Keisha Shakespeare-Blackmore, Staff Reporter

Billy Ocean - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

Billy Ocean, the biggest black recording star in Britain, wowed audiences at the the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival over the weekend.

Billy Ocean, who has sold over 30 million records in his life, was born in Fyzabad, Trinidad and Tobago, but moved to England with his family at age seven.

His career blossomed throughout the late '80s and early '90s. But, for the last 15 years, Ocean took a break to see his children grow up and, before he knew it, all those years had passed, he told Flair in an interview. He was excited about coming to Jamaica to perform it was his first jazz and blues festival in the region, he was honoured to be a part of it. He expressed surprise that people liked his songs and sang along with him.

"I am not a conceited person who believes that everyone loves me, so it was very emotional when I realised that people still liked me."

KSB: What would you say is the highlight of your career?

Ocean: The highlight of my career happened in the United States. Through that success I received a Grammy Award. Plus, I got to work with Michael Douglas and Danny De Vito in my video When the Going Gets Tough; it couldn't get any better than that. I am still touched by my success in the U.S.

KSB: Any new music on the horizon?

Ocean: I have a new album coming out soon but there is some polishing up left to be done. The album has a Caribbean flavour and a reggae track, which is my compliment to Jamaica. Also, I have a recording studio in Grenada where I can go and work in my own comfort. After the show I will go back to England for a few days then head off to Grenada to work on the final touching up of my album. By the end of March it should be done

KSB: What are your thoughts on Jamaican music?

Ocean: I love Jamaican music and the people. As a black person, you tend to be pushed about in a country such as England, but the Jamaicans protected us. With their forwardness and positive attitudes, they break the ice first. Lots of us who settled in the U.S. or England would have had to run back home but the Jamaicans protected us. Jamaicans are special, plus Jamaica gave the world Bob Marley. Need I say more? I pray for the day when all the Caribbean islands can come together as one unit. I am looking forward to my visit and the show because I enjoyed my time on the island last year."