Name: Selam Araya Occupation: singer
When did you realize you had this gift? Who discovered your talent?
I was 16 years old when my parents organized a performance for me at an Eritrean festival in Frankfurt’s ice stadium. It was my first performance, with 20,000 people in front of me. After I finished the last song, the police had to escort me out of the stadium because a lot of kids stormed the stage to get photos and autographs. That was the moment I thought, “Hmm, maybe I really can sing.”
Are you aware of how good you are at what you do?
No, absolutely not! I am always stunned when I read all those comments and see all the love people are showing. To me, my voice sounds just like your voice sounds to you..
Why the bus station?
It was a lucky shot. A good friend of mine just said, ‘Bro, sing here!’ I was sitting at a bus stop, and I was like, ‘Yeah, let’s do it.’ After seeing the video, I was like, ‘Oh, I like that,’ so I just kept going.”
Why not the big stages?
I had played on big stages before and done a lot of big shows, but it was only in Germany. I always dreamed of the whole world, so I decided to make the world my stage — and I’m still trying.
Which major artist would you love to meet at a bus station?
Michael Jackson. He is my idol and my number one. But that’s impossible since he’s not alive anymore, so it would have to be either Usher or Justin Timberlake.
Which song do you wish you had written yourself?
Human Nature.
Dead or alive, who are the three people you would invite to dinner?
Michael Jackson, Michael Jordan, Lionel Messi.
Music… music… Music is…
“My pulse, the air I breathe, my heartbeat — simply my everything.”
How do your eyes see success?
Being able to do whatever I like and bring joy, love, and happiness to the people.
What do you dream about most often?
A world tour.
Is this your first time in Romania? What expectations do you have from our country?
Yes, it’s my first time in Romania. I already know that Romanian people are friendly and lovely, so I can’t wait to experience it.
What would you like to try for the first time in Bucharest?
The first thing I would do as soon as I am in Bucharest?! Look for a bus stop and sing.
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