StyleNest writer and Dad-up blogger Frazer McGlinchey caught up with fellow Scottsman Mike Keat aka Miguel Mantovani from the Cuban Brothers. Last year we saw them dancing for Comic Relief this year they are teaming up with Shelter for a charity gig taking place tonight at Hammersmith Apollo.
Mike Keat is best known for his pseudonym Miguel Mantovani, head honcho of the mighty Cuban Brothers. An actor, singer, dancer and all-round tomfoolery merchant, he has recently appeared in Plan B’s Film Ill Manors. He stars in the forthcoming film of the Proclaimers’ Sunshine on Leith, and will be appearing with the Cuban Brothers in Nick Frost’s new film Cuban Fury. The Cuban Brothers’ Album Yo Bonita! is due for release on April15th (with world tour to follow), and they will be appearing for Shelter at the Hammersmith Apollo on February 27th. They have just returned from playing benefit shows to the Orphans on the Don Bosco Orphanage in Goa.
He lives with wife Mel and daughters Bonita, 5 and Lucia, 3.
Mike is particularly delighted to speak to StyleNest as ‘I have always seen myself as a stylish woman.’
SN
You have recently moved from London to Whitstable after over a decade. How do you find the change?
MK
We love London, but Bon’s school was over-subscribed, which really forced our hand. It’s less frenetic here, which is great, and we have more space in a lovely house, so lots of friends come and visit. Mel’s Australian, and I always grew up near the sea (in Edinburgh’s Portobello and Wellington and Dunedin in New Zealand) so it’s been a breath of fresh air.
SN
What do you miss about London?
MK
It’s not that far now anyway, but it’s such a vibrant city. I really loved our ‘manor’, though; Queen’s Park, where we have so many friends and a real feeling of community. It’s a great area for families.
SN
You’re the only man in the house; how does it feel being outnumbered?
MK
I love it! I’m away touring a lot, and the sound of 3 voices shouting Daddy when I return is the most amazing feeling; a hug from Mel and a girl on either knee is the stuff that dreams are made of. I’ve always been a bit of a poser anyway, so the scope for fancy dress is perfect, although the line between dressing and dressing up is quite blurred for me; having more than 150 wigs and 2 girls gives me a chance to play even more.
SN
You’ve adapted work to fit around the family where possible. Is that important?
MK
Mel does such an amazing job when I’m away, but we try and adapt. It was nuts over the Festive period when we were all in Oz together; after family time together we had 3 weeks of touring which meant I never saw them all, despite them being relatively nearby. Normally, though, we try to work weekends and do foreign dates less to be at home more. You have to take the rough with the smooth, and it’s worse for dads in the forces, off-shore or even in the city. We all work on the balance for quality of life, not quantity.
SN
The album is named after your eldest. Any plans to balance matters?
MK
Lulu, my youngest, isn’t any the wiser yet. Funnily enough, though, Bon did say that Daddy needs to do her at least a song soon to make sure it’s fair.
SN
You’re just about to play shows for orphans in Goa. How did that come about?
MK
We were playing at a Festival in India, and knew one the guys running the Don Bosco orphanage- Savio is a real inspiration. It’s an amazing opportunity to go and play with the kids, teach them some b-boying, and perform. It will be a humbling, special experience for all of us.
SN
What does the rest of the year have in store?
MK
The album launch is a big thing; we’ve finally got all the legal clearance needed for some of the guests on there, which is exciting. We’ll be touring as ever, and it’s always great to see friends in the process. Camp Bestival is amazing as the kids will be there as well, and having done every Bestival since day one that’s always huge. Cuban Fury was great fun for Archie, Ken and I, and personally working with Peter Mullan on Sunshine on Leith was a pleasure and an inspiration- he’s like a Scottish De Niro, and the project is very close to my heart.
SN
Thanks Mike
MK
Tellings!
Click here to read about the Cuban Brothers for Sports Relief.