Chad Alexander who will help his long time friend RJ Benjamin put together an evening of neo soul and R&B at Radisson Red on Saturday 4th May 2019
Chad has an impressive body of work having worked with artists including RJ Benjamin, Ziyon, Donald ProVerb, Bongi Mavuyana Zola 7 Pebbles Nothende, Kabelo & Zwai Bala (TKZee)
I spoke to him last week :
When are you happiest?
To be honest, I’m happiest on stage making music and performing to people.
What does music mean to you?
Music has become my life. One can say music is life, but it’s the one thing that has taught me so much about people and about myself.
What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?
The fact that I can work with amazing musicians and artists and be creative in the music industry. So in essence, music is all about people, and what I love basically is that I can work with people, create something beautiful… and create lasting friendships and lasting business relationships.
What drives you…? Ego or Humility?
Definitely humility. I was raised in a home with a verse that has been our daily bread over the years that says… “Whoever exalts (praises) himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be raised to honor Matthew 23:12
Any funny moments on stage?
One time I set my keyboard up with its stand… and while playing, the keyboard stand gave in and the keyboard and the stand fell directly onto the top of me feet and there was absolutely no way I could be cool about it…
Your heroes?
I know its going to sound cheesy, but by far… my mother, Philanthea Alexander… a single mother who successfully raised her three sons. She always put us first and who was my practical example of what true sacrifice and dedication is all about. She passed on… 21 June 2016, and everything I am today and what I’ve achieved is because of her dedication to me as a mother and loving mom who sacrificed everything so I could succeed in life.
Which living person do you admire most and why?
Ryan Leslie… he’s an international musician and artist, producer and business mogul who silently and sometimes quite prominently goes about his business of making great music despite the lack of attention and spot light from the general music industry. I admire the work ethic and the fact that he functions on a Dymaxian sleep pattern, where he sleeps for 3hrs everyday with one 30 minute nap… which I find pretty incredible.
What is your most treasured possession?
This is a super tough question… because I have a few. Most people would think I would say my piano because I’m a pianist, but I’m going to have to go with my Yamaha Steel String Silent Guitar.
It’s your round what are you drinking?
Well Martin as you know…I don’t drink at all. Never gone down that road. So if it were my round, I would proudly scream PASSION FRUIT AND LEMONADE ON ME!!!!!
Dream gig to do?
To perform with my favorite band of all time… FourPlay
What makes you stand out?
I would have to say my white Roland FP4 Electric Piano I’ve been playing on for around 12 years now. It has become apart of my brand as a musician. I would also say that I’ve worked very hard on developing my own sound as a musician, pianist, guitarist, bassist, producer etc. So basically I don’t sound like anyone you’ll ever come across, at least I hope so!
Nicknames?
Over my 10-12 year career, the people have given me the name The Chad… I think it has something to do with the movie Charlie’s Angels.
If you were not a musician what would you do?
I would do a few things, open up a restaurant, be a photographer. I also wanted to be an artist (as in painter) or a cartoonist.
Pick five words to describe yourself?
Complex. Funny. Spiritual. Caring. Reliable
Greatest Movie Ever Made?
Nacho Libre…. without a doubt!
What song changed your life?
A Quiet Place- written by Ralph Carmichael and performed by Take 6….
Who do you love?
Not sure who this refers to but I’m going to go with…My Family and friends
What is your favorite word?
Enigma
Favorite Fashion Garment
I’m torn between a good blazer and a good pair of Levi Jeans
Give us some real proper slang and what it means
“Awe Ma Se Kind”- indirect translation would be “Hey there, mothers child” but the correct colloquial laments interpretation, means…”Hey there, brother/sister from another mother”
Top of your bucket list?
Always wanted to stay in Beijing for one year.
Your greatest achievement?
Musically directing two seasons of a television music show called Stripped Down on Channel O and Vuzu on DSTV
What do you complain about most often?
Poor Service in South Africa…
What is your fear?
Being left out at sea or dropped in the middle of the Amazon jungle.
Happiness is?
A simple comfortable life spent doing what you love with people you love.
On stage I tend to?
Zone out and I become another version of myself most people don’t get to encounter.
If you are walking on stage for a keynote speech alla Barak Obama what song would you use and why?
Ah Yeah by Robert Glasper featuring Musiq Soulchild and Chrisette Michele. Why…firstly it has three of my favorite artists in it and it’s just a smooth sexy track…
The best life lesson you have been taught
As I said earlier… “Whoever exalts (praises) himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be raised to honor Matthew 23:12.
Where would you like to be right now?
Beijing
Book at Quicket or the door
Martin Myers 
Leave a Reply