NARO

interview with one of the most upcoming showbiz journalist matthew kiernan(its was fun)!-In recent times British R&B acts have struggled to break through into the public consciousness. But with Corinne Bailey Rae releasing a string of top 10 hits in 2006, there was some hope for British R&B. This year also looks promising with Leona victorious in ITV1 show the “X Factor”. Its another singer/songwriter though that you may hear a lot of this year, although you may not know it, and his name is Naro.“The spotlight isn’t for me”, he smiles, “Ideally I’d love to keep performing, but not commercially, but o would love to write for other artists”. Naro, real name Sizwe Sibeko, grew up in South Africa.and moved to London in 2003. Indeed it was in his homeland that he first discovered his love for music. “The first musical experience I can remember is me singing in a church in South Africa. I guess what attracted me to singing was its creativity. It was the innocence of it, to be influenced by everything and anything at the time,it was and still is brilliant”.Naro’s influences remain open today, “I feel it’s important as an artist to develop your "influences", and therefore to develop as a musician”. Its no surprise then that he struggles to prevent his music heroes from becoming a “Who’s who” of R&B. “I guess if I had to name a few (he smiles) Jonathon Butler and Jimmy Dludlu are currently my biggest influences”. “They have a feel that illustrates what South Africa is all about, in terms of their lyrics, rhythm,vibe,feel and guitar playing”.It’s this South African element that embodies everything that Naro’s music stands for. “Music and image has to reflect your lifestyle and where you are going and where you are, otherwise what’s the point?” And it’s this exact issue that he has become passionate about in recent times. “In our culture, we believe in music that enforces naturalism and a sense of pride for who you are." The motivations behind others entering into the industry are also another issues he feels frustrated with. “pure-money-making is the sole reason for some entering the scene. 50 cent has a clothes range, a game, a film and that’s on top of his music. I don’t want to go down this road”. But there is another path that the South African wishes to follow “naturalism and reealism is what we (music lovers) are all about, and if my music encourages you to help your brother,to share with your sister,to laugh with one another,to laugh at each other,to be at peace with one another,to love one another,to cry with one another, to reminisce,to bop your head,to smile and to acknowlegde there is a higher being my music has accomplished its mission.
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