‘Fame Academy’ star Lemar is performing at the Teatro Auditorio Felipe VI in Estepona on June 24.
Lemar received critical acclaim after appearing on the hit BBC talent show in 2002 and went on to have a successful solo career with 4 chart topping albums whilst netting two Brit Awards and three MOBO’s in the process.
He has also been helping out as an Ambassador on a great new Costa Del Sol talent initiative – Rising Stars – organised by Louise Gibson and Adele Blaney, co-founders of events management company Diamonds & Pearls, in the aim of launching a bright singing star’s career. Marbella Rocks caught up with Lemar to find out about giving back, the fame and, of course, the music.
What made you decide to get involved with Rising Stars?
I think any initiative that encourages new artists to find a platform to be heard and promoted should be supported. I like hearing and supporting new artists, especially those early in their journey, so it was an easy decision for me.
Does it feel good to be giving back/helping other young stars achieve their dreams?
Yes I always try to do what I can when it comes to young artists. A little inspiration goes a long way.
What songs will you be singing as part of your repertoire on your June 24th Concert?
I’ll be doing the songs that people would know me for – hopefully the kids will remember the songs and get involved. It should be fun.
What song is the biggest crowd pleaser in your opinion and why?
‘Dance With You’ usually gets people going. Maybe because it’s the first single I released so… the penny fully drops when that one lands. That and probably… ‘5050.’
Have you been working on any new material recently?
Yes I’m always in the studio, always creating new music. I have a few things I’m excited about. Hopefully you’ll get to hear them soon.
What inspires you musically?
Life. Living. Meeting people and hearing their stories. We all have so much in common regardless of background. That stuff inspires me.
What was it like competing in the BBC One show ‘Fame Academy’?
Life changing obviously but very surreal. It’s never an easy (or normal) thing to be filmed 24 hours a day for 3 months. But I’m glad I did. It played a big part in changing my life for the better and allowing me live out my dream of being a recording artist.
How did you cope with fame at such a young age?
I don’t feel I got it that young to be honest. However I have a good base of family and friends that always keep me and perspective in check. I think that counts for a lot. Family and friends.
Despite coming third in the competition you are the biggest star, are you still in touch with the other contestants?
On and off – I’m in touch with a few. They’re all fine – living life and doing the do.
What advice would you give to the Rising Stars?
Don’t just talk the talk, walk the walk. Make sure you practice your craft every day and be the person / artist you set out to be. There are many hurdles along the way and the saying goes that ‘hurdles are there to stop the people who don’t really want it’. Do you really want it?
You have won 2 Brit Awards and 3 Mobo’s – what was it like winning these prestigious awards?
It was great. It’s always nice to be recognised for any hard work that you put in. There’s nothing like spending time creating something that people eventually get to appreciate.
What plans have you got for the future?
More music, more life, more living.
Marbella Rocks is also pleased to introduce you to Diamonds & Pearls very own ‘Rising Stars’ who were selected after a Costa Del Sol-wide talent search.
“This is one concept of the company which is really exciting. Team D and P have been auditioning singer/songwriters from the ages 14-19 years old who gain a 2-3 year contract with us,” Adele and Louise said.
“We have discovered the amazing talents of Angela 16, Aida 19, Ronan 16, Paris 16 and Amalia 14. We are all very excited for their future. They have been working with our producer Terry Shaughnessy on their debut singles which they will be performing live at their Launch on 4th June, before releasing them on top music sites such as iTunes and Google Play. Our aim is to nurture these talented youngsters who will also get to perform alongside top local and international acts such as Lemar, who is acting as Ambassador and will be performing at the Teatro Auditorio Felipe VI on June 24.”
Diamonds & Pearls have lots of exciting things planned for the future as well, including their next set of auditions in September to expand the team.
We hope that you will all show your support for the Rising Stars progress and come along to their official launch at the Speakeasy Jazz Club in Fuengirola. Cocktails and Canapes are provided between 7 – 9 pm, so you can relax and hear them showcase their talents.
For more information contact:
info@diamondsandpearlseventsmanagement.com
MEET THE RISING STARS
Amalia is 14 years old and moved to Spain when she was five. She has been making and performing music for as long as she can remember. Amalia plays guitar, piano, drums and writes and performs her own music. She has entered and won Spain’s Got Talent and LAPA song writing competitions and has appeared on Marbella TV. As well as interviews on Central FM, Amalia performs at many local events and venues. Her dreams are to bring her music to big concerts performing live and people liking her songs. “I want to make music and perform for the rest of my life, It’s the best thing in the whole world!” she says.
Angela Koernap Dideriksen is 16 years old and from Denmark. She speak 5 languages; Danish, Dutch, German, English and Spanish. Her greatest passion is singing, because there is nothing else that can make her feel better than music. She also has a big passion for horse riding and drawing/sketching. Angela said, “My future goals are travelling around the world and learning about new cultures. Of course my major goal would be making it in the music industry, but that’s not always the case, so I am leaving my options open!”
Aida Garner is 19 years old and was born in Spain. Her mother is half English and half Welsh while her father was born in England but was originally from Australia. Aida is currently studying at Madrid University in the Performing Arts Institute. Not new to the business, Aida has starred in many musicals in the theatre of Fuengirola where she is currently living at the moment. Her hobbies are singing, composing, acting and photography.
The only boy in the competition is Ronan, who is 16 years old. He went to the Mandy Ellen performing arts school for 2 years and performed at the Hazlitt Theatre on many occasions which gave him a lot of experience. When he started senior school at Saint Augustines in Maidstone, Kent, they had a recording studio and used to put on big productions which taught Ronan how to sing confidently in front of a crowd. He said “At 13 I moved to Spain and gave up singing so I am very grateful to be given this opportunity. My dream is to see and hear people sing my songs.”
Paris Gibson is a 16 year old singer and songwriter. She has been singing since she was 7 and ever since then she has had a driving passion about performing. Paris is English, however lived in Germany for 4 years and more recently Spain for 3. In 2016 she entered the local Spain’s Got Talent and won, then came runner up in LAPA song writing competition. “I have been doing many radio interviews and had an appearance on The Hub due to D and P. In the future it would be my dream to sell records and have a sell-out show, let’s see,” she says.
