Kem Returning To Detroit For 2 Shows At The Fox Theatre

DETROIT (WWJ) - International recording artist/songwriter/producer Kem is returning home to Detroit to perform two shows at the Fox Theatre.

The self-taught musician will headline a show at the Fox on Friday, March 25. The show features Ledisi and Musiq Soulchild as the opening acts. Kem will return to the Fox on April 10 to perform a second show, this one featuring American Idol and Grammy Award winner Fantasia Barrino as the opening act.

Kem's career has been flying high ever since his debut CD, "Kemistry," which sold more than 500,000 copies. He followed that up "Kem Album Two" and is now riding high on the success of his third and latest CD, "Intimacy."

While some artists come and go, Kem's career is showing no signs of slowing down. What's the secret to his success?

"I got some good friends that told me ... in order to keep what you have, you gotta give it away," Kem told WWJ's Entertainment Reporter Terri Lee. "It's important for all of us, not only for myself, but for all of us. Anytime that we are allowed to overcome something, if we have victory in our lives, it's important that we share that, you know, so that other people see that they can overcome and they can be victorious and deal with whatever that they're going through."

Kem says he especially loves performing before a hometown crowd because this is where it all started.

"Anytime we have an opportunity to perform in Detroit, you know, I consider it to be a privilege," Kem said. "You know, my career was built on the love of Detroit first. We didn't have a record deal in the beginning, you know, I was selling CDs out of my car ... and Detroit was the one ... the people of Detroit are the ones who helped put us on the map ... and it's very humbling ... and I can't say enough great things about the people of Detroit."

With Kem's first show at the Fox already sold out, it's safe to say that metro Detroiters are ecstatic about seeing him perform live. What can they expect to see - and hear - when Kem takes to the stage?

"If you love the CDs ... on our worst day, I always say we sound just like the record," Kem said. "I've got great Detroit musicians, we've got background singers, the production is on a level that we've never done before. It's the biggest production that I've carried with me on the road." We're looking forward to comin' home."

Kem added that his tour -- which kicked off on February 17 in Houston, Texas and has dates still to be added -- is "a very good look for the city of Detroit because we talk about Detroit wherever we go."

What's next on the horizon for the international superstar who went from waiting tables and struggling with drug addiction to performing his signature style of music in venues from coast to coast?

Kem says he's developing a women's fragrance, he's looking at touring overseas and he's cultivating songs for his next album.

Before wrapping up his interview, Kem said he wanted to thank all of his listeners and supporters throughout metro Detroit. He said he is looking forward to seeing everyone at one of his two upcoming shows in Detroit.

For more on Kem, click here for a link to his official web site.

Be sure to listen to WWJ Newsradio 950 on Saturday, March 19, to hear excerpts of Kem's interview with WWJ Entertainment Reporter Terri Lee.