American R&B star KEM, who sells more albums in South Africa than in any other country outside the US, is expected to touch down in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

The veteran singer, who will give two shows at the Standard Bank Arena in Joburg on Saturday and Sunday, suggested his popularity in South Africa is largely down to the authenticity of the local people.

“My music sells the most in South Africa in the world outside the US. One of the reasons this is so, I think, is that in South Africa you find some of the most genuine people in the world, and my music which is informed by my experiences, probably taps into that,” he told the Sowetan in a phone call.

KEM, who was born Kem Owens in Nashville, Tennessee, has braved a difficult journey to musical stardom, in which he descended into homelessness, battled with addiction, and suffered isolation from his own family.

“I sing mainly about love, but the essence of my music is a reflection of my life, including the hard times I have experienced and risen out of to become a success again,” he said.

The keyboardist, singer and songwriter signed with Motown Records in 2003, with his jazzy R&B sound soon establishing him as a unique presence in a music industry obsessed with Hip-Hop. His debut release, ‘Kemistry’, reached number one on the urban-music sales charts.

Saxophonist David McMurray has since joined KEM’s backing band and taken on the role of musical director. Guitarist Quentin Baxter, bassist Fred Robinson, and percussionists Andre Driscoll and “Wild” Bill Curry are also members of the band.

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Black and white image courtesy of Facebook.