Efficient Space honours the memory of Ali Omar with a posthumous selection from the dub rebel’s discography.
One of ten children in working-class Liverpool, Omar drew influence from his father’s Arabic heritage—a thread central to his identity and sample origins. After art school and a spell clubbing during Manchester’s halcyon days, he relocated to Sydney, where he co-founded the blunted downbeat duo Atone with fellow British expatriate Andy Fitzgerald. As an MC, he infiltrated the house, dub, jungle, and bass circuits, commanding the mic with his rumbling baritone and charisma.
A pioneer of the Akai sampler and Atari, Omar deftly recorded live sessions direct to DAT. Drawing on industry insights from his sister, Merseybeat firebrand Beryl Marsden—who supported The Beatles on their final UK tour —the non-conformist sought to build a self-sufficient business model. Between 1998-2004, he independently hustled four albums on CD through his Hashish Studios imprint.
The larger-than-life personality passed away on 23 June 2009 after a valiant battle with cancer. Omar is remembered for his assertive spirit, larrikin humour, wild anarchic personality, and enduring mantra: “Love and live your life”.
Out of stock
Out of stock
New in store
