Unashamedly gospel
Q: At what age did you begin singing and when was the first time you sang publicly?
I first sang when I was 15 and it was in church.
Q: Who or what inspired you to get into singing?
I just wanted to show my gratitude to God for what he had done for me, that was my inspiration to start singing.
My faith in God – it is by His grace I have been afforded the opportunities I have now.
Q: Have you trained professionally?
I have had some vocal coaching and some music lessons but not professional.
Q: Tell us about the release of your first CD, the types of songs, and if it’s the first of many to come?
The album is called Unashamed and it was released in late 2015. It’s on most of the major digital platforms, such as iTunes, Google Play, Amazon and CD Baby.
It’s a mixture of gospel, rock, pop and worship based songs. We are currently working on the distribution into the retail stores.
I currently have more than 34 songs registered, but only 12 have been released on a recording, so this album is the first of many to come.
Q: What genre of music do you enjoy?
Rock, pop and R&B.
Q: Is music a full time job? If not, how do you strike the balance?
For me, it is a full time job as it takes time to write songs.
It involves reading, preparing, practising and recording demos before going into an actual studio recording.
Q: What are your hobbies and what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Watching and playing soccer, cycling and going to the movies. Q: Family life? I have been married for nine years to Roxanne and we have two amazing kids, David, 6, and Jade, 4. Our family time is spent watching movies together, cycling and spending time at home.
Q: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
For the month of November I am involved in the Gospel Icon Discovery Final held by the municipality, in which the top three get to sing at the Essence festival at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
I hope to be involved in many more local endeavours for the community.
I hope to get signed to a major global record label and have the freedom to write and record freely.
At the same time, I very much hope to be able to open doors for other musicians who have not been given an opportunity because there are many people who have not had the chance to showcase their talent.
I am currently Number 1 on the ReverbNation charts for Local, Regional and National after only one month. Hopefully in five years this would have expanded to other music charts.
Q: Who is your music icon and why?
Locally I would have to say Loyiso Bala, Benjaman Dube, Thulani Ga, Thina Zungu, Shaun Pillay, Natalie Rungan and Tree 63.
Internationally: Jonathan Stockstill, Israel Houghton, Usher and Lauren Hill.
I enjoy their unique style of music and their achievements with respect to their specific genres of music.
I have great sponsors who have believed in me from the beginning – Marshall Music for
which I am very grateful.
TO WIN yourself a copy of Unashamed, SMS POST followed by your full name and area to 33258.
SMSes cost R1.50. Winners will be notified telephonically.