In the UK for his first official shows, Cape Town soulful singing sensation Chad Saaiman will be playing in Birmingham on 24 March and London on 26 March. Signed to Stereotype Records since 2008, Chad will soon be releasing debut album Chasing Melodies, in the UK.

SA PROMO Magazine caught up with Chad ahead of his shows and found out a few things about this 26 year old’s dreams, passions and beginnings in music.

Where are you from?

I was born in Mowbray in Cape Town and lived in Mitchell’s Plain for the first three years of my life before living in Crawford til I was 21.

What is your passion?

Song writing, performance and productions directing.

What do you love most of what you do?

The response of the audience! I love the vibe I get from their happy joyful faces and to see how they love my music!

How did you discover your talent of singing?

I started singing at the age of 16. My first time singing on a stage was at a school Valentine’s function. The audience loved me so much wanted more. I never looked back!

What were you like in school?

I was quite shy. I start writing puppet shows, like little productions and concerts, from the age of seven at primary school. I also wrote poetry.

Who writes your songs?

I write all my own stuff.

What instruments do you play?

Guitar and piano (self-taught and I compose)

What did you dream of becoming when you were little?

My dream was always to become a world star in soccer! I was always in the first team at school. When I got older, I had to make a decision between music and sport… I chose what is my passion!

Best year in your life so far?

2005 when I stayed in Spain. This was my first real public performances and an introduction into the entertainment world!