Questions asked at the live web chat on October 31, 2003.

How was Ghana, how did you like it?
Fine thank you just come back from Ghana where my parents have built a guesthouse. It was very, very hot and very jealous of the size of my their house!

How long have your parents lived in Ghana?
About a year now.

How did get yourself to come back to this cold place?
Plenty of work to do

How is the CD coming along?
Coming along nicely should have some material finished for early next year, thanks for asking.
Any idea how many tracks will be on it?

When do you think the release date for the new album will be?
Hopefully by the first part of 2004

Happy belated birthday! Did you have a good one?
Did u see all your birthday messages on the normal chat room?
Thank you everyone, my birthday was wicked. I’ve been in Ghana so haven't had time to check the birthday messages – I’ll have a look after we've finished.

I always miss your performances when you're at Jazz Café - when are you doing another?
I’m at the jazz cafe again in January.

We recently met the artist Donnie and he spoke so highly of you. Have you had the chance to hear his music?
Heard a bit if Donnie's stuff, I’m eager to hear more.
He was almost ecstatic when we mentioned you. What did you think?
All very flattering!

Why does it say Omar Hammer on one of your CDs but Omar Lye-Fook on this chatroom?
Hammer is my step dads surname and my real dads is Lye-Fook

What else are you working on?
I’m working on a track with Bill Lee (Spike Lee’s dad). He does most of the music for Spike's films.

Have you ever been tempted to do anything with R Kelly or Prince?
I like R Kelly's latest stuff and Prince…"we are not worthy"
I think you're very worthy indeed!!

What are you listening to right now? What's in the CD player or on the turntable?
On my turntable is a dub record called Augustus Pablo presents.

Is there any of the diva you would like to do a duet with?
Definitely want to do a track with India Arie but there are many more.
Have you met her?
Yes, we've met a few times. She played a couple of tunes of mine on stage.
What tracks of yours did India play?
There’s Nothing Like This & Falling plus a couple of other tunes which I've forgotten!

What was it like meeting and working with Badu after she had said she listened to you all the time and you were one of her favourite artists?
It was excellent because I was looking for someone to work on Be Thankful with so I was blessed there.

What studio are you working in?
My home studio called backyard - a 48 track studio in my garden.
A studio on your doorstep – nice, but does that mean you have days when you just can’t be arsed cos your comfy at home?
No, it's a long walk to the end of my garden :-). There’s more incentive to use it because it's free

Are you producing most of the tracks and who are some of the producers you are working with?
It’s mostly me producing again although I've done a track with Sticky and co-producing some tracks with my brother, Scratch Professor.

What kind of show will you be doing in January at the Jazz Café - any new material, any variety on the different nights?
I will be introducing a few more tracks into the set for 2004.

Some people don’t realise that you have to work out a little to keep the voice in check, what fitness do you do?
Three spliffs a day and then the gym.

Who are the guys who back you when you tour?
I have used my UK band for a few years and I have another that I use in the US.

I just realised that Chris Ballin was on backing vocals when I saw you…I thought his voice sounded familiar! I know Chris from Incognito, inner shade, labour of love.
Chris Ballin is the don too.... he complements Omar's style in a big way.
Is he gonna drop a CD anytime soon?
Yes, I'm doing a track with Chris as well. You'll soon know about Chris if you don’t already!

Omar, what inspires you to make music?
Rhythms inspire me.

How often do you write a song or make music?
Every other day - music is always in my head.

Did you get any inspiration being in Ghana?
Yeah, I wrote a track called Ghana In Motion which I'm hoping India will duet on.

How much more work are you having to put in? How often are you out there?
I've got a few productions on the go as well as touring and, of course, finishing my own album - all to be done by early 2004

Do you cook?
Yes, I can cook but only if I want to!

What is it like for people living in Ghana?
Life is tough for ordinary folk out there but it's a beautiful place. My parents are having a great time and are better than if they had stayed in the UK.

I know this is wishful thinking but has there ever been any talk of working with D'Angelo?
I have talked a couple of times with D'Angelo but we haven't found the right time to get together yet.
As sound as D'Angelo is, I think you outclass him...he should be begging to work with you!

What about Maxwell?
Haven't really thought of working with Maxwell but why not?

Any plans for a live album? [Everyone agrees it’s a great idea!]
Yeah, working on a live album for next year too.
And will there be a special extended DVD?
DVD will be on the US version I'm told.
A live album, a US release and an all new album...we'll be spoiled!
Exactly, a very busy year.
And a new website too don't forget!
Yeah watch out for the new website, it's going to be wicked!

What’s you opinion on MP3s....I know you don't make money from them but I think they encourage people to listen to music?
I think MP3s are all good, it’s always a bonus to make music reach more people.

Do the record company tell you when they licence a track for a compilation?
Yes, they do let me know about compilations.

Are you the kind of artist who does music because this is what you absolutely love and does big record sales and MTV videos mean all that much to you?
It means nothing to me, what means the most is all the support I get from around the world.

How much profit do you make from a record sale, not actual figures, etc but an idea of how it all works?
It all depends on the deal done with the label and royalties, etc.

We still want you to come to Texas!
I know I keep saying it but will be in the US a lot because Best By Far is going to be released in February, so I will be doing an extensive tour.

What do you think about the whole "neo-soul" thing?
It's great to hear people sounding like a band again but we still need more.

Where do you want to be in five years? I always get the impression making a big star of yourself isn’t quite your bag!
Still chugging along quite nicely, thank you very much.
Your talent is kept too quiet, let those who can market your ass off to make you more money and get more people listening to your stuff do it! I wanted your answer to be the next Stevie or something!
Respect for those comments.

Have you ever been invited to the St Lucia Jazz Festival?
Yes, I've performed at St Lucia for the last couple of years but hopefully I'll do a full show, maybe next year?
How about Montreaux or Trinidad carnival?
I have been to Montreaux. We're going to be putting some video footage on the website soon, including some footage of me at Montreaux. Sadly I haven’t been invited to Trinidad but would love to go.

As a child growing up, who were your influences?
Stevie Wonder, Level 42 and Jeff Lorber.
No West Indian influenced music?
West Indian influence didn't happen until later when I got into reggae and Latin.
I was going to say the last album had some reggae vibes, subtle but there.

What is your favourite Stevie Wonder LP?
My fave is Secret Life Of Plants
Others favourites were:
Innervisions, Songs In The Key Of Life, Fullfillingness First Finale and Talking Book.

What’s like when you go out in public, do you feel you need security sometimes or are most peeple cool?
Nah, never feel threatened, usually people are quite discreet.
I guess if you had the stardom we all want for you it may be a little more oppressive.

Do you listen to gospel music? And who are some of your faves?
I need to listen to more gospel.