Lyle Anthony – “My Forever” is a Celebration of Inclusion & Equality

Some of Los Angeles’ most vibrant and LGBTQ-inclusive dancers can be seen in South African-born popstar Lyle Anthony’s “My Forever,” a celebration of coming out, inclusion, and equality based on his journey that has literally taken him around the globe.

Before there was American Idol, there was Popstars Hall of Fame that became an international sensation and launched the careers of Nicole Scherzinger and Girls Aloud, among others. Fresh and untrained in the music industry, Lyle took center stage and won the competition, quickly becoming a household name. He went on to perform internationally, most notably for FIFA Soccer World Cup. In 2019, he was granted the much sought-after O1B Visa, given to individuals who possess an extraordinary ability in the arts. Life has brought him to Southern California where, in addition to his modeling career, he has been hard at work at writing and producing new music. You may have recognized him from his recent photo campaigns with Andrew Christian and he certainly heats up the social media scene.

He is a total sweetheart with an accent that enchants. He is down-to-earth and proud of his heritage, excited to tell his story to the LGBTQ world and beyond. While the lockdown during COVID gave him a chance to self-reflect and use that time to create, it would also bring news of his brother’s passing. His music is an emotional reflection of the past and hope for the future. We sat down with him for a GED exclusive.

How was life growing up in South Africa? What did you love the most?

Life growing up in South Africa was amazing! My entire upbringing has led me to this moment and where I’m at in my life right now. I loved being able to run out in the streets, playing football and all kinds of different sports games with my brother and the neighborhood kids. It was bliss!

What can Americans learn from South African living?

My simple answer is to celebrate one another. I have found living in the US that people don’t often and HONESTLY celebrate each other’s achievements, cultures, friendships, differences. Even within our own LGBTQ community, there is a huge struggle with it. Also, making true friends out here is harder work; back home there is more of a sense of authenticity. That’s just me being completely honest.

Lyle Anthony (Photo by Bob of Scotland)

What singer or music first affected?

Craig David and I have come a long way. [Laughs] He is one of the best singers and entities to come out of London. I was so inspired by his music, his tone, and his swag – he truly was my actual first crush. I wanted to be just like him. I would sit by my cassette player and listen to his music all day, every day, and sing.

What kind of training have you had for your voice? 

I haven’t had any formal training. In reality singing shows there are coaches who you work with which has helped me understand my voice more however, I am self-taught.

What was the hardest thing to get used to living here?

The hardest thing getting used to living in LA is that there is always an expectation of you. And once people’s expectations of you change, then you’re not necessary for what they need anymore. Friendships and relationships are a huge part of it for me. I place a lot of value on them.

You’ve talked before about your struggle with God, religion, faith – I think a lot of us go through that, can you share a little bit about that?

Well, I grew up Christian and as a young kid, I fell in love with worship, spirituality, and faith – notice I didn’t say religion. I later became a worship leader for what was then the foundation of a ministry I started attending. It was amazing at first, but some of these Pastors, Men of God, self-acclaimed Prophets, if you will, become so blinded by the attention and the hype that they begin to think that they are God. The pity for me is that I was duped into believing that and making the “man” more important. The spirit of God had left the ministry and I left shortly thereafter with so many relationships and friendships being ruined and this heartbreak from the church, it really caused a huge struggle for me. I had to realize though, I was never giving up on God, I gave up on the man that tried to be God! And I’m in the best place of my life right now, or at least before my brother’s passing in Feb this year. I am getting better! It’s a daily process.

Let’s talk about winning Popstars – you were very young. How did you deal with all that attention at such an early age?

I mean honestly, I always wanted to perform and be famous or be in the entertainment industry. We all want to know that what we’re doing and achieving is being loved and I’ve always taken pride in making people feel special even if it’s them wanting some of my attention for a second, so the attention was never really an issue for me. I loved every moment of that journey as it helped to shape the person I am. Who doesn’t love a little attention…?

What did you learn by doing Popstars – business and performance-wise – that you still subscribe to this day?

Woof, so much! I learned everything from sound to shows, band to lighting. I became my own boss from a young age and quickly had to learn the ins and outs as I went along.

Do you think reality TV gives entertainers a false idea of what a singing career is?

Absolutely! Lucky for me, I worked as a singer and did huge shows, casino extravaganzas, Vegas-type shows long before the reality shows became my thing. I got to see the industry, the glitz the glam, and the rest that comes with it before I became a reality star in South Africa.

Lyle Anthony (Photo by Bob of Scotland)

So, we’ve seen your undie pics from your modeling…do you think sexuality overshadows your singing?

No. Everything happens the way it’s meant to. Upon moving to Los Angeles, I was brought in for a test shoot with Andrew Christian; mind you, as a younger, closeted gay boy I always wanted to be an Andrew Christian Model, and when the opportunity came, I grabbed it with two hands. My body and talent need to be equally flaunted off. I won’t have these abs forever, so I am going to embrace it and be as naked as possible. [Laughs] Could I have more singing content? Absolutely. I am working on completing my EP right now. I have had to take some time out after my brother’s passing to come to terms with the reality and I didn’t want to get back into the studio right away. I am excited to be in the studio again this July.

With the progress in technology and platforms like YouTube, it seems that everyone from our community can release music/a music video, whether they should or not. How does an independent artist keep their voice heard, what sets you apart?

Honestly, it does suck in a town where mediocre is widely celebrated, however the talented are set apart. The reality is that if you believe in your own hype someone, somewhere is going to believe in you, so keep doing you boo, whether you have it or you think you have it and you don’t, there’s a space for everyone. I think what sets me apart is that I’m not trying to be anything that I’m not. My sound is a VERY African Afro-Pop-inspired sound, it isn’t gimmicky, and my style and vibe are different than what is going on now. I always represent my Africanism in my style and my vibe, it sets me apart.

Andrew Christian: The Patron Saint of Underwear

You have literally traveled around the world, been in many of the big gay cities…what is your favorite city and why?

Cape Town, South Africa is a huge favorite. From its gorgeous scenery, the mountains, and the ocean it just inspires so much freedom. It is a super cosmopolitan city with so much culture. It is probably the richest city in the world when it comes to culture, and it is just unmatched. Mykonos is a close second. I love Greece.

Let’s talk about “My Forever” – what sparked your idea, what was your creative concept?

“My Forever” was sparked by my fluidity over the years. From dating girls and loving them to figuring out my truth and now being in Love. The creative concept was inspired by Love, Inclusion, and Unity hence using such an amazingly diverse group of entertainers in my music video. I wanted it to be a feel-good, fun-loving feeling, and I’m glad that we got to put that out.

What did you learn about yourself while creating “My Forever?”

I learned that boss bitches, like me, need an amazing team and crew! [Laughs] I had the best day working with amazing industry professionals. I also learn that I am super calm under pressure.

What do your fans tell you the most?

For the most part that my music has in some way helped them believe in love or hope, and for me, that’s the most important. I flaunt my body off, but really when it comes to it, people and their self-love and care are of utmost importance. If I can allow someone to feel that love, then my job is done. Whether it is one person or 1 million people.

Do you think being categorized as a gay singer is still limiting?

I want to break that stereotype.

What would surprise your fans about you?

I am shy.  I don’t come across that way I guess I’ve taught myself how to break that mold, however, I will blush and get shy in 5 seconds if you compliment me too much. [Laughs]

You can follow everything Lyle at https://lyleanthony.com/