Love Enfield.Get to know…. Janet Kay. We spent 10 minutes with Janet Kay ahead of 'Songs and Laughter with my mother' where Janet will host and perform in this special event.
Enfield, for me, is…
I left my family home in Wembley for Enfield 33 years ago and since then all of my family have followed me here – including my mum!
Who inspires you?
Musically, the voices of Whitney Houston and Luther Vandross to name a few. Besides music I am passionate about arts, crafts and motion design so individuals such as textile artist Kaffe Fassett, knitwear designer Melody MacDuffee and visual effects artist Andrew Kramer inspire me.My husband and children inspire me too as well as people that I meet day-to-day, the things they say, what they wear and what they do.
Last album you downloaded?
I don’t generally buy or download music, as music is given to me in abundance. The last album I received was a mixtape CD from up and coming artist JayJayBorn2Sing, who was one of the contestants in last years Reggae Factor Singing Competition.
Favourite place in Enfield?
The staff are so friendly and very helpful as well as it being a beautiful venue with a fantastic sound.I also love the Dugdale in Enfield Town where I have all of my meetings and interviews in the great coffee area.
Last book your read?
The Magicians by Lev Grossman, which I enjoyed on holiday.
Favourite love song?
As a teenager I loved ‘Reunited’ by Peaches & Herb. From the Lovers Rock genre my favourite love song would be ‘If I Gave My Heart To You’ by John McLean.
Your biggest accomplishment?
By the age of 19 I had appeared on Top of the Pops three times and the show was my first live appearance.Looking back at that footage I can’t believe how calm I looked as I was actually incredibly shy!I made history in 1979 (Music Guinness Book of Records) by becoming the first British born black female to have a reggae song at the top of the British charts with ‘Silly Games’.Coming from a humble background, the first of six children this was a huge accomplishment; I was in the right place at the right time and I seized my opportunities.
Best thing about your job?
I love having the opportunity to make people happy through my music.
Best bit of advice you’ve been given?
Whatever I’m doing, whether it’s performing, writing a song or cooking a meal, I strive for the best version of myself.
‘Songs & Laughter with my Mother’ Sunday 26th March 2017, 7pm and ‘Songs & Laughter with my Father’ Sunday 18th June, 7pm at Millfield Theatre.