Lemar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lemar
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Lemar performing in 2008
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Lemar Obika |
| Born | 4 April 1978 Tottenham, North London, England |
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| Years active | 2001–present |
| Labels | Sony BMG |
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Lemar Obika (born 4 April 1978), known simply as Lemar, is an English singer, songwriter, and record producer. He became famous after finishing third on the first series of the British TV show Fame Academy. After the show, he signed with Sony BMG. He has released five studio albums, and three of them have sold enough copies to be certified platinum or double platinum.
Lemar's first album, Dedicated, came out in November 2003. It sold double platinum. The album had hit songs like "Dance (With U)", "50/50", and "Another Day". All these songs reached the top 10 in the UK Singles Chart. His second album, Time to Grow, was also very successful and became double platinum. It featured his most popular song, "If There's Any Justice", which reached number 3 and stayed on the charts for four months. Lemar has had ten songs in the top 20 in the UK and Ireland. Seven of these songs made it into the top 10. He has sold over two million albums.
Contents
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Lemar Obika was born in Tottenham, North London, England. His parents are from Nigeria. Growing up, he loved listening to R&B and soul music. He often sang at home with his brothers and sisters. They would pretend to be Michael Jackson and the Jacksons.
When he was 17, Lemar had his first concert. He supported the American singer Usher at 'The Temple' in Tottenham. At that time, Lemar was also creating a website to sell phone logos. Later, he decided not to study pharmacy at Cardiff University. Instead, he chose to follow his dream of a music career.
Lemar gained experience by supporting groups like Destiny's Child and Total on their UK club tours. After some years, he got a record deal with BMG. He released his first song, "Got Me Saying Ooh". However, his deal with BMG ended in less than a year due to changes at the record company. He then worked as an accounts manager at NatWest in Enfield. When he was 24, his mother passed away. He found that listening to Eric Clapton's "Tears in Heaven" helped him feel clearer. He now aims to write songs that are just as moving.
Career Highlights and Albums
Lemar became well-known on the BBC show Fame Academy in 2002. This show was a mix of a talent contest and a reality TV show. He reached the finals and was praised for his singing. He performed "Let's Stay Together" by Al Green. He also sang a duet with Lionel Richie on "Easy". Lemar finished third in the show. However, he impressed soul singer Beverley Knight, who asked him to sing with her at her concert.
Sony Music was very impressed with Lemar. They signed him to a five-year record deal worth £1 million. He was also chosen to represent the UK in a European music contest called Eurobest. He finished fifth in that competition.
First Albums and Chart Success
Lemar's second song, "Dance (with U)", reached number two in the UK in early 2003. His first album, Dedicated, came out later that year. Other songs from the album, "50/50" and "Another Day", also did well on the charts. After his album's success, Lemar started his first tour across the UK. He also opened for Justin Timberlake's UK tour dates. Many people consider him the most successful person from Fame Academy.
In November 2004, Lemar released "If There's Any Justice". This song was from his album Time to Grow. It reached number three in the UK and is one of his most famous songs. Time to Grow was released after the single. It reached number 8 on the UK Albums Chart and has been certified double platinum. Two more songs from this album were "Time to Grow" and "Don't Give It Up". Lemar also joined Band Aid 20 for their charity single "Do They Know It's Christmas?".
Later Albums and Collaborations
On 4 September 2006, Lemar released "It's Not That Easy". This became his sixth UK top ten hit. A week later, his album The Truth About Love was released. It featured other artists like Styles P, Mica Paris, and Joss Stone. This album became Lemar's highest-charting album, reaching number three in the UK. Two more songs from this album were "Someone Should Tell You" and "Tick Tock". He also featured on Sway's song "Saturday Night Hustle".
Lemar's fourth album, The Reason, came out on 24 November 2008. It entered the UK Albums Chart at number 41. The first song from the album, "If She Knew", reached number 14. In March 2009, he released "Weight of the World", which reached number 31.
In January 2010, Lemar performed his new song "The Way Love Goes" on the BBC show So You Think You Can Dance. The song was released on Valentine's Day and reached number eight. His album The Hits followed in March. This album included 10 of his hit songs and four new ones. One new song was a duet with JLS called "What About Love". Lemar and JLS performed this song for Sport Relief. The Hits reached number one on the R&B download charts on iTunes. It peaked at number eighteen on the UK Albums Chart.
Lemar was a special guest on Mary J. Blige's World Tour in the UK in 2010. He also joined Enrique Iglesias' tour in 2011.
Recent Projects and TV Appearances
Lemar released his song "Invincible" in 2012. He said the song is about sticking together when times are hard. Nick Bassett from The Re-View praised the song for its story and Lemar's singing.
In 2015, Lemar returned with his song "The Letter". This was also the title of his album. The album included a duet with Joss Stone, covering "Someday We'll Be Together".
In 2018, Lemar was a contestant on Dancing on Ice. His ice skating partner was Melody Le Moal. He survived three skate-offs before being voted off.
On 7 February 2023, Lemar released "Future Love". He wrote and produced this song himself. His seventh album, Page in My Heart, came out on 24 March 2023. "Dust" was released as the second song from the album.
Lemar appeared in episode 5 of the 2023 TV series Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. He played Lord Smythe-Smith. This show is a prequel to the Netflix series Bridgerton.
He also appeared as "Cricket" on the fifth series of The Masked Singer and finished in third place.
In 2024, Lemar starred in the London West End musical Sister Act (musical). He played Curtis Jackson alongside Beverley Knight. Lemar also went on tour with JLS for their summer shows.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
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| 2023 | Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story | Lord Smythe-Smith | Episode 5 |
Personal Life
Lemar is an ambassador for The Prince's Trust. This charity helps young people.
On 19 January 2008, Lemar became a father. His long-term partner, Charmaine Powell, gave birth to a girl. Later, they had another child, a son. Lemar and Charmaine got married on 17 July 2010.
Lemar is a fan of the English football club Tottenham Hotspur F.C.. His cousin, Jonathan Obika, is a footballer for Motherwell. Another cousin, Sam Oji, played for Birmingham City.
Discography
- Dedicated (2003)
- Time to Grow (2004)
- The Truth About Love (2006)
- The Reason (2008)
- Invincible (2012)
- The Letter (2015)
- Page in My Heart (2023)
Awards and Nominations
- Winner 2006 - British Urban Act
- Winner 2004 - British Urban Act
- Nominee 2007 - British Male Solo Artist
- Nominee 2006 - British Urban Act
- Nominee 2005 - British Male Solo Artist
- Nominee 2005 - British Urban Act
- Nominee 2004 - Best British Breakthrough Act
- Nominee 2004 - Best British Urban Act
MOBO Awards:
- Winner 2006 - Best UK Male
- Winner 2005 - Best UK Male
- Winner 2005 - Best Album - Time to Grow
- Nominee 2009 - Best R&B/Soul Act
- Nominee 2007 - Best R&B Act
- Nominee 2005 - Best Video - "If There's Any Justice"
- Nominee 2005 - Best R&B Act
- Nominee 2004 - UK Act of the Year
- Nominee 2004 - Best R&B Act
