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AnBan -> ocena Omarja na eurosong official site (20.5.2005 10:07:45)
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Omar is an interviewee in demand. But eurovision.tv finally caught him on the way from his dressing room to the second rehearsal.
eurovision.tv: Hello Omar. Thanks for sparing us some time. Your father is Jordanian. Have you ever had the chance to visit Jordan?
Omar: Yes, I’ve been there a couple of times. The last time was six or seven years ago. Jordan means a lot to me personally. I think it is the greatest country in the world. Although people do suffer more poverty than in Slovenia, for example, people there are so easy-going, the food is delicious, and the weather is great. There’s sometimes quite a chilly wind but I think it only rains five to ten times a year so it feels just like a beautiful, endless summer.
eurovision.tv: We hear that you are not just a singer…
Omar: That’s right, my other profession is a dental technician – or at least I used to do that. But I found out that music was much more appropriate for me. I have been a singer since I was born and at the moment it’s working out quite well [smiles].
eurovision.tv: Can you tell us a little bit about your musical career and your roots? You're also part of the well-known Slovenian band Kareem.
Omar: Kareem is an outstanding band with great music, great singers and great performers. We have been playing for quite a few years. I am only 23 and have been in the band for six years, so it’s very important to me. We still perform back home in Slovenia.
eurovision.tv: You once mentioned that punk rock has had quite a big influence on you. Why is that?
Omar [smiles]: Yeah, I was an angry teenager! But, to be honest, I don’t think that it has influenced my character, although I still have a short temper, I must admit. As for liking punk, hearing Green Day’s ‘Basket Case’ for the first time was what ignited my interest. I totally fell in love with the record and the band. So I still listen to that kind of music now. The special thing about rock in general and punk in particular is that I can really feel it – much more than with any other music.
eurovision.tv: We heard that your love of punk is so strong that you even love the world’s greatest punk, Michael Jackson…
Omar: He’s an idol to me. Michael Jackson is the greatest singer and dancer of them all. And he even had cool videos and a fascinating stage presence. He truly is the King of Pop. And yes, he’s suffering from some problems at the moment which has damaged his status a little bit, but nevertheless he is one of the greatest performers and biggest legends of all time. And I do still like him, despite his current situation.
eurovision.tv: Can you tell a little bit more about ‘The Battle of the Talents’?
Omar: Well, it wasn’t actually my idea to enter. My record company wanted me to participate, because they thought it would be good publicity for me. They promised to produce my first record if I made it into the top 3. And thanks to the show I managed to win the national selection and now I am representing Slovenia at the Eurovision Song Contest!
eurovision.tv: And we wish you the best of luck! Go out there and show the audience that punk’s not dead!
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