On arriving to a gig at the Palace Ukraina, our music fans plunged into a fantastic audiovisual fairy, an astounding music world, together with the British singer known to the world under the mysterious alias Seal. This is a musician with unusual charisma and energy, and on top of that, he is a philosopher and holds three Grammy awards.
Seal first came to public attention as vocalist on the club DJ Adamski single “Killer” in 1990. The single eventually reached number one in 1990 in the UK. His subsequent solo hit “Crazy,” appearing in early 1991, was as successful. Since then, Seal has always been prominent in music. Critics note his unique style. Unlike showbiz stars, he never tries to confine his songs within certain limits, and prefers to remain true to himself in any situation.
Seal Henry Olusegun Olumide Adeola Samuel was born on February 19, 1963 in Paddington, London, England. He is the son of Adebisi and Francis Samuel. His mother is Nigerian, while his father is Brazilian, also of African descent. Seal’s name, Olusegun, symbolizes the unity of Brazilian and British cultures.
The boy made his first public appearance at the age of 11. Before launching a music career, he obtained an associate’s degree in architecture. After a short time singing in local clubs and bars, in the 1980s, he joined Push, a British funk band, and toured with them in Japan. He was so fascinated by the exotic oriental reality that he decided to try a nomadic lifestyle and take a trip across Asia. First he joined a blues band in Thailand for a while before separating from the group and journeying throughout India on his own. On returning home in 1990, Seal writes the lyrics and vocals for a song written by his new friend, the club DJ Adamski. This song, “Killer,” became the first step on his way to worldwide fame.
Soon another song, “Crazy,” from a self-titled album, was on top of most European hit parades. Then followed other hits: “Future Love Paradise,” “The Beginning,” “Violet.” As a result, the debut album by the black singer whose husky, expressive voice won over many music lovers sold more than a million copies in the United Kingdom, and more than three and a half million copies worldwide.
Seal defines his music style as soul. When asked why his album releases are so seldom, he answers “In order to record songs I need true inspiration, rather than rigid terms.” His concerts are vibrant with emotions and an atmosphere of love – but what kind of person is he off stage? The Day contacted Seal and asked him to answer a couple of question on the eve of his Kyiv tour.
What kind of message are you trying to put across to your audience? Do you think your best hits are already written?
“I feel my biggest steps in the world of music are still ahead. For me, the main thing is to remain open and keep a dialog with myself.”
Who are your favorite musicians?
“James Marshall Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Marvin Gaye, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Mitchell, and now I am particularly fascinated by Lil Wayne.”
Many artists are now experimenting with music, skipping trends, or creating unexpected duets. Have you ever considered changing your stage image?
“Images come and go, but songs remain forever. Besides, I’m mostly interested in songwriting.”
As a celebrity, what tips would you give to young, budding musicians?
“First of all, you must understand what success is and what it’s going to bring you. You need to be aware what you are doing it all for. And if you think that your career will improve your life, go ahead! But you should always be honest with yourself: maybe, you’ve already got what you’re looking for.”
You prefer a smart style in clothes, don’t you?
“I’m not big on fashion, and I’d rather define myself as keeping up with style than following fashions. It is flattering that you think I’m elegant, because I think that normally I’m not.
“My favorite artist is Carol Christian Poell, an avant-garde designer. However, I prefer not to call him a designer. I think this term underrates the significance of the job.”
Do you like sports, and which sport do you prefer?
“I love watching team sports. But I do not like to play them because I’m not a team player. I’m fond of playing tennis, and I will enjoy a mix of tennis, NFL matches, and basketball.”
What is your perfect day like?
“My perfect day is the one I spend together with my kids.”
Are you a superstitious person?
“I don’t think I’m particularly superstitious. But I believe that we all shape our own destiny.”
