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.