Omar’s Return: More Than a Concert, It’s a Soundtrack to a Life
BOSTON – For many, the announcement of a concert is a simple mark on the calendar. But for some, it’s a ripple in time, a soundwave that travels back decades, connecting past to present. When British soul pioneer Omar Lye-Fook brought his tour to Boston in 2025, for one local resident, it was more than just a night of music; it was the culmination of a lifetime of memories, a full-circle moment years in the making.
“Honey, tonight I’m going to dance!” The sentiment is a familiar echo of the joy many of us sought during the global lockdowns. For this writer, solace was found in the digital spaces carved out by artists, and Omar’s Instagram Live sessions became a frequent sanctuary, a virtual gathering alongside the likes of DJ D-Nice, Erykah Badu and various reggae artists. Now, that digital connection is set to become a physical reality, and it feels like a homecoming.
“Oh man! First song I heard from Omar was “there’s nothing like this”, blew my mind, “Saturday” came out…that was it, his music has stayed a part of my life 🙌🏽 my favorite song til this day from him is “Ghana Emotion!”
- DJ Inkognito
The roots of this connection stretch back to a time of profound loss and unexpected discovery. My cousin Jackie, visiting from Wolverhampton, UK arrived with a personally curated mixtape—a sacred object for any 90s kid—to help the younger members of the family navigate the grief of our grandmother Eubanks’s funeral. Amidst the sorrow, that tape became a lifeline. It was a vibrant soundtrack of Jamiroquai, Aaliyah, Brownstone, and the unmistakable, soulful voice of Omar.
Those days were a blur of navigating grief while discovering a new culture through a teenager’s eyes—shopping at local malls, tasting 7-Eleven slushies for the first time, and letting the music on that mixtape seep into our souls. It was the sound of healing, of youthful resilience. Omar’s music, first introduced to many in North America by pioneering VJs like Michael Williams of Toronto’s “Rap City,” became an integral part of the soundtrack of my life.
Fast forward to 2025. The news of Omar’s Boston concert date sent a jolt of excitement, but the universe had an even bigger surprise in store. In a twist of fate that feels scripted, one of my own clients is currently on tour with him as a background singer. It’s a breathtaking, full-circle moment that connects my professional life back to those formative, personal memories.
The young girl who found comfort in his music now watched him perform live, with a personal connection to the stage.
The anticipation is about more than just nostalgia. Omar’s new album is a testament to his enduring artistry. The track “The Song I’ve Been Waiting For” is a brilliant nod to this history, sampling Dynasty “Adventures in the land of Music” with the trumpet being played by Omar’s friend Ben Edwards. *Sidenote Adventures in the land of music was also sampled by Camp Lo’s “This Is It (Luchini),” which itself famously borrowed from the Honey Cones Want Ads that was produced by General Johnson formerly of Chairmen of the Board. Having once interviewed Danny Woods of Chairmen of the Board, the layers of musical lineage feel deeply personal and interconnected.
Meeting the man whose music has meant so much is an occasion in itself. Dressed for the moment in Clive Christian X, it was an honor to see the artist who isn’t just a soul legend, but also a Member of the British Empire (MBE). It’s a powerful reminder that a song is never just a song. It’s a time capsule, a thread of connection, and sometimes, it’s the beat that brings you back home. Purchase his new album via Omar’s website!
