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PRESS RELEASE
JUNE 28, 2021
OMAR LAUNCHES UNRELEASED FULL- VERSION RECORDING OF 1994's "MY BABY SAYS (WATCH ME FEEL IT NOW)" AS AN NFT ON JULY 14, 2021

THE UK SOUL LEGEND COLLABORATES WITH CANADIAN PRODUCTION TEAM TO CREATE REVOLUTIONARY ART / MUSIC CRYPTO COLLECTABLE

OMARnft.com

Omar Lyefook MBE (known simply as Omar to his fans) has enjoyed a celebrated music career that spans over 3 decades and 8 critically acclaimed albums. He’s a consummate artist who’s respected by musicians and beloved by millions worldwide.

As a singer, songwriter and musician, he has collaborated with hip hop heavyweights and soulful superstars like Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu, Angie Stone, Caron Wheeler, Galliano, Guru, Common and many more.

 

His latest collaboration is with Canadian Digital Visual Artist Adam Jarvis (aka Vectorvault) and iLive NFT (a division of the iLive Radio global music network) to create a one-of-a-kind, non-fungible token (NFT) featuring a classic unreleased Omar recording. This NFT purchase will enable the buyer to own the master for this song along with a stunning digital and physical art package delivered to them anywhere in the world.

 

THE FABLED LOST OMAR TRACK RESURFACES 27 YEARS LATER AS AN NFT

Omar’s third album “For Pleasure” (1994) was hailed as a UK neo-soul classic. With tracks like “Making Sense Of It”, "Saturday", “Keep Stepping” and the one minute album-opening teaser entitled “My Baby Says.” The full-version of that song was scheduled to be released on Omar’s following album. However, it was held back. 

 

For over 27 years, DJs and music collectors from around the world have whispered about a rumoured lost recording. When questioned about it, Omar would simply smile. But on July 14, 2021, the wait is over. “My Baby Says (Watch Me Feel It Now)” will be released as a unique non-fungible token (NFT). By purchasing it, fans will gain ownership of this never-before-heard audio master.   

 

The ultra-rare NFT drops Wednesday, July 14, 2021. This collaboration is designed to be an industry disruptor and carve out new avenues of creation and cooperation between artists – regardless of distance or nationality. 

 

OMARnft.com not only serves as the central location for the story of this project, it also contains several educational pieces designed to introduce the world of blockchain, explain NFTs and how to buy them. By demystifying these subjects, Omar looks to position himself as a helpful resource for artists and fans alike.

 

"I wanted to make something for my fans and for future fans. This NFT project has allowed me to preserve my legacy forever using blockchain technology."

 

•  Omar Lyefook MBE

 

ABOUT BLOCKCHAIN AND NFTs

 

Blockchain technology is a secure method of creating a ledger of transactions. NFTs (non-fungible tokens) are a form of digital art that have empowered artists to capture the authenticity of a piece of art, and use popular digital art platforms like Rarible, Foundation and OpenSea to sell these creations for cryptocurrency. A technology pioneer himself, Omar recognized this shift early on, along with the importance of writing his own musical history. As an early adopter, his intention is to lead by example.

 

Partnering with Vectorvault and iLive NFT (a division of iLive Radio) has allowed Omar to retain control of this artistic project and bypass many of the challenging obstacles of the music industry. This NFT series is an experiment in cooperation and an invitation to other artists to embrace this new chapter in music.

 

 

CANADIAN DESIGN AND PRODUCTION

 

After being designated as a Canadian Digital Visual Artist by Canada Council for the Arts back in 2020, Adam Jarvis (aka Vectorvault) was introduced to the world of NFTs. Fellow Canadian Digital Visual Artist (and high school friend) Erin McGean formed an alliance with Adam to share learnings and support each other's art. As a result, Adam's digital crypto art portfolio has grown in tandem with a reputation for being generous with his knowledge.  

 

As an Omar fan himself since his late teens, Adam has used music to fuel his artistic creations. Back in 2005, he resigned from an Associate Creative Director position to pursue a digital art initiative called Vectorvault. His brand is still 100% Canadian owned and has grown over time to serve as an artistic persona for Adam, where he has written over 1500 posts about the subject of vector art.

 

"Omar once mailed me a signed CD that simply read "From one artist to another". It's been sitting in my studio for almost 15 years as a reminder of who I am."

•  Adam Jarvis (aka Vectorvault)

 

Many years after sending digital art prints to Omar through his Manager Lucia Fiore, Adam was asked to brand Omar's first Canadian concert in over 10 years. Commissioned by Jason Henry of iLIVE Radio, it also led to an art show inspired by Omar’s music..

 

Along with incredible Canadian artists like Georgia Fullerton and Komi Olaf, Adam's 2 pieces reconnected him with Omar and led to 3 more concert branding projects. Now, after many years of creative collaboration, iLive NFT, Vectorvault and Omar Lyefook MBE, prepare to launch a premier series of rare digital art containing original physical art from the first art show. This NFT literally includes a piece of music history.

 

THE FUTURE OF DIGITAL MUSIC

 

"iLive is in the business of connecting artists. NFTs are the future. If you don't know that by now, you're already too late."

•  Jason Henry (iLive NFT)

 

From 8-tracks to MP4s, the music industry has evolved and expanded with every advance in technology. iLive NFT was formed this year in direct response to the latest technological shift: the use of blockchain technology to mint NFT music / digital art collectibles.

 

NFTs have created a new model for artists to reach consumers by avoiding middlemen in distribution. Using established production processes, their objective is to collaborate with noteworthy artists and musicians and create unique and valuable music / art collectibles for true music fans. 

 

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ABOUT OMAR

 

Born October 14,1968, in London and raised in Canterbury, Omar is considered by many to be a musical prodigy. He was educated at the prestigious Chetham's School of Music in Manchester and the Guildhall School of Music in London. He played the trumpet, piano, bass guitar and served as principal percussionist of the Kent Youth Orchestra.

 

As a son of England, Omar is a classically trained artist and a national treasure. Prince Charles named him a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE). But it was his subjects from around the world that crowned him as soul royalty..

 

Omar’s most well-known song was his debut single "There's Nothing Like This" (initially released on his father’s  record label Kongo Records). This track catapulted him up the UK singles charts in 1991 and helped to attract international attention to his unique voice and outstanding musical compositions.

 

As he begins to wrap up production on his 9th studio album, Omar is poised to once again leave his impact on the music world. His NFT Legacy Collection is designed to capture his story on the blockchain – forever.

 

Quotes about Omar:

 

"When I grow up, I want to be like Omar."

•  Stevie Wonder

 

"Do drop off a copy of your new album when it's finished."

 •  Prince Charles

 

"Omar is one of my favorite artists ever."

 •  Erykah Badu

 

“The reigning don of UK Soul”

 •  The Face Magazine

 

“A songwriter who values true classic form, a singer whose phrases are instinctively seductive”

•  American GQ Magazine

 

For press images and video or

more information on Omar Legacy Collection, iLiveNFT or Vectorvault please contact 

 

JHenry (at) iLiveMusic.org

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