1.What city are you currently in and what do you love most about this city?
In January I said to myself, “Take it easy this year, save some money, and try not to travel so much…” but often and unknowingly, the universe has different plans for us because I haven’t stopped moving… 8 countries so far in 2019… I’ve just arrived from Ireland, landed in Cape Town this morning and I’m leaving for Portugal next week Monday… so, what do I love about Cape Town? Besides being one of the most beautiful cities in the world, I love the light! The way the sun hits you in CT is unique, and a photographer’s dream. I love my friends, the ocean, the multicultural diversity in people, and that it feels like I’m overseas without having to travel abroad.
2.Your favourite hangout spot in your home town is?
Home town right now is Joburg. I love discovering new places, although I frequent Linden & Parkhurst (close to where I live in Northcliff). So you’ll usually find me there for meetings, a quick lunch or a memorable dinner.
3.A song that perfectly describes your country right now?
Africa by Toto (today and always!)
4.What is on your music playlist currently?
A songwriter from the US called Ben Rector. He’s become one of my favourite artists ever! (He’s on repeat) However, I’m releasing two singles this year to raise money for different charity projects I’m involved in. Lately I’ve been practicing to the backtracks so that when I go to studio I just nail them. One of the singles, “Taxi” features well-known artist Moozlie. Watch out for it, the song is “South America meets South Africa” and super sexy and fresh.
5.What are you reading?
The subtle art of not giving a f*ck… Just brilliant!! (Listening to the audiobook though) and Creative Quest by Questlove (drummer from “The Roots”).
6.What would you say is the biggest artistic impact Africa has had on the world?
Being a musician and coming from Latin America… I’d say our music and rhythm… do you know that Salsa and other forms of Latin music come from African beats? It’s amazing how Africa has impacted the world and people ought to know this. Mother Africa strikes again.
7.What is that one African dish you wish the entire world knew about?
I grew up with a well known chef as a mother so food has been a huge part of my life. When we say Africa, we speak of a massive continent with endless varieties of flavours and ingredients. If you want to know how we can make African food world-class and next level, go visit my friend Chef Coco at Epicure in Sandton! He will give you a new perspective on what African cuisine can bring to the world.
8.What does your name mean?
It means saviour in Latin. But I was named after catholic missionary Saint Francis Xavier (hence my close connection to India and Japan).
9.If you had one super power what would it be and why?
I’ll bring the entire world to a stop so they can take a deep breath. And then I’ll make them dance.
10.If you weren’t a famous photographer what would you be?
An infamous one.
