Barrington, after having seen you give yet another impeccable performance, I simply have to ask you what you do to keep your voice in such tiptop shape.
Barrington Levy: "(laughs) My voice is just a blessing I got from God. I never got no formal training or anything; it's just a part of me. I can only give thanks to the Most High. I don't do anything special to protect it; on the contrary, I even smoke. The only thing I've never done is drinking, though. All I've got is my music and I simply love writing songs and putting them out there for the people to listen to. When you can then perform them live and see the people in front of you singing along, that's a thrill unlike anything else I know."
As a youth, was there a defining moment when you knew you were going for a career in the music business?
Barrington Levy: "Honestly, I never thought of doing anything else, really. I've never done a nine-to-five job in my life; I left my mom's house and went straight into the studio to record my first tune. It's always been music for me."
Who were your main influences as a singer when you just started out?
Barrington Levy: "There are a couple of artists I definitely have to mention. I always admired Michael Jackson, there was Dennis Brown of course and I've always liked John Holt as well."
You've been working on your new album, 'It's About Time', for some years now. What's taking so long?
Barrington Levy: "Well I don't think I have to explain you that the music business has changed severely over the past few years. Producing this album has cost me a lot of money, and for me to put it out and have it pirated the next day doesn't make much sense. I hope to release it by the beginning of next year, but as you know good things come to those who wait. I did collaborations with people like Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, Damian Marley and Ce'cile, so it's definitely going to be a collector's item my fans are going to want to get their hands on."
There are whispers that you've decided this will be your last album effort. Just rumours or is there some truth in that?
Barrington Levy: "It's definitely not just a rumour; where album releases are concerned, 'It's About Time' will be my last effort, yes. Not that I'm thinking of retiring or anything like that, I just don't think putting out album after album makes sense anymore. I'll still be performing live and will put the odd single out there and I would like to start focusing on my work as a producer more as well. I have my own label called Black Roses and there's some young talent out there I would like to promote."
Your biggest hit to date is still that massive tune called 'Under Mi Sensi', but it doesn't necessarily have to be the song you yourself like the most. Which tunes in your repertoire hold a special place in your heart?
Barrington Levy: "Personally I think 'Broader Than Broadway' is still bigger than 'Under Mi Sensi' and I love to perform 'Vice Versa Love' and 'Living Dangerously' as well, but in truth it's hard to choose because I love all my songs!"