It is one of my most vivid memories; standing in front of the TV set as a kid with my mum brushing my hair and listening to the high-pitched sounds of Akon’s 'Lonely Beginning'. This was all brought to reality when I was invited to see the man himself in my hometown of Southend-on-Sea at The Cliffs Pavilion.

I was meeting Akon’s support act Larry Gordon to discuss his Music, his personal life and, of course, the Konvikt Kartel Tour which was coming to an end that evening. I came away with an insightful interview and a signed tour T-shirt!

How are you doing? How has it been since the other shows?

Feeling pretty sad because this is the last night, but it truly has been a blessing.

And you haven’t been here before, have you? How was London?

I’ve never been here before no, London was insane. Everything is in reverse back home. When we open the door we’re used to pushing but you guys pull. I’m afraid when I get home I’ll drive on the wrong side! I wanna snatch a box of that English breakfast tea before I go home! It’s been a great experience and I can’t wait to come back very soon.

Have you had a good reception on the tour?

Surprisingly yes, I was surprised how open the radio is to playing music from all the different eras, all the way from the 70s to current. Back home they play the same 20 songs all day every day and so it was so refreshing to come here. I got the BBC radio downloaded on my phone now and I’ll probably listen to it when I go home!

I must admit I was listening to your music before the interview and I’m a huge fan of “Runaway”! Even my mum did!

Thank you, I appreciate that. Tell your mama I said thank you!

How would you describe your music to new listeners?

I would just say it’s new and refreshing to hear, and I tried to bring more of the old school 70s and 80s and make a huge mash-up of that and new music and touch on the subject that I think everyone goes through and everyone knows about. With “Runaway” it’s like being inside a club and you see a girl but she’s not seeing you and you gotta chase! I just think it’s refreshing to the ear and relatable.

What influenced you to go into music?

Well, when I was younger my parents had a little band with a drummer and background singers, the whole nine and so we would play for the Prince’s Palace of Monaco. It finally took me one year and this guy asked me when I was sitting on the edge of the stage if I could sing and I said, “course I could sing!” So my parents didn’t know I told this guy this. My dad started playing “Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong and I began singing it and have done ever since; that’s kind of where it started. Around 8-12 my dad gave me my own studio, so I couldn’t screw up his and then I got signed to the label and I wrote all my own songs. I’m very hands-on - I can play drums, and am self-taught on piano too.

Who is on your playlist right now?

Everyone who is on the tour tonight, especially Akon. Besides that, Bruno Mars, Rhianna, Migos.

What would you be doing if not music?

I was a basketball player. I was a point guard, so I think I would be playing sports or something. I thought I was going to be a soccer player because I was on the soccer team when I was younger. From time to time I still play sports now.

Can you tell me a secret?

I jumped out into the crowd and all my clothes were snatched off, I got back to the room and my shirt was all stretched out, my pants were ripped, these were all girls. Crazy!

What’s happening next since it’s the last night of the tour?

Well, I released a new mixtape which has got loads of mashups. I did a Rhianna mash up. I took everybody’s music and recreated myself and produced it myself to give people and understand as to why I do what I do. I just finished up my EP so we’re just in the process of getting that names and everything. I wanted to call it “Grateful” thanks to the tour but DJ Khaled just came up with one called “Grateful” so now I can’t.

Do you hang out with Akon much?

Here and there, but I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better guy to go on my first tour with it’s been amazing! To know somebody of his magnitude and knowing the work he’s done too. It came about when I was working with my label and I got a call from Aprilann and it was the day after my birthday and she asked if I wanted to go on tour with Akon. Aprilann and I have been friends since we met through the label a long time ago.

The show was fantastic, and Akon knows how to run a crowd. I can’t think of many artists who can get away with having a twerking competition with the girls from the crowd on stage. I hold my hands up to the tour, it was a great night and I hope I get to go and see him again! Good luck also to Larry and Aprilann and all the other artists featured on the Konvikt Kartel tour!