Lemar Interview : Celebrity Interviews - Access interviews with the world's biggest stars

Lemar

Headline:

Can you remember who beat Lemar on Fame Academy? Thought not. Three smash-hit albums later, he's the one living the high life.

Synopsis:

The singer Lemar doesn't have a moment's hesitation when I ask him to name the one lesson he would teach his baby daughter above all others.

'Patience,' he says. 'People make most of their mistakes when they want something right now. They want the quickest route, but if you can exercise some patience, then it's always going to be a good thing. Take your time, enjoy the journey, enjoy what's there.'

The 30-year-old singer should know: before he sprang to national attention six years ago on the BBC's Fame Academy, he had spent eight years chasing the dream, just another struggling musician hoping for the big time.

He didn't even win the show, coming third, yet he's the one with a record contract and album sales of two million, while most would struggle to recall the name of the winner (David Sneddon, in case you're really interested).

Little wonder Lemar Obika is quick to champion a virtue that's not among the most fashionable these days. But, then, it seems Lemar still has an eye for the long game. Let's face it, with the notable exception of Will Young, few of us tend to associate the word ' longevity' with the average TV talent contest winner.