The Daily Telegraph - Saturday - Travel
Travelling life
How often do you travel?
Every four or five months, mostly for work. I go off to Los Angeles for writing or to New York to shoot music videos.
What do you need for a perfect holiday?
Sun, water, nature, and a great bed. Whenever I see the ocean, it reminds me of how small our problems are. So, when I’m in LA, I drive down to Venice Beach. A few years ago, I took my kids to Spain. We built sandcastles and played in the water.
Earliest memory of travelling abroad?
Going to Nigeria for the first time with my mum when I was 11 or 12. We went to Lagos and the family village in Enugu. I had loads of family there so I felt extremely welcome. I remember my great-gran, who was very old, sitting on the porch.
Most adventurous experience?
In Mauritius, doing an underwater scooter experience where fish come and take food right from your hand. I enjoyed it, but I don’t swim very well. I also went parasailing, which was more practical for me. I remember it being extremely silent up there.
Most relaxing destination?
Thailand. After finishing my first album, I was exhausted. My management suggested I go to a resort called ChivaSom, where you’re not allowed to use your mobile phone. For the first three days, it was hard but it turned out to be extremely relaxing. I read a few books, talked to people, went to the beach, and had a massage every day.
Your most memorable gig?
Performing in a few little clubs in Malta when I was 19. The show went down a storm. Last year, I performed in Bucharest in front of 60,000 people at the Palace of the Parliament. That was amazing.
Most memorable place you’ve been?
The Whitsundays in Australia. I was there for work and the place was stunning. It was like walking inside a postcard. The islands were so peaceful.
Have you been on safari?
In Mauritius, I went on a buggy ride through the Casela Nature Park, where I came face-to-face with an ostrich. It just stared at me and I thought it was going to peck me. I was once pecked in the eye by a chicken and this was a much bigger bird, so I ran away quickly.
Favourite hotel?
The Establishment in Sydney. I stayed in an amazing penthouse, and it has a really good restaurant, a great club, and the décor was beautiful. It’s a centrally located hotel with a lot of character. New York. I like the hustle and bustle of the city, and its nooks and crannies. You might find a little alleyway with a man who sells coffee, for instance, and you feel like you’ve found something that no one else has.
Most memorable meal?
An Oysters kilpatrick dish I had in Sydney, I can’t remember the restaurant. I was blown away by the flavour. You usually want to just knock oysters back but this really made you want to chew on them.
Favourite place for a drink?
The R Bar in LA, where you need to know the password to get in. The scene inside feels a bit like the movie Coyote Ugly, where people are seen dancing on the bar, with an unusual country and western film vibe. Also in LA is the Sayers Club, which from the front looks like a hot dog restaurant, but once you go past a certain door inside, behind it is a place that feels like Ronnie Scott’s in London. It’s good on open mic night.
Best city for nightlife?
New York. In The Village Underground venue you can enjoy r&b and a bit of soul music. Then you’re surrounded by other venues nearby. I once did a bar and club crawl around the area until about 5am. These days I prefer places where there’s live music and where you’re able to have a conversation.
Worst travel experience?
A dodgy landing on a stop-off to Australia. We almost landed then the pilot put the full throttle on because another plane was landing. My stomach was doing somersaults with the force and as the whole plane was swinging, I was thinking: “Have I made a will?”
Favourite airline?
British Airways. You know what you’re going to get.
Best travel advice?
Instead of rushing to board a plane, it makes more sense to wait, especially if it’s a long flight and you have an allocated seat. I wear a tracksuit or something that doesn’t have a belt to avoid security delays, and I pack my electronics in a separate bag in my rucksack so I can remove them easily at security.
Lemar Singer
Best flight tip?
For long-haul flights, I make sure I’m well moisturised and drink a lot of water.
Your travel essential?
A spare battery pack that can charge various devices and a mobile Wi-Fi device.
What do you hate about holidays?
Security checks at airports. They’re a necessity but they’re so laborious.
Where next?
Either Miami or Los Angeles to write the next album. Three or four friends recently have recommended India so I’d like to go there, and, as a lover of technology, Japan is a no-brainer.
Lemar is a guest performer on saxophonist YolanDa Brown’s current Reggae Love Songs tour (yolandabrown. co.uk). He also performs in a solo concert at Oslo in Hackney, London, on May 16 (oslohackney.com).