Kevin Lyttle’s hit single, ‘Turn Me On’ rocked intercontinental waves some years back but the Caribbean star went silent for quite a while. Freelance journalist, Eromo Egbejule had a chat with him recently to talk about his new record label, new singles and life outside music.

“I am in charge of the destiny of Kevin Lyttle.”

Eromo Egbejule: Like me, you studied engineering so why did you betray our profession, man? What allure did soca music and entertainment in general hold for you?

Kevin Lyttle: Dang…he just said I betrayed Engineering!:) That is a very strong word. lol. That was never my dream; I studied Engineering because of the guidance I had growing up. My mother wanted to make sure I had the best education but also my father figure growing up (I was very close to his sons) use to fix things, he was very technical and that too runs on both sides of my family, for my father is a mechanic. It wasn’t an attraction to Soca Music it was the idea I had to always be a big star like Stevie Wonder or Michael Jackson. I however decided to push back into the Caribbean and that’s how it began.

Eromo Egbejule: You’re married to a doctor who doubles as your manager. How is it going?

Kevin Lyttle: Being married to a doctor who also doubles as my manager is working GREAT!!!! She is definitely not the jealous type nor does she have reasons to be. She is not a groupie; she is my wife and knows no one can take her place.

Eromo Egbejule: How’s life in Miami and as a family man, how many kid do you have?

Kevin Lyttle: Life in Miami is awesome and being a family man works well for me. It keeps me disciplined and grounded. I don’t have all that free time on my hands I have responsibilities to take care of. I can’t party all night long and stay hanging out all day I have my son that I have to wake up daily and take to school and that is what matters the most, my family. I love the family life and as I said, it gives me that balance.

Eromo Egbejule: Being a dancehall superstar, has it crossed your mind to do a hit track with an African dancehall/makossa/coupe de cale singer like say Wizkid, Duncan Mighty, Cabo Snoop or Fally Ipupa? Or the more established acts like2face and eLDee?

Kevin Lyttle: I appreciate all the love Jamaica and the industry has shown me but my music is a crossover of Soca and R&B. I am not a dancehall star, I am a soca artist. I have heard of the fellow artistes and I would love to make a song with anyone who is making good music. I am always open to new opportunities.

Eromo Egbejule: Let’s talk about Atlantic Records where you were signed on to, alongside Sean Paul. How was the experience? Leaving to set up Tarakon Records with your wife, Jackie; has it been worth it?

Kevin Lyttle: The experience on Atlantic Records was great. They’re one of the most powerful Record companies in the world and they do an amazing job at marketing and promoting and they are the reason I have become the artist I am. They gave me my start and I am very grateful for that but I have left Atlantic a long time ago due to management reasons. Tarakon has been around since 2007 but is now being pushed by me. All is very well and worth it. I am in charge of the destiny of Kevin Lyttle.

Eromo Egbejule: Very recently, you dropped the track, ‘Hot Girls and Alcohol’. What’s the most intriguing thing that’s happened to you in a room with a good supply of both?

Kevin Lyttle: Hahaha…..LOL….No comment.

Eromo Egbejule: What next from Kevin Lyttle? There’s been a hiatus since you released ‘Fiyah’.

Kevin Lyttle: We will release the official videos for “Wine and go down” and “Hot girls and Alcohol” early 2012 and later in the year a New album!!!! Look out world…lol!

Eromo Egbejule: Nigerians are the happiest people on earth, it has been said. Did you feel our warmth and hospitality when you came to perform?

Kevin Lyttle: Yeah man definitely, I look forward to getting there again soon. Are the Nigerian people ready for another round of Kevin Lyttle?

Eromo Egbejule: We are :D. No doubt when you were in Nigeria, you must’ve found out similarities between our culture and yours?

Kevin Lyttle: Yes your vibe is a lot like the Caribbean (especially the music) there is a very strong link between the two. The women are also as beautiful as my Vincy women.

Eromo Egbejule: Let’s say you believe in superstitions and came across a rabbit’s left foot this Christmas…wish, please…

Kevin Lyttle: For the US politicians to hurry and make decisions in Congress. The most powerful country in the world taking it’s time to make decisions that affect the rest of the world. Taking for granted the little things that can make a big difference. I wish for change for better immediately.

And then Kev goes: “Thank you and big-up Nigeria…Nuff Love and Respect!” 

Eromo Egbejule is a freelance journalist and publicist who should’ve been born carnivorous. When he isn’t working or finding meat to eat, he’s blogging at Helvetika.org. On Twitter, he is @Helvetika_EE