BORN in Guyana but raised in London, Eddy Grant's upbringing has given him a unique perspective on music. Mixed together with his time in New York – soaking up the culture of eighties post-punk and the hangover of disco – the 61-year-old has been at the fore of music for years.

Few enjoy the mainstream and underground success and kudos that Grant has earned.

He first won fame in the late 1960s with chart-topping group The Equals, before having worldwide hits in the 1980s with songs such as Electric Avenue and I Don't Wanna Dance.

So what continues to motivate the veteran performer?

"It all started last year when I performed at a Mandela Concert, Glastonbury and Womad," Grant says.

"I have sold many, many records over the years and I have a fanbase all over the world.

"But there are many, many people who have bought my records but have not seen me perform live.

"I should really go out and make their acquaintance, and with UB40, we feel that we have the right ingredients for a show that many will love."

Grant has been busy of late.

Performing solo, he has already appeared in cities in England and Scotland and his Nottingham date with UB40 comes at the end of their joint schedule. The remaining dates include Cardiff on December 18, before the finale in Birmingham, where the Brummie favourites can gauge their popularity – minus Ali Campbell.

The lead singer and iconic voice controversially quit the band last year, leaving brother Duncan to front the band of 30-plus years.

For Grant, it feels like the sub-plots of his UK return are very much in the background and he is looking forward to treating his Nottingham fans.

"England has a special place in my life because half of my life has been spent here and half of my education has been here," he says.

"My music has appealed to fans throughout the years and with the artists and musicians I have been performing with recently – Ali Campbell, Inner Circle, UB40 of course – I've been part of a show which my fans will know and love."

As well as the hits, Grant has found favour on the dancefloors of clubs across the world, both through his social commentary and relentless grooves.

Epic records such as Timewarp/Nobody's Got Time, Living On The Frontline and the shorter, but no less heavyweight, Black Skinned Blue Eyed Boys are reaching new audiences and striking a political chord.

The latter, first performed by The Equals, resonates even more during these times of conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"When I made these records I was not thinking about making a hit record," Grant laughs.

"I mean some of these are 12 and 13 minutes long, they're not made for radio play.

"But for me the important thing is that somebody, somewhere is hearing these and loving them.

"When I'm in the studio making these records I have those people and the dancefloor in mind and that's what makes me carry on."

Grant's performance on Wednesday is more likely to be a tour-de-force of sing-a-long smashes and pop reggae anthems, than political messages and soul seeking.

Think Caribbean party and good vibes, although slightly more chilled at Nottingham Arena.

Eddie Grant is at Nottingham Arena on Wednesday, December 16 with UB40.