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A Cardiff University graduate has been dubbed “the Palestinian Frank Sinatra” – and is now aiming for the Christmas number one.

Omar Kamal, who studied architectural engineering in the capital, has released his classic cover of Michael Jackson’s Love Never Felt So Good and has been likened to the influential entertainer by his record label Sony Middle East.

According to the label Omar, 24, is “certainly a contender” for the festive top spot as he aims to bring traditional, smooth pop akin to Sinatra into the modern age.

It all began when Omar started playing the piano at the age of nine while growing up in his native Nablus, Palestine.

He explained: “I got to know the different genres of the world and I was really fascinated by the music of Frank Sinatra.”

Toured with uni band

When he was fourteen Omar attended an international music festival in Germany where he was introduced to the world of classical music.

He added: “I played lots of genres of music in the years before university and it was my favourite hobby.”

But he had to work hard in Cardiff to make sure his architectural engineering course did not stop his singing.

He said: “With such an intense course it was difficult not to be dragged away from the music.

“But I tried to stay on track mainly by playing for the uni’s big band and I did a bit of touring with them.”

'A big challenge'

After finishing university he was scouted by bosses at Sony Middle East who asked to see him on the same day he had a job interview with a software company in London shortly after his graduation.

He said: “That’s when it all started happening. I couldn’t sign the record deal fast enough but I barely had time to reflect.

“It’s a big challenge but it’s a bigger opportunity.”

Humble Omar said he was “very fortunate” for the rare opportunity to sign a record deal but added: “It’s still very early on in my career.

“It’s also important to move on from being called ‘the next’ someone.

“Even if it’s as great a talent as Sinatra if you keep being called ‘the next’ one you’re going to end up just as a cover artist.

'There's a lot of buzz'

“Don’t get me wrong, it’s an honour and very exciting to be called that, but you have to be careful and not quell your ambition.”

It has not yet been decided when his debut album will be released or what it will be called and it could be before Christmas or in the New Year.

Omar added: “We’re getting some excellent coverage and there’s a lot of buzz going around now. It’s very exciting.”

Speaking about the video for his latest track he said: “It’s a pretty cool video, shot in Rome.

“It introduces both the artist and the song in a glamorous way.

“It’s nothing too special in terms of storyline and footage but it gives a very nice introduction to the project.”

Tour plan

Although it was shot in Italy the track was mixed by the 23-time Grammy award-winning Al Schmitt at Capitol Studios in Hollywood and Omar worked with Tim Pierce, who worked on Michael Jackson’s album Dangerous.

Omar said: “We managed to have a really different and new arrangement to the song. The others on the album will be a similar idea too.”

Once the album has been completed the plan is for Omar to go on tour.

Omar described his influences and taste in music ranging from Arabic idols such as Mohammed Abdel Wahab through to Michael Jackson and modern trendsetters like The Weeknd.

'Nothing is impossible'

He said: “I absolutely did not expect to get this far in the industry.

“When I was in a band at university that I put together we tried to put together a plan.

“A lot of the time we said the end goal would be to get signed, which then became an ongoing joke. But then it actually happened.”

Speaking about whether a Christmas number one was possible he added: “You have to be a household name but that’s what we are trying to do.

“Nothing’s impossible but it’s going to be a big challenge.”

Love Never Felt So Good is out now. For more details visit omarkamalglobal.com