Q&A: John Legend

A month before his latest album Evolver hits the stands, Grammy winning RnB singer and songwriter John Legend, who was touring Hong Kong, drawls over the phone line that he’s just finished mastering the album. His 2004 debut Get Lifted won three Grammys for Best New Artist, Best RnB Album and Best Male Vocal Performance for ”˜Ordinary People’ Legend, inspite of his multiple Grammys, is guilty of saccharine sweet melodies that leaned more towards pop than cutting edge RnB. More recently, Legend also joined the league of Obama worshippers. Here he defends both his work and cause.

Tell us about working on your third studio album Evolver.

It’s been most challenging. Evolver is bigger, bolder and hard hitting than my previous albums. It really came from a certain maturity and a relaxed artistic maturity. I worked on the compositions from last November to March this year. As I approach 30, the album also looks at various relationships that I have experienced and stories from other people’s relationships. Of course, some are imagined. But I feel there’s a sense of urgency in the world today because problems that affect the whole of humankind and some of my music is inspired by that.

What are the major issues that concern you as a songwriter and singer?

Hunger and poverty. Poverty is an all-encompassing force in Africa and there are people dying of AIDS, malaria all the time. So it’s emotionally devastating for me as an artist. But I’m proud to be a voice to raise awareness about poverty in Africa, to help the impoverished and save the lives of young people out there. It’s loosely related to the Africa Millennium Project where rich countries have promised to help poorer nations.

How often have you performed in Africa and how do audiences there connect to your music?

I have people come upto me and tell me that I go beyond just another musician and there’s an emotional something in my songs. Kids sing and dance for me. There’s so much energy, rhythm and power there. I love going to Africa. I’ve been to Ghana twice, twice to Nigeria and once to South Africa.

What’s the one anthem that has moved you as a listener?

Marvin Gaye’s ”˜What’s Going On.’ All of Marvin’s albums are musically great but this album has always inspired me.

The single ”˜Green Light’ from Evolver is inspired by Obama. What is it about the presidential candidate that moves the American music fraternity?

Guitarist Rick Knowles played it out and Andre [Andre 3000] rapped on it and the new song just came to us. I think that creative people like Obama’s idea of making a significant change. His eloquence and faith appeals to all of us.

Your 2004 debut Get Lifted bagged not one but three Grammys. Can you recall what happened back then?

Well I certainly didn’t know it would get these awards. I went into the studio to make a great song and I felt I had the ability. A great song can make or break you and you sometimes never know which one it is.

What happened to your song with Michael Jackson?

He was working with Will.i.am so I got onto it. I wrote the song but don’t even know if he’s gonna use it. Actually, I don’t even remember it anymore.

Finally, is India a part of your tour plan?

We’ll surely come next year and make an impact.