Spotlight On... James Emmanuel

James Emmanuel left Nigeria as a teenager after the death of his father. Finally settling in Edinburgh, he cleaned toilets for a living but also found his voice. From singing in the gents to busking and playing karaoke nights in the capital, the soul singer is now a full-time musician signed to Decca and last year won the Spotlight Award at the Scottish Music Awards. This year Emmanuel is taking it up a gear making his debut at TRNSMT, supporting Nile Rodgers and releasing some of the best songs coming out of Scotland right now. His new EP, Good Man, is released at the end of this month, but its lead single Bridge Over the Tears I've Cried arrives this week – we catch up with Emmanuel to find out more.

Where did you live in Nigeria and how did you come to live in Edinburgh?
I was born in Benin City, Nigeria. I moved to London very briefly because I had some extended family and friends there. I moved to Glasgow, but a chance visit to Edinburgh to see an old friend is how I ended up getting a job as a cleaner at the club he worked in and I just never left. I was 20 when I moved here. The first day I got to Edinburgh, the bus driver came down from his bus on Princes Street to give me proper directions on how to get to my mate’s house in Niddrie. I thought that was a complete sea change from London. I found Scottish people really friendly and easy going. I worked at the bar opposite Waverley Station called Sportsters at the time. It took some time to adjust to the job and how degrading it could feel in certain circumstances.

The catalyst for your move was the death of your father, a preacher known as Mr Mathias. How difficult was it to leave Africa?
It was daunting at first. I barely had time to think because I was on a mission. The mission was working as hard as I could, saving as much as possible and sending money back home to support my mum and keep my siblings in school. My childhood was amazing. I look back now and I’m eternally grateful to him and my mum for all the sacrifices they made. We had very little but it never stopped them making sure we had what we needed.

How do you find Scotland and Edinburgh?
I’d be lying if I said I’ve never experienced racism. Of course, mopping toilets in a men’s bathroom you’re likely to encounter a few people who’ve had one too many beers and make racial remarks. But for me, the overwhelming majority of people in Scotland are welcoming and beautiful. It’s the reason I’ve stayed here as long as I have. I played Burns Night this year and wore my first kilt and it felt like such a proper welcome.

Did you always want to be a singer?
I heard Marvin Gaye at five years old and I think that’s when the seed was planted. When I was 11 I started sneaking off church to go play video games and gamble. My dad found out and he took me to the children’s choir leader and said, "Put him in the choir and keep an eye on him please." That was the beginning of my singing journey. Then when I was in Edinburgh I’d sing while I worked in the toilets and people began giving me tips to sing them birthday songs which helped build my confidence. After years of singing in karaoke bars and open mics, I wanted to put on my own shows but I didn’t have the money to promote the music so I went busking. I started singing at Tron Kirk karaoke and then Whistle Binkies where I was nicknamed Captain Love.

Big year for you this year. What are you most looking forward to?
Releasing more music. Recording my album. Sharing the stage with so many musical icons like Nile Rodgers who I’m supporting on his UK summer tour dates. That’s a big one for me and I’m most excited just to share the stage with him. He heard my music and loved my voice and that’s how I got the nod to support him. Still can’t believe it.

How excited are you to play TRNSMT?
It’s my first time and one of my biggest dreams. To do it at this stage of my career is exciting and humbling.

Tell us about the title track of your new EP, Good Man?
The title track is a special celebration of my father and men like him. He never really got celebrated while he was here with us. Men like him are often forgotten but now more than ever they should be celebrated and put in front of young people, especially young men, to help correct some of the negative role models they’re often exposed to.

The lead single, Bridge Over the Tears I've Cried, is out this week – what can you tell us about that?
It’s about a breakup. Sometimes people can’t see the future when you’re struggling so they leave, but when there’s promise they want to come back. The song basically says I’ve moved on and we’re not getting back together, but I wanted it to show a more playful and fun side while talking about a difficult subject.

What are your dreams moving forward?
I dream of bringing classic soul music back to the charts and Radio 1. I want to be part of a new generation of soul artists pushing the genre forward in a way that feels modern, open and connected to the world we live in right now. I want all kinds of people at my shows regardless of race, gender, sexuality or religion. Music should bring people together and make people feel seen.

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Bridge Over the Tears I’ve Cried comes out on 12 Jun; Good Man is released on 26 Jun; James Emmanuel plays TRNSMT, Glasgow, 19 Jun, King Tut's, Glasgow, 16 Dec.