar has established a career with legs. He can pack a concert tour, and he has sold more than two million albums. Oh, and in case you are interested: the winner was David Sneddon. Remember him?

Well as awards, acclaim, platinum sales and sold-out tours, the North London singer/songwriter is one of a handful of artists able to balance incredible commercial success whilst maintaining credibility as one of the best ever UK vocalists. Lemar’s second single “Dance (With U)” reached number two on the UK Singles Chart in early 2003. His first album Dedicated was released late in 2003 with additional singles “50/50″ and “Another Day” also achieving chart success in the UK. Lemar won a BRIT Award for “Best Urban Act” in 2004. Following the success of the album, he commenced his first headlining tour of the UK.

On the 12th of November 2004 Lemar became a guest on BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge and performed a cover of U2’s song “Vertigo”. He has also performed for Prince Charles’ Prince’s Trust. He is also one of the many artists included on Band Aid 20’s single “Do They Know It’s Christmas? “

In February 2006, he won a second BRIT Award for “Best Urban Act”.

4th September 2006 saw Lemar return with his eighth single, entitled “It’s Not That Easy”, which became his sixth UK top ten hit. A week later his new album The Truth About Love was released, which saw guest appearances from Styles P from The L.O.X., Mica Paris and Joss Stone. The album became Lemar’s highest charting album to date, peaking at number three on the UK Albums Chart, out peaking Time to Grow (number eight) and Dedicated

Lemar’s 4th studio album “The Reason” was released on November 24th 2008, entering the UK Albums Chart at no. 41. Lead single “If She Knew” was released on 10 November 2008 and has peaked on the UK Singles Chart at no. 14.

Lemar will also feature on Sway’s first single “Saturday Night Hustle” from the album “The Signature LP”.

On the 19th January 2008, MSN UK reported that Lemar became a father for the first time with his long term partner Charmaine Powell, who gave birth to a baby girl called Nyiema Obika at London’s private Portland hospital weighing 7 lb.

As of May 2009 he had accumulated wealth of £4 million (Four Million pounds) at the age of 31… hmm… sound so good I’m gonna say it again… FOUR MILLION POUNDS! You gotta give a brother some credit. He is doing pretty well for himself. Now you know… we do have something to be proud of.

Lemar is also about to spearhead the In The Pink breast cancer campaign, an issue that is particularly close to his heart. “My mum passed away just before Dance (With U) and that was definitely my lowest point,” he says of losing his mother. “Anything to do with cancer, I like to get involved and help in anyway I can. Knowledge is power, so the more people are aware of things, the quicker things can change,” he decides. “It was very hard losing my mother, but I know that she’s watching. Life throws at you what it’s going to and you have to deal with it and make the most of it. All I can do is try and make her proud.” Breaks your heart don’t it?

Okay… I promised my boss that I would stop writing lengthy articles so I am gonna do the right thing and pause right here. As always, I look forward to your questions and comments on graye@goodlife.com.ng so keep ‘em coming. Catch ya online.

Till then… Toodles