TUNDE BAIYEWU (pictured) was one half of easy-listening duo Lighthouse Family, who racked up hits including Ocean Drive, Lifted and High. He talks to ADRIAN IMMS ahead of a show at Komedia in Brighton on Wednesday, July 6 (£17adv, 7.30pm).
You studied accounting at university. What drew you to music?
I had always loved and enjoyed music – the formation of Lighthouse Family was purely coincidental.
Did your success surprise you?
I was very surprised with the success and it took me a while to get my head around it.
How do you feel now looking back on the chart hits you had?
With a heart full of gratitude and a head full of wonder.
With this show you’re mixing other people’s songs with your own. How important is it to keep playing your hits?
I love playing the old familiar songs because it brings back so many good memories for me and the audience but I also relish doing new material too for the fresh sense of excitement it brings.
Do you have a favourite Lighthouse Family song?
Yes, I really like High.
What made you write a solo album after Lighthouse Family?
As a musician, I owe it to myself to keep growing musically.
What is the most important thing to get across to the listener?
Truth and love.
There was a bit of a gap between your first solo album (Tunde, 2004) and Diamond In A Rock (2013). Why?
Being a father to my two beautiful daughters takes up all my time.
How often do you visit Brighton?
I haven’t been there much but I love the seaside.
Do you have plans for a new album?
Yes, yes, yes - but it’s a secret for now.
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