Adam Murcutt and Martin Leay from Croydon Radio’s Happy Sundays show recently met up with soul singer and Croydon resident Omar before he headlines Purley Festival at the Rotary Field, Brighton Road on Sunday 5th July.
 

Croydon Radio: Are you looking forward to Purley Festival?
 
Omar: Yeah - it’ll be great to have some familiar faces there to watch and support me.

 

CR: You’ve worked with some amazing people throughout your career. Have you got a favourite artist that you’ve collaborated with?
 
O: That’s a tough question. If I had to answer then I’d say Stevie Wonder. Back in 1992 he said he wanted to write something for me and in 2000 we made good on that deal. It was a massive honour.
 


CR: How did it feel to get an MBE for services to music?
 
O: I’ve never been nominated or shortlisted for any of those other big awards so I was very proud to get recognition. It was a great day at Buckingham Palace where I got to meet Prince Charles.
 


CR: Matt Goss (the lead singer of 80s pop group Bros) has covered ‘There’s Nothing Like This’. What did you think of his version? 
 
O: I like it. There have been some terrible ones over the years but imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. I saw him do a live version with a horn section and I really liked it.
 


CR: It must be great to have people from all over the world knowing your music?
 
O: It’s a massive buzz. I recently played in Indonesia and to have people singing my songs back to me was surreal.
 


CR: You live locally and record in your home studio. How do you find working from home?
 
O: I’ve been working here at the studio since 2003 and it’s the best move I ever made. I was quite unstable with labels and I needed a place where it was easy for me to be creative. It’s paid for itself. Whenever I feel inspired I can just go straight into the studio and work.
 


CR: Do you enjoy playing outdoors?
 
O: Yes, as long as the weather is good.
 


CR: Can the Purley Festival audience expect a greatest hits set? 
 
O: Pretty much. A bit of old and a bit of new. I don’t think we will be playing any brand new songs, but I’ll throw some covers in there.
 


CR: What can we expect from your Purley Festival performance? 
 
O: There will be sunshine, energy, good vibes and good music.
 

Omar, Purley Festival Main Stage, Rotary Fields, Purley, Sunday July 5, 5pm - 6.30pm, free, purleyfestival.co.uk