Aspiring musician keeps his eyes on the prize with fund-raising show
HAVING aspirations for a music career can be a rigorous journey. Paul Daniels is one brave soul who wants to take that journey and share his love for music with the world.
Hailing from Eastridge in Mitchells Plain, the 22-year-old guitarist was in his second year of study at Stellenbosch University when he had to drop out due to financial constraints. But this has not held the guitarist back, with Daniels to host a concert called Guitar Riff on November 3 at Shekinah Full Gospel Church to raise funds to continue studying.
We spoke to the aspiring musician. What made you decide to go into music? I was raised in a musical family: my mother and father sang and played guitar. My godfather is a guitarist too so I pretty much had no choice but to love music. What is appealing about playing the guitar? My guitar is my weapon when words fail me, my way of communicating with God. You never master the guitar because every day you learn something new. Who are your favourite artists and why? My favourites are Yellow Jackets, Jonathan Butler, Cameron Ward, Fourplay, Jeff Lorber, Paul Jackson jr, Isaiah Sharkey, Ivan Muzuze, Marvin Sapp, Tasha Cobbs, Travis Greene, Tye Tribbett, William McDowell, VKeys, The 4 Korners and Todd Dulaney. What attracts me to them is their unique style and I can get lost in their beats, timings and rhythms. What made you decide to host a concert to help you raise funds to continue your studies? I believe in finishing what you started. Also, I’ve got a son who looks up to me. I need to set the bar so he can one day aim to be better than me. I always said I wanted a PhD in music, so I’m working hard to make my dreams come true and my parents proud. How did you choose the other acts in the show? I chose these artists on the basis of the songs I wrote and for their character, integrity and the relationships we’ve built. They were the people that said, “Let’s make your dream come true”. What do you hope to do when you finish studying? Part of my dream is teaching music and that’s what I am working towards. Also, I’d love to have my own studio helping people make their dreams a reality. Which genres are your favourites? Jazz, African or Afrojazz, neo soul, classical, and I love gospel. What can people expect from the concert? I’ve learnt over the years from being part of other events and productions and also attending them, so from the decorating of the venue to the music, it’s going to be a marvellous sit-backand-relax experience.
Tickets are R70 pre-sold and R90 at the door. Call 0748911706/ 074 107 6517.