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#MusicExchange: Latheem Gabriel releases new single "At First Sight"
The release of the single comes shortly after having received the award for Contributing Musician of the Year at this year’s 2021 Hero Awards for his contribution as an artist within the LGBTQI+ community in March of this year.
The song serves as a deeper exploration into his love of R&B and soul. A ‘70s-style funk track with modern infusions, “At First Sight” was produced by Moeneeb Galant.
“At First Sight” deals with the heartache of the never-ending search for real love.
Written in the aftermath of a relationship gone bad and inspired by the heartbreak that ensues all such unhappy endings, “At First Sight” is driven by vivid lyrics of pain and desperation.
Latheem says: “I was inspired to write this song after a breakup I had gone through a few months ago, and I realised that I was stuck in a cycle of falling in love over and over again with the same result.”
I chatted with Latheem last week.
The new decade means:
Beginning to see some of the hard work I put into my dreams come to fruition.
Fame is about:
Hard work, sacrifice and developing a thick skin. It’s a byproduct of being successful
Retirement will happen when:
When I’ve done everything I set out to do. Until then, I can’t stop.
I don't do:
Tripe and trotters. I just can’t.
What does music mean to you?
It’s my true north, my compass needle. Music is a wondrous way of connecting with each other in an age where people are becoming ever more afraid of feeling.
My music is about:
My songs are a snapshot of what I feel are important moments in my life.
Where do you go for inspiration to create?
The seaside. Anywhere I can smell the ocean and hear waves crashing.
What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?
Completing a song, it's hard work writing and when I’ve penned that last stanza, I feel I’ve accomplished.
The song you must do in every show:
“Bones”. I’ve certainly done it in every show. I guess it’s something I really like singing because it means so much to me.
My heroes:
Steve Biko, Nelson Mandela, the students who marched on 16 June 1976. Firefighters and anyone who is willing to risk their lives for another and stand up against oppression.
My style icon:
Prince. Hands down. I just loved those outfits he would wear.
What is your most treasured possession?
I would have to say my guitar. It’s a 12-string that I was given almost 20 years ago and it has written more songs with me than I can remember.
It’s your round, what are you drinking?
Just water.
What makes you stand out?
I have really rebellious hair. It won’t do anything I want it to so it usually looks unkempt, which in itself became a characteristic people associated with me as an artist and public figure.
Nicknames:
Jof.
If you were not a musician, what would you do?
I’m also a qualified graphic designer. Design and creation are some of my biggest passions.
Who would play you in a Hollywood blockbuster and why?
Toby Kebbell. I think there’s a resemblance and I like the intensity when he acts.
Pick five words to describe yourself:
Passionate, creative, obsessive, compassionate and tenacious.
Five favourite SA albums of all time:
- Black Coffee – Music Is King
- Freshlyground – Nomvula
- Bongo Maffin – The Concerto
- Miriam Makeba – The Voice of Africa
- Arno Carstens – Another Universe
Greatest movie ever made?
Oliver! (1968) by Carol Reed. It’s the one movie that never fails to inspire me to happiness and tears. It represents innocence for me. I saw it as a kid and knew I wanted it. It was magical.
What song changed your life?
“All I Really Want” - Alanis Morissette. At 16, it was filled with all the angst, bitterness, intellectual musings and questions I never knew I had! I was hooked on rock after that.
Who do you love?
My current partner. I just released a song about the plot twists of falling in love and here I go again.
What is your favourite word?\
Sorry. It’s so hard to say but it forces us into a space of humility and gratitude.
Favourite fashion garment:
Fur. I love my fur coats.
Give us some real proper slang and what it means:
Minute: a Coloured colloquial term, which directly translates to minutes in Afrikaans. It means to wait, but like you seriously need to slow your roll. “Minute! Wait your turn.”
Top of your bucket list:
I’d love to skydive and bungee jump before I cash in my chips! I’ve never been an adrenaline junkie but would love to experience that rush.
Your greatest achievement:
Receiving the award for Most Contributing Musician of the Year in March of 2021. It was the most beautiful moment for me.
What do you complain about most often?
Not having enough hours in a day and inconsiderate behaviour.
Happiness is:
Writing music near the ocean. Listening to the sound of waves crashing and the smell of seaweed.
On stage, I tend to:
Lose myself in whatever song I’m singing. It often feels as if I’m having a conversation with God.
Do you do charity work and, if you do, what do you do?
I do pro-bono work for an organisation called Al-Ghurba Foundation that counsels and workshops Muslims who struggle to reconcile their sexual identity with their religion.
Wishes and dreams:
One of my biggest dreams is to have my own organisation one day mentoring and teaching young artists. I believe mental health is important as an artist. An issue I feel Isn’t sufficiently addressed in this industry, but I still have a long way to go before realising this dream.
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