Soul man Lemar is back in Rhyl

Sep 24 2008 by David Rutland, Denbigh Visitor

RHYTHM and blues fans in Rhyl are in for a treat next week as Fame Academy star and internationally-acclaimed artist Lemar returns to the town.

The singer has had a successful run of hit singles and albums since appearing on the BBC talent show Fame Academy in 2002, where he came third.

The 30-year-old will be thrilling a capacity crowd at the Pavilion Theatre during his second visit in March next year.

It has not been an instant rise to fame for the singer/songwriter, who had an abortive attempt to break into the music industry in 2001, but when his debut single Got Me Saying Ooh failed to chart, he resigned himself to a life in banking.

Highlights of Lemar’s career so far have included singing a duet with Beverley Knight at a concert in the Hammersmith Apollo, and teaming-up with American legend and Academy Award winning songwriter, Lionel Richie.

But the world would have missed out on the music of Tottenham-born Lemar Obika had he not given up the opportunity to study pharmacy at Cardiff University in favour of pursuing a musical career.

Lemar describes himself as “a young man from Tottenham with a dream” and categorises his musical output as “songs about love, heartbreak, teen struggles and social commentary”.

His success as an artist was cemented at the Brit Awards in 2004 when he beat Amy Winehouse, Black Eyed Peas and Dizzie Rascal to win Best British Urban Act.

Lemar is set to release his fourth studio album, The Reason, and the lead single If She Knew, this November.

“I wanted to make a singer’s album,” he said. “I wanted to take my time, writing and recording, making sure every song delivered. To sing and re-sing and sing it a hundred times if needs be, so that I know I’ve put everything I can into it.”

The concert starts 7.30pm on March 14.

For more information or to see what else is on at the theatre visit www.pavilion-theatre-rhyl.co.uk. Tickets for Lemar go on sale on November 28 at 10am. Contact the box office on 01745 330000.