Let him ENTERTAIN YOU!

Known for his infectious humour, nerve-tingling vocals and ability to leave any audience on a high note, all-round entertainer Emo Adams chats about hustling smart and staying true to who you are...

- CHARNDRÉ EMMA KIPPIE

Hot on the heels of his popular shows at the recent Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees H in Oudtshoorn, Emo appears to be rather content, mellow and happy - not stressed or bothered by much. He has, of course, been in show business for years, so he's a pro at being in front of the camera at our photo shoot.

"Look, there's a host of things that I'm really grateful for right now, like my family and career. I always look at life from a glass half-full perspective, seeing what I can do with what I have and keeping good energy flowing," he says.

"The one thing that I've learnt in my years is the difference between time and money. You always know how much money you have, but you don't always know how much time you have. And that's why I make more time for my family and the things that I love now, because I know that this life is a gift that can be taken away at any moment."

DANCING DYNAMO

It's been more than 36 years since Emo stepped into the limelight as a nine-year-old boy singing his heart out in shows like District 6: The Musical and Kat & the Kings. Hailing from Mitchell's Plain, Cape Town, his passion for performing was undeniable, which led to greats like David Kramer and the late Taliep Petersen taking him under their wing.

"During Covid and lockdown my appreciation for music was reignited because I realised why I chose this career," he explains. "Music is salvation. It can get you out of a funk, be it sadness or depression; there is a certain healing power. So, it means a lot more to me now than five years ago. Now I know that when I stand on stage, I make a difference.

"I understand the role that music plays in people's lives, and more so in my kids' lives because they watch all these musicals over and over again.