American R&B singer Kenny Lattimore, who is in the country for a few performances, says South Africa is home away from home.

Lattimore, who performed last week at the Mapungubwe Festival in Limpopo, says he was taken aback by the love he gets from the people of South Africa. He also enjoys the country's architecture, weather and culture.

"Every time I am in South Africa I find it hard to leave," he says.

"I am even thinking about bringing my son over. Most importantly, I have friends here."

Lattimore has also been roped in for the Durban Jazz Festival at Hazelmere Dam on December 26.

He has promised local music fans a moving performance.

He will deliver a live collaboration performance with his band and South African musicians.

The singer says he respects local talent. He praised songbird Lira for her exceptional talent.

"I met her through a friend of mine in the States. I will definitely do a song with Lira before leaving the country. I was overwhelmed by her talent."

Lattimore, who is regarded as a love guru, shocked many people when he divorced his wife Chante Moore.

He explains that he still believes in love and marriage.

"I learnt so much in my relationship," he says, "I am grateful for my previous marriage. I have a lot of authenticity and depth now that I never had before when it involves the complications of relationships.

"I have learnt to accept people as they are."

The singer, who has just established his own recording label, Sincere Soul records, will be releasing a new solo project soon.

He plans to licence the album with local record company Universal Music.

"It is just an experiment," he says. "I am trying to see if I can be a manager and record executive and handle promotions and marketing while at the same time making a profit.

"I am planning to licence it in South Africa."

- bambalelep@sowetan.co.za