Greg Bannis

This week’s FOTKAI Hero of the Week is a man whose voice and story have become part of music history.

Greg Bannis, former lead vocalist of the legendary band Hot Chocolate, talks to us about his journey — from the Caribbean island of Dominica to the biggest European stages, where he has performed for crowds of over 120,000 people.

In this exclusive interview, Greg shares memories of his musical roots, moments shared with Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff, his years with Hot Chocolate, and his belief that music is true medicine for the soul.  

You were born on the sunny island of Dominica. How did your Caribbean surroundings influence your identity and your music?

“In the Caribbean, I listened to radio stations from America, BBC world radio and 2 radio stations from Trinidad, which is one of the largest Caribbean islands. I started singing along to songs on the radio, and realised, that I could sing in time with the beat and in tune with the music. Then I saw Elvis in movies and heard songs by The Mighty Sparrow, and I decided, that’s what I want to do in life. My mother and father also sang in the local village church, so singing is in my genes.”

From your early days singing on the radio to sharing the stage with legends like Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff, how would you describe your evolution as an artist?

“I did share the stage with lots of Caribbean stars like Jimmy Cliff, The Mighty Sparrow, Percy Sledge, and many more. I will never forget sharing the stage with someone who would become a major world star (Mr Robert Nesta Marley).

I learned a lot from watching these artists on stage and observing the way they grabbed the audience and held them from song 1 till the end. But I still tried to develop my own unique style.”

After joining Hot Chocolate in 1992, what personal and artistic challenges did you face when taking over from Errol Brown?

“Hot Chocolate then saw me in a show called Stars in their Eyes in 1992, by then Errol had left the band. I fitted perfectly, as we had the same voice range and about the same height.

At first I shaved my head to look like Errol, but this confused the audience, as half thought it was Errol, and the other half were not sure. And I wanted my own personality, not a clone, so I grew dreadlocks, as I remembered when I played with Bob Marley — I wanted his hairstyle 😂.”

You’ve performed for crowds of up to 120,000 people. How do you manage the energy of such a massive audience and how do you connect with them?

“Yes we did a show in Berlin with some other acts like Scissors Sisters and a few more, 120,000 people, but to me it was like playing down my local bar for 50 people. The only thing I noticed was the clapping and cheering sounded a little louder 😂.

I have learned that the same people who come to see the big concerts are the same people who go to the pub and clubs. So my performance is the same every show.”

After your time with Hot Chocolate, you started the “Hot Chocolate Experience.” What motivated you to continue sharing their legacy, and what has that transition been like?

“After 18 years with Hot Chocolate, I decided to retire in sunny Spain 😂. But I still kept touring Europe doing solo shows, singing Hot Chocolate songs, and some Bob Marley, Sam Cooke, Otis, Rolling Stones and all.

Now I am trying to do a Hot Chocolate Experience with live musicians. That’s just in the pipeline — when it’s up and running I will inform the world.

In the meantime, I carry on with my shows around Europe.”

In your career, is there a moment or anecdote that you consider especially significant or revealing?

“Loads, too many beautiful moments and memories — it would take a book to write about them. But they were exciting times. Proper Star Treatment!!!!! ✅✅✅ I’ve seen life from both sides now.”

What does music mean to you in everyday life and how do you think it can transform people?

“Music is medicine to me … and I think to many artists and non-artists!!!”

Finally, what do you think of the FOTKAI project and its focus on capturing moments and emotions in music and life?

“FOTKAI does amazing photo shoots, and thank you for the pictures — you caught most or even all of my moods on stage. No filter, no AI 🤖.”