BEATBOXING started out on the streets, where hip hop music would be created by someone making beats with their mouths and someone else rapping over the top. Fast forward a couple of decades to now and the UK has Killa Kela. A man whose mouth not only does the beats, it also does the snares, kick drums, high hats, scratching, bass line, trumpets, guitars, keyboards... and the vocals. Phew; and the sound goes way beyond just hip hop – aurally it’s more like a mini symphony.

“The music scene is an ever evolving monster,”sagely states Killa Kela. “You can be flavour one month and you can lose it the next month. I just wanted to stay on top of my game. Rather than keep on drawing on my beatbox talent. I wanted to break a few moulds and bring my talent to the masses.”

This pseudo-serious egotistical tone is typical to artists of this style of music – however, during the interview, Killa Kela’s likeable manner makes him a contender for the ‘nicest guy in the music business’ award.

Killa Kela is Lee Potter’s graffiti tag name. He was born in Billingshurst, West Sussex, and he’s been mad on the hip hop scene since he was a young boy.

Now living in Tottenham, this 30-year-old was influenced in his early years by the Russian sensation DJ Vadim, who taught him not only how to structure music, but how to survive the industry.

His first release in 2000 was a mixtape with Mr Thing called Antistatic Mouthwash. Since then, Killa Kela has hardened his credentials by being a member of the Isolationists, Rock Steady Crew and The Scratch Perverts. He has also appeared on DJ Vadim’s albums, tours as part of the Russian Percussion project, and appeared onstage with Pharrell, Justin Timberlake, Super Furry Animals, Prince, De La Soul and Plan B. By using his talents these big name artists do consider Killa Kela to be one of the best beatboxers in the world.

But Killa Kella puts his fortune down to his former mentor, DJ Vadim. “He embraced me and likewise, you know what I mean? He taught me a certain work ethic, which I still stand by now, he’s a don.

“I have never smoked, I keep myself fit, I eat the right foods and I practise, practise, practise. Musically I’m a good role model.”

Killa Kela is also known for the Fruit Pastilles advert he starred in a couple of years ago and he has also appeared on reality shows such as Big Brother’s Little Brother. The public probably know him more for dating Patsy Kensit – the tabloid break up was the inspiration behind his single Reveal Your Inner Self in 2007.

Now Killa Kela has a forthcoming album Amplified due for release in August and a debut single from the album Built Like An Amplifier due for release in July (www.killakela.com). I’ve had a sneak preview and it’s very, very different – think The Prodigy meets Daft Punk and it will certainly forward his crossover position as an artist who can sing as well as beatbox.

“I just want to try something different and build up a bigger audience than what previously would have checked out my music,” says Killa Kela. “The live show will be a flying circus of a ride – but it’s what people know me for.“ Killa Kela perfoms on Wednesday, July 8, from 7pm to 1am in Cargo, 83 Rivington Street, Shoreditch, London EC2A 3AY. www.cargo-london.com