Lead singer of reggae-pop group UB40 Ali Campbell has revealed why he chose to accept his new role as a judge on New Zealand's Got Talent.
Making an appearance on TV ONE's Breakfast this morning, 53-year old Campbell said that he counts New Zealand as one of his favourite places in the world.
"I love New Zealand, I've been here many times, I've been coming here since the 1980s," he said.
The Can't Help Falling In Love singer said that he decided to take on the role as he had "never been a judge before".
"I was asked to be a judge on New Zealand's Got Talent, and I thought that's going to let me be in New Zealand for quite a while, instead of rushing in and rushing out again as usually happens."
Although he has spent decades touring the globe with UB40, he says that he "has plenty of friends in New Zealand".
He said he was impressed by New Zealand musical talent, and said, "I go as far back as The Herbs and those guys. I know them very well."
Campbell also told Breakfast that he is looking forward to watching the raw talent develop on the talent show.
"All of UB40 were self-taught, except for the sax player, so I understand what the contestants will be going through."
Campbell will be joined by fellow judges Rachel Hunter and Jason Kerrison for the New Zealand's Got Talent auditions which begin this weekend in Dunedin.
Campbell is a UK based singer, songwriter and founding member of UB40, and is known for his distinctive voice.
As part of UB40, Campbell sold more than 70 million records world wide and toured the globe for 30 years, notching up four No.1 world-wide singles and releasing 24 studio albums.
In 2007 Campbell left UB40 and embarked on a successful solo career.
To find out more about New Zealand's Got Talent click here.