As a father what life lessons do you want to impart to your child?
There are quite a few things I have told my daughter most of her life. Believe in yourself, take your manners with you where ever you go, education can set you free and, of course, now that she is over eighteen, if you go to a five dollar fete you will find a five dollar date! I also have been blessed to take my child behind the scenes in my field of entertainment. That helped her to understand that a lot of hard work and dedication are expected from you in life. Plus I honestly can at least say that I have been the best Father I could be.
How has fatherhood changed your life?
I think that at some point most fathers stop and think to themselves “I am going to be a daddy!” I took that moment fairly seriously. I had always said that if I ever became a father I would try to be the best father that I could be. Trust me, I ain’t perfect, but, I can say that I have lived long enough to hear my child say that she thinks I am the best father in the world. That is good enough for me. I have always loved children and to have a child of my own, from the woman that I love is truly a privilege. Being a father has made me try to be a better human being. No-one wants to hear something negative about “daddy” when they’re at school or hanging with friends.
What keeps me passionate is . . .
I suppose it would have to boil down to my love for people. I am addicted to the sound of laughter and will go to great lengths to get it. That is something I remember Shana pointing out to me as one of her observations.That’s another thing. Children watch your every move closely. They know what you are passionate about. My passion for good, clean fun and a high standard of entertainment were not lost on her.
My biggest regret is . . .
My kind of thinking does not really allow for regrets. I have tried to learn from the mistakes I have made and let them teach me just how I should stay on track. However, if I were to pick one regret it may be the loss of a business partner some years ago. I regret not having learnt sooner of their intentions.
The person who has made the biggest impact on my life?
I would have to say my mother. She now resides with the angels. Her name was Electra and it means “The Shining One”. My mother was a lot like some of the modern icons we have today, Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey and the late Dame Olga Lopes-Seale all rolled into one beautiful Bajan! She and my big sister Diedre influenced and encouraged me all my life and I am blessed to have had them there for me, not only in my times of joy, but; especially in those sorrowful times when you need someone who understands Kevin and not just “Kb Kleen”.
What is your greatest childhood memory?
My dear old friend (The late David Thompson) and I spoke about this when we were still at school.We both were born in England to two Barbadian parents. My most vivid memories as a child growing up are of coming to Barbados and living out what my mother had told me about where I really come from. She used to say to me “I born you here, (England) but you come from Barbados!” My boyhood days were filled with beach cricket, exploring caves, picking dunks, just like anyone around my age, but, for me, it was all brand new and exciting. I could have amnesia, that is one thing that will stay from my childhood.
A life-changing moment happened when . . .
When I was about fifteen, a friend of mine named Ian Francis showed me an ad in the newspaper that said the Government was training people in lighting, sound and stage for the then upcoming Carifesta. We got excited and told some others but in the end it was just myself and Ian that ended up going and being trained. That Carifesta was a blast! It was at that time that I knew that I wanted to contribute in some way to the cultural landscape of Barbados.
My most treasured possession is . . .
My daughter Shana!! Yes, of course I have things that I have collected and such, but Shana is my future. My grandchildren will come because she lives.
How did I ever exist without . . .
Joanna. My rock. Beauty, brains, class. She has stood by my side when many would have run for the hills. Men, if you manage to ever find someone like her . . . do the right thing.
What I love most about myself now is . . .
I am more relaxed. Most of my life I have worked really hard and my business is hype. When you are from a group called MADD people expect a certain amount of energy on and off stage. Now, I can pull back on that energy off stage a lot more and relax. When I am on stage or on the radio I give it all I’ve got. After that I can step back and that helps me be even more creative.
Another thing I am loving about myself is that I have grown to be more patient. A lot of people reading this will understand that you have to have patience with some of these people here in Barbados. It is not easy, but with time I think I am doing the best I can. I’m in a good place.
