With more than 40 years experience in show business both
locally and internationally, his next show promises to be a hit.
Not only will he take to the stage, but he will also be
joined by talented local artists, catering to all genres and ages.
Osman Abrahams, known by his stage name Mr A1 Da Sting, will
present Zhowmix at the Joseph Stone Auditorium in Athlone on Saturday 7
October, covering all genres such as RnB and even cabaret. The show will
feature local talent including a dance group, vocalists and two Michael Jackson
impersonators.
“I decided to call it Zhowmix because there is something for
everyone. It really is a mix of genres and performances,” he says.
Abrahams comes from a musical family and discovered his
singing ability at the age of four.
“My brothers would push me around in a “waantjie” (box cart
wagon) and have me perform for people, but they would take all the money,” he
jokes. “It was then that I discovered I have the vocal chord.”
With his father a maestro able to play various instruments,
it is a gene that has been passed on to the next generations, giving birth to a
variety of music groups including A4 – with his children, A2 – his son and his
wife, and now also 3 Generations.
“When I left for New Zealand we were no longer A4, my son
and his wife formed A2 and were the top duet group, performing all over,” he
says.
“I am A1 Da Sting because when people hear my voice, I want
them to be stung and remember it. I kept it in the As because we are the
Abrahams,” he says.
With a descant voice, he has been able to diversify his
music and reach notes traditionally sung by sopranos.
“If they put a curtain up, you would think it is a woman
singing. I still have it because I keep fit and healthy,” he says.
Since then, he has travelled to New Zealand as a music
director and trained some of South Africa’s biggest stars.
“They could not believe the skills. I would go into a room
with a few items and come out with full beats and songs. It is just a skill I
have to be able to write,” he says.
One such song is “Crazy”, which has recently been released
and is available on Spotify along with a few other tracks. The song chronicles
his love and feelings for his wife, Nadeema.
Abrahams hosts a show every season and encourages the
development and exposure of young talent. Something lacking in the music
industry currently, he says.
He says the best thing for new artists is to do things the
old-fashioned way.
“Yes, they show you how you can record a song on your phone
but it lasts a short time. Do something properly, that will last a long time,”
he says.
The theme for the event is black and white and the show
starts at 19:00.
Tickets cost R100 and can be purchased at the door from
Abrahams by phoning 073 646 6458.
