Lamya

Born in Oman, Lamya spent her childhood in Kenya before pursuing studies in England and Egypt. From infancy she demonstrated an innate gift for melody, and as a classically trained vocalist she developed an operatic command of her instrument. An encounter with a televised interview featuring Madonna in New York City prompted the young singer—whose name is pronounced “lamb-ya”—to leave home and relocate to that city in pursuit of a recording career. She spent her early months there auditioning unannounced at nightclubs until 1991, when she secured her first professional opportunity. That break arrived when she supplied the lead vocal for DJ Vaughn Mason’s “Break 4 Love,” an experience that quickly led to her assuming lead vocals for Soul II Soul. Subsequent touring work with Duran Duran followed, along with performances alongside David Bowie and James Brown. In 2002 she issued her debut album, Learning From Falling. Serving as sole singer, producer, and composer, the five-octave artist drew on poems she had written since age eleven for the lyrics. Critics likened her idiosyncratic style and vocal range to those of Björk and Kate Bush, and she also made an appearance on The Tonight Show.