What are your earliest memories of Kingston?

My earliest memories of Kingston include Coconut Park, Hope Zoo, Pizza Delight, the original Carib Cinema, and Coney Island, to name a few.

What’s the most memorable meal that you have enjoyed in Kingston?

That was from an old restaurant called Gordon’s, which used to be on Mannings Hill Road. There was a dish on the menu called charcoal chicken — the most tasty, succulent, grilled chicken fillet ever. I’m salivating just thinking about it!

What would you do if you were mayor of Kingston for a day?

I don’t know how much of downtown I could restore in a day, but if I were mayor of Kingston for a day, I would definitely organise, manage and participate in the restoration of downtown Kingston because it really is an architectural and historic gem that has potential for the greatness it formerly had.

What would be your recommendations to a first-time visitor to Kingston?

For a first-time visitor to Jamaica I would ensure that they have pan chicken from a good pan man — my picks include Northside Plaza, Red Hills Road, and Wally in Manor Park; tour the Bob Marley Museum and ‘tek een’ or enjoy a street dance… what better way to feel the authenticity of our people while having a good time.

What’s your beverage of choice?

A cocktail of Appleton Estate V/X Rum & Pepsi.

Share the title of the last book you read.

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield.

What was the last bit of music you listened to that you enjoyed?

The Dread and Terrible album by Chronixx. It is a solid piece of work, amazing from start to finish.

What cologne are you splashing?

Armani Code For Men by Giorgio Armani.

Share some places in your travel black book.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Sydney, Australia; and Havana, Cuba.

How does a song come to you and how do you go about capturing its essence through your writing?

My inspiration comes from personal experiences. I may see something or hear a word that triggers a song, then I come up with a melody sometimes, or even sit at the piano and lay my hands on the keys, and find chords to fit the melody or a melody to fit the chord progression.

Along with your compatriot Tessanne Chin, who went on to win the competition in Season 5, you auditioned for a spot on the hit reality show The Voice. How did that experience adjust your approach to your music career?

The Voice audition was in essence one of many auditions I have done as a musician. It served to remind me that an unsuccessful audition doesn’t make me a failure, and to keep pushing hard for what I love and believe in. Everything will happen in its right time.

What, do you find, are the day-to-day rewards of being a medical doctor?

The human interaction is what I love most. The ability to help to heal a sick child, see them go from ill to feeling much better, or something as simple as allaying their fears about having blood taken. I also love empowering and educating the parents. It makes my day when a patient leaves a consultation smiling.

How do you balance the divergent worlds of the ‘mild-mannered’ Dr Guthrie and his more public alter ego Mario Evon?

It is really difficult and they are very rarely in perfect balance, but I work part-time as a doctor, which allows me to devote the rest of my time to music. Exercise, rest and effective scheduling also help a lot.

What do you consider your best and worst traits?

My best trait is my thoughtfulness. I often think about what someone would want, and how they would want it done before doing it. Worst would be that I’m easily annoyed.

What was your last major splurge?

Embarking on a trip to Los Angeles to attend a music business conference as well as to hang out with old college friends, now living in that city. And, of course, some personal shopping was involved.

What is your philosophy?

‘One life to live, so go hard for what you want or go home.’