#MusicExchange: Nathan Ro

This talented songwriter, singer and performer, then formed the music group Lone Hill Estate. And now is in the trio called Swing City. He has also appeared on Isidingo. His current work is playing Don in the musical Kinky Boots, which is on at the Fugard Theatre in Cape Town till 2 February 2020.

Nathan Ro as Don in Kinky Boots

Nathan Ro in Swing City

I caught up with him last week.

When are you happiest?

I'd probably have to say between September and December. But I do allow for happiness all-year-round.

What does music mean to you?

Music fits into the hum that surrounds all of us daily, but it is more noticeable, it is a “noticed” slice of life.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?

I love that every day is different. No two days are the same. Even similar days are worlds apart if you take don't disregard the details.

What drives you: ego or humility?

Ego is thinking you are who you strive to be, often beyond your capabilities and humility is thinking you are who you are and what you are capable of. I think it's sometimes good to let each take the wheel depending on the task at hand.

Any funny moments on stage?

We once played an Afrikaans venue called Die Liedjie Boer, I told the crowd “I've never licked a boer in my life but there is a first time for everything.” One man thought I said, “I've never liked a boer” and so he was waiting to beat me after the show. I explained about the licking and he let me off with a warning.

Which living person do you admire most and why?

Desmond Tutu, his love and joy have stood in the face of hate and misery for so many years. He is a true example of what light can do in darkness. He also once told a woman she would go to Hell if she made Milo with water instead of milk.

What is your most treasured possession?

A labradorite stone that I wear around my neck.

It’s your round, what are you drinking?

White Russian.

Nicknames?

Natro, Jono, Henry, Cracker D Holmes.

If you were not a musician, what would you do?

An animator.

Pick five words to describe yourself?

Easy-going, joyful, grateful, spiritual and umbrella.

What is your favourite word?

Wallop

Favourite fashion garment:

A long asymmetrical black hoodie.

Give us some real proper slang and what it means:

Fing Cool. When something is f**king cool.

Your greatest achievement:

I suppose enjoying the journey to each achievement ;).

What is your fear?

The repetition of cyclical time.

Happiness is:

Rolling around in the waves.

On stage, I tend to:

Say inappropriate things and get people dancing.

The best life lesson you have been taught:

Never listen to what people say about you whether it is positive or negative. Positive feedback could fill you with pride and negative feedback will bring you down, rather know who you are, then no one can steer you but you.

Wishes and dreams:

I wish everyone could really see and notice one another. When you realise that everyone you see has a complex story of their own that lead to that point you start understanding so much more. I also wish I could breathe underwater.

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