Interview: Sabrina Mitwali

Abi Moustafa

Born and raised in Sydney, Sabrina Mitwali is a singing, dancing and most recently an acting phenomenon! With her debut single Sexy On Ya featuring Australia’s most sought after producer Israel, Sabrina Mitwali is a name that will most likely circulate around the RNB community in Australia. Besides her obvious string of talents, what I love most about Sabrina is the fact that she took the time out of her  very busy day to answer a few of my questions. With the rise of Jessica Mauboy, its obvious Aussie’s are keen on breaking the stereotype that we can’t make great Rnb music. In saying that, I’m more than happy to support this local, as she has an exotic look, great voice and a fabulous attitude to not only make it in the music industry but she definitely has the ability to reach an international audience! But enough of my rambling, lets get to the questions…

• When did you discover your passion for singing?

• At the age of 13 my Uncle Harry bought me a karaoke machine for Christmas, my girlfriends and I teamed up one night and decided to sing some songs. What first started out as fun and games turned out to be the discovery of my ability to sing.

• From that night on I thought to myself “Maybe this is the start of something life changing?” So as the years progressed I practiced my craft and opportunities started coming my way. I grabbed every opportunity with two hands because in life I’ve learned there’s no going back, so live in the moment!

• My music is very important to me, if it wasn’t for my Uncle Harry I wouldn’t have discovered my voice. He unfortunately passed away in 2008 and everyday I push myself knowing he is watching down on me. PROUD OF EVERY MOMENT ON STAGE!

• Who are your idols?

• My mum is one person I admire truly from the bottom of my heart. If it wasn’t for her support I wouldn’t be where I am today. She has devoted her life to her children and ensures we are happy and follow our dreams. Her dedication, love and commitment inspire me.
  
  
  In regards to the Music Industry Beyonce Knowles is my idol, she’s a true survivor! Her attitude, charisma and passion are mind blowing. I absolutely love watching her and other music artists perform live, I’ve learned so much. Beyonce is a true example of hard work!
  
  What projects are you currently working on at the moment?
• I’m currently working with an LA based producer on my next single. Following the huge success of my debut single ‘Sexy On Ya’, as well as writing lyrics and preparing myself for an upcoming album.

  Following the release of my music video for ‘Sexy On Ya,’ I was noticed by promoters and have been invited to perform at an Under 18s Musical Festival. This will be a special moment for me as I’ll be performing at the Z-Generation Music Festival alongside Jessica Mauboy and DJ Havana Brown on the 25th of September.

• Not being content with just music and dancing, I decided to take the opportunity of doing something different and that’s when I joined a Musical Theatre Company. Spotlight Theatre Company on the Gold Coast offered me a main role with their last production of the year – Beauty & the Beast. I had never been apart of a Musical before, however I thought that this would be a great experience. The preparation and hours of rehearsals was unexpected. I have learnt the ins and outs of what goes on behind the scenes of a major production and it has definitely been worthwhile!

  
  

  Where is the ultimate venue you would love to perform in?

  The ultimate venue would definitely be Madison Square Garden (New York); just saying the name of the venue sends shivers down my spine. The world’s best entertainers have performed there and I would love to share the same experience.

• However, in Australia my ultimate venue would have to be the largest indoor entertainment centre, Acer Arena

You have recently relocated due to your commitments for your current
radio show, how was the move from Sydney to Gold Coast?


Oh it is tough! But life was never meant to be easy…

My music work is mainly in Sydney so I am always flying back and fourth to record songs, collaborate, attend meetings and perform. Music is part of my blood and I got to the point where I missed working on my music on the Gold Coast so I started networking, which has lead me to other performers, singing teachers and performance opportunities.

Sometimes it gets tiring with flying from state to state all the time, but its only preparation of what’s yet to come and I look at it as an advantage.


You’re a triple threat what with your singing, dancing and most
recently your acting ventures, how do you manage to keep focussed yet
still juggle so many projects at once?


The best advice I have been given to date is the word BALANCE. If your life isn’t balanced then different aspects of your life will lose quality.

Little things as simple as keeping a diary helps with moving forward in life. There are times where it seems music, dancing, acting, and radio are taking over my life, to have limited resting time or quality time with the family, however when it gets to this stage I take a step back, re-evaluate and set my priorities.

Sometimes I get carried away because I love it so much, but if you don’t balance out your life and juggle to much then unfortunately you will fail as you aren’t giving each project the same amount of concentration and commitment.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

I have experienced so many memorable moments throughout my career. From interviewing & meeting celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Jason Durelo, Jessica Mauboy and DJ Havana Brown to watching some of my idols live in concert including Beyonce, Neyo, and Rihanna. Also performing on stage, attending music camps and having the opportunity to travel.

But to break it down to my Top 3 highlights it would be;

1. Filming my first video clip for my single ‘Sexy on Ya’.

• (I had a ball and didn’t want to leave)

2. Touring around Australia with my dancers for the ‘Sexy Tour 2011’.

(Some unforgettable moments will forever stay in my heart)

3. Performing at Disneyland, Los Angeles.

(Traveling to America with the Talent Advancement Program at the age of 16 and performing at Disneyland is one memory I will never forget and will always be grateful that opportunity. From that experience I knew that a singer is what I want to be.)

Describe a day in the life of Sabrina Mitwali…

4:00 AM WAKE UP CALL!!!

4:30 AM ARRIVE AT RADIO STATION

6-9 AM ON THE AIR LIVE

9AM-12PM PREPARING FOR TOMORROWS RADIO SHOW

12:30- 4PM VOCAL WARM UPS, EAT, SLEEP, SPEND TIME WITH MY FAMILY

4:30-5:30PM TEACH A DANCE CLASS

6- 10:30PM BEAUTY & THE BEAST MUSICAL PERFORMANCE

11PM LIGHTS OUT! BED TIME

Now I can boast Sabrina all I want, but feel free to be the judge! Checkout her latest Video ‘Sexy On Ya’ featuring Israel.




You can also hear more about this uprising Aussie superstar if you follow her on twitter @SabrinaMitwali or shimmy over to her fb page here.

IPAD 2 GIVEAWAY.. Who would want to miss out on this?

Click the image below and your one step closer.

FASHION WEEKEND

To Sydney, You + Fashion Weekend = Love.

Who said you have to miss out on the superb month of Fashion in May? We all know Rosemount Australian Fashion Week is around the corner, one week of our well renowned Australian designers flaunting their up and coming collection for S/S 2011 – 2012. We, obviously become infatuated with these collections once we open that glossy A4 printed paper in our latest Vogue or Bazaar (or SHOP who proudly present to you Fashion Weekend). But our strife to be a part of fashion month of May isn’t all at loss, we have Fashion Weekend!

Fashion Weekend in Sydney will be running from 12 – 15 May 2011 at the Royal Hall of Industries, Moore Park. We don’t just get to dwell in our seats at a catwalk show but we ALSO get to.. wait for it ..SHOP. That’s right. There are over 100 designer brands and huge discounts at 70% off. (Heaven, may I say?). Tickets range from as little as $20 a standard ticket to a stunning $95 for a VIP package. Honestly, in the name of designer brands, free sparkling wine and beauty treatments I say RUN my pretties RUN. Get a clicking and book your tickets TODAY.

For more information go to http://sydney.fashionweekend.com.au/

and if you have made up your mind because I sound like a pretty good sales woman (Unfortunately without pay..) and would love to buy a ticket now, head to : http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=FWEEKEND

◊ • ◊ • ◊ eVe @ Trademark FRIDAY NOVEMBER 26th ◊ • ◊ • ◊

HAVANA BROWN HAVANA BROWN HAVANA BROWN

• Back by popular demand, this Friday Australia’s No.1 female Dj HAVANA BROWN is rocking the decks at Trademark Hotel this Friday 26th November… If you haven’t already heard a live set of Havana’s before, this is your chance to tear up the dancefloor with the Pussy Cats Dolls & Britney Spears very own Tour DJ.

• FREE ENTRY BEFORE 10:30pm ON THE GUESTLIST

• MUSIC incl: RNB, HIP HOP, OLD SCHOOL, HOUSE & ELECTRO

• SPECIAL GUESTS DJS THIS WEEK:

• HAVANA BROWN – Def Rok – Lyrics – - Mc Deekay – Mc Luna

Come see what the fuss is about rated Sydney’s No. 1 Friday event with over 700 party goers every week …

• eVe Fridays ✒ Every Friday!!! Entry ✒ Free Before 10.30 pm On The List Or With STUDENT ID

• $5 Shot Till 11pm

• $5 Vodka House Till 11pm

• $8 Frozen Cocktails ALL NIGHT

• BIRTHDAYS:

• eVe prides itself on catering to all occasion from birthdays to hens nights pick from a Varity of packages available that include:

• Private Sectioned Area

• Complimentary Entry

• Complimentary Champagne

• Complimentary Membership

• INBOX TONY GABRIEL MOUSSA ON FACEBOOK FOR BOOKINGS & GUEST LISTS  or CONTACT NICK ZIADE ON 0404 535 730 FOR  MORE INFORMATION

REXY PRESENTS

Pacha NYE 2010/11 at Ivy

feat. Basement Jaxx, Bob Sinclar + more TBA

Following the most-talked-about NYE event of last year, the worlds most iconic and glamorous club brand Pacha returns to the lush surrounds of Australias most-celebrated venue, ivy, for the ultimate NYE experience.

Last years capacity attendance established Pacha at ivy as the ultimate New Years destination, and this years event raises the bar yet again – with international mega-star DJs Basement Jaxx & Bob Sinclar jetting in to headline what is set to be Sydneys not-to-be-missed NYE event.

With ivy set to receive the complete glamorous Pacha treatment, all of the venues breathtaking spaces will be in use including the spectacular ivy room, ivy bar, & courtyard, plus the oh-so-chic VIP areas – Pool Club, Changeroom, The Den & The Lounge.

With the full ivy complex in use, two of the biggest names in dance music on the decks, & Pachas infamous dancers flying in from Europe just for the party, Pacha NYE will provide an unrivalled party for those who want to kick back with the jet-set or dance until dawn.

As the original Ibiza clubbing destination, Pacha remains the venue of choice for Europes gorgeous party set to let loose and enjoy music from the crme of the worlds DJing elite. Now, with over 25 megaclubs from Barcelona to Moscow and everywhere in between, the Pacha clubbing brand continues to dominate the world clubbing landscape & its only befitting that ivy has become their NYE home.

And what a party it will be. With the worlds most famed club brand, and Australias #1 venue in place, it is only befitting that the star studded line-up already features the most iconic names in the international scene.

Ivy courtyard hosted by SHE .

✰ 1st Release $130

✰ 2nd Release $150

✰ Vip Pool $300

To Purchase tickets contact Rex Bruker directly

rexy@rexypresents.com.au mobile; 0417 260 724

sOHda

If Sydney can give you anything, it’s an endless list of hot DJ’s – Sunset Brothers, Steve Play, Tommy Trash, but sOHda doesn’t have an “OH” in it for nothing. The two new DJ’s on the Sydney strip of the Cross don’t disappoint. Playing at the Parklife after party and heating up the nightlife in Sydney with their vivacious mix of electro grooves their love for house music, Nathan and Stephen are fresh out of the DJ baking oven – and they‘re still hot. Hailing from the Western suburbs of Sydney; the team of two reveal to SixandtheCity what makes their vinyls spin, life outside DJing and their bubbling “relationship” with Jennifer Hawkins.

What’s with the name?

S: Our original idea was ‘grape soda’ We then found out that there was a record label with the same name, so we decided to shorten it to soda.

N: But it lacked a sense of originality, so we decided to chuck in a H out of nowhere.

Where do you play at?

We primarily play at Candy’s Apartment, but we have also played at Soho, Manning Bar and Greenwood.

You’re also at University..

We both are taking on an undergraduate degree in Health Science at the University of Sydney.

And you both live in the Western Suburbs..

S: Yeah

N: But for all the girls, we’re from Mosman, in a three level mansion with a pool, sauna and spa, with a view of the Harbour Bridge.

Impressive.. Do you romance any girls with your imaginary pad?

S: I’m in a relationship

N: Single! 04…

What do you like best about Sydney girls?

N: I’m a fan, although I’m still waiting for Jennifer Hawkins to propose to me, which will happen all in due time I guess. But in all seriousness, where are all the ladies gone? I need some class.

S: Not too shabby, there’s the absolute honey here and there, but the problem is they know they’re hot, and then chances plummet from there.

So why Djing?

N: We had a pretty keen interest in electronic music from the get go, but was brought alive by the ‘blogosphere’. There are heaps of pretty sick blogs out there who keep us regularly updated on the new sounds that are constantly being produced. The weekly ‘stalk’ of new sounds eventually became our education on dance music; what worked, who was coming up with the goods and what everyone else thought.

S: Close friends of ours had also started to dj, buying themselves a new set of decks and showing us the ropes which we are greatly thankful for! A friend of a friend of ours also used to do a fair few parties in the local area, where he let us jump on for a few songs. After that we made our own mix using some computer software and eventually bought our own decks.

Describe your ultimate set

S: There are a few places, up there would be Webster Hall in New York, Second up would be at a festival in the summer. It doesn’t really matter what festival as long as we have a good set time and there’s a heap of people who appreciate what we play.

N: I reckon Field Day would have to be up there. Girls wearing hardly anything, and us being able to dj in shorts, thongs and a singlet! Perfect set time would be just as the sun is going down. I would also love to play at the Ultra Music Festival in Miami.

Best part of Sydney?

S: Most probably the Cross, on any given weekend its buzzing with life.

N: I love how you can be surrounded my massive towers and then a short car/train/bus trip away and you’re on the beach, gets me every time!

The hometown hotties sets are coming soon to SixandtheCity.com.au, until then check out their mixes here.

Swedish House Mafia vs. Congorock – One Drop (soHda Bootleg) -

 http://soundcloud.com/sohda/swedish-house-mafia-vs-congorock-one-drop-sohda-bootleg

Purple Drank Mixtape Vol. 1 –

http://www.mediafire.com/?kznxjz2n1z1

And contact them on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/pages/soHda/114226268617033?ref=ts

FASHION SHOW DAY

When: Saturday 4th September 2010

Where: Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park

Price: FREE!

Lovely ladies interested in fashion, slip on your heels and head to fox studios for a day of non-stop fashion fun. Shows highlight Westfield’s latest, hot fashion pieces for you girls who aren’t the boutique kind, Swimwear and some kit for your Saturday night’s out.  Free goody bags and a taste of what’s to come in Spring and Summer this year.

Places are limited so hop over to www.30daysoffashionandbeauty.com.au to reserve your seat.

STEREOSONIC

When: Saturday 27th November 2010

Where: Sydney Showgrounds

Price: $119.00

Or should we make the headline ‘Tiesto’? For all you folks that heard Tiesto had died in an accident well he’s a saint and he has  risen because he’s the main man at Australia’s hottest dance festival, Stereosonic. The festival’s headliner will not disappoint, neither will Calvin Harris, Robyn, Benny Benassi, Luciano or Sebastian Ingrosso.. Do you want me to keep going?

BTW – If you have just turned 18, then you DEFINITELY want this to be your first music festival.

Aussie of the Week

Who can resist George Houvardas, We Can’t!

The 28 year old Sydney boy flaunts his Greek heritage “Good, food, good wine and good music” but we think he forgot to mention the good genes that gave him that manly chest hair.

Famous for his role of Carbo on Seven’s hit show ‘Packed to the Rafters’, George Houvardas has proved he’s not a one talent man, besides his acting gig, he charmed the pants off everybody on ‘Dancing with the Stars’. Not to mention a contender in this year’s ‘Cleo Bachelor of the Year’ and an all round funny guy. George is walking evidence that humour is the way to a girls heart.

As for his acting career, little Georgie, doesn’t want to play the funny guy his whole life, “I reckon I can be a good bad guy” he says. Well that’s a side I’d love to see, but for now, Keep dancing twinkle toes,  You’re as smooth as butter.

Wadda – Wadda Wincha.

Angus & Julia Stone

If you haven’t heard of Angus and Julie Stone then .. Google or Limewire – No, Don’t do that, That’s illegal

The brother and sister duo are back in OZ after a stint in Europe for the past couple of years. Hailing from Newport in Sydney, they’re plucking the strings at their guitar to pluck the strings in our hearts in their tour this month.  They’re unique mesh of folk and pop blend together perfectly and Julia isn’t hard on the eyes either.
If you haven’t been lucky enough to score yourself a ticket to their gig at the Enmore theatre, and you’ve fallen in love with them. Then your second chance is at the University of Wollongong.

Third Chance? Peatsridge Festival in December, Tickets are on sale now, $295. 

 Now I don’t know about you, but they make me want to take a ride in a big jet plane..

PARKLIFE

October 3

It’s that time of year again, Sydneysiders. Spring is about to bloom, we can toss out or festival Gumboots in favour of some cute sandals and raise our plastic cups for Parklife.

Australia’s biggest electro and Indie festival has not let us down with a more than favourable line up including Missy Elliot! I’m not gushing because the fashion director has been drilling it into my head that it’s “MISSY ELLIOT!” followed by quick little jumps and hand clapping, but when she shares the stage with Groove Armada and Yolanda Be Cool v D -Cup it’s definitely the way to kick of the festival season.
 

If you haven’t bought yourself a ticket yet then just keep an eye on your Facebook feeds! Yes, you know what I’m talking about. Now go click over to the Fashion page to check out Allanna’s Guide to dress for the fests.