TW • October 27 2003

On the spot... with Paul Borg Bonaci

He’s a singer, he’s funny, he can play the guitar... he’s the one and only Paul Borg Bonaci of Fakawi fame.
Paul gives us the low down on his musical initiation at the St John’s Co-Cathedral, his passion for films and reveals the embarrassing moment that saw him make a complete fool of himself in front of Sacred Heart girls. You can check out Paul and the rest of the band this Wednesday night at the Alley.
Who inspired you to become a musician?
Oh no not this question... my sister had some piano lessons so obviously we had a piano at home, my parents who always supported me saw an interest in me to play the piano so I had some piano lessons. You know you start and stop... God I hated Beethoven and I think I still do, he's so ugly! Anyway some years later I was in this kind of prayer group... yes me... and I started playing guitar and singing. Then my dad noticed my interest in brooms and head-banging with a broom stick in my hand and realised that I needed an electric guitar... so there you go I think it was mum and dad.
When did you become interested in music?
It all started at a very young age. I was even part of the choir and also served as an altar boy at St John's Co Cathedral. That’s me again... singing softly!
What emotions does your music instil in you?
Mmmm... relief.
What are your future projects as regards your music?
More gigs, more crowds, more fun!
What is your most precious possession?
The toilet.
If you ruled the world, what would you ban?
Amongst other things there would definitely be hunting, fire works, MEPA, CNI, Manuel Cuschieri and Clyde Puli, and the word 'ban'.
When you were at school, the teachers thought you were…
Intelligent but with no inclination to study. During Form 4 some teachers started to ask if I were on drugs too, just because I had small red eyes in the morning and slept through out the first 3 lessons!
When you’re feeling romantic, what do you do?
No I don't sing serenades under balconies.... I just feel like hugging and getting hugged.
When was the last time you cried and why?
A few months ago I had some trouble though it’s getting better now. I cry a lot during films too.
What’s your biggest phobia?
Little children with red shining eyes and white hair dressed in a long white dress coming out from under the stairs pointing their fingers at you and then suddenly they start to... I saw that in a film.
If you were invisible for a day, what would you do?
Not going to tell you because I don't want everyone to stay locked in their homes!
Your best friend would describe you as?
Oversized, ready to help, his personal diary, good to be with... I hope!
The person you text the most is?
The other band members.
Someone hands you Lm10,000. What would you spend it on?
The house me and my girlfriend are buying, a big TV with the best sound quality DVD, a cool L shaped couch a big bean bag to sit all my friends on and a new guitar.
What do you want to be remembered for?
For who I am
What’s the worst insult one can throw at you?
Probably if someone calls me selfish but I think I would be able to live with that.
Do you have a nick name?
Ha ha haaaaaa
What’s your favourite drink?
H2O
What’s been the highlight of your life so far?
Singing in the co-cathedral!
How old do you feel?
Old my ass...
What are you like when you’re drunk?
I don't drink so I'm never drunk but when I used to drink about eight years ago I used to throw up in every corner in Paceville so I think I really look sick and stupid. However, I'm happier drinking vegetable soups with spices and herbs.
Do you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert?
XXX extrovert
Live long or live fast?
Just live.
What’s the most bizarre thing you have ever eaten?
My toe nails... wanna try?
Are you good at keeping secrets?
Not always.
If you had a time machine where would you go?
70's disco era with the big bell-bottoms, shiny clothing, mirror balls, straight lines, and boogie baby.
If you could be a fictional/real character, who would you be?
Zdiminjaw, he's a character in one of our new songs that we will soon start recording. Let me explain... Zdiminjaw is a beaver kind of looking mutant creature, evolved in Mt Mghatab from our own waste, who was born to kill Xummiemu. Xummiemu is too lazy and is doing nothing to save us so here we have Zdiminjaw our anti-hero-hero.
If you could star in a movie which genre would it be?
I don't know but I always liked Tinto bras.
If you were to write an autobiography, what would it be called?
"Don't buy this book"
Do you believe in the supernatural?
Yes... I see dead people!
You’re stuck in an elevator with strangers: what do you do?
Sleep
Are you a workaholic?
Who me? Nooooooooooo
What are you most afraid of?
Losing my virginity
Would you quit a job without having another one lined up?
Nope
What’s your most embarrassing moment?
I had hundred's but one of them happened when I was about 15 years old. I had skived school and planned to meet some friends on the Sliema front to spend the whole day skateboarding. As it was still early, obviously there were other kids my age who were still waiting for their bus to come. There was a group of young Sacred Heart girls sitting on benches. One of these girls caught my eye with her look and I kept on staring at her and playing it cool, drifting slowly down to Exiles on my skateboard.
God she had me hypnotised. Suddenly a little piece of stone got stuck to my wheels and drastically changed this romantic five second story. I was thrown off my skateboard in no time, while I still tried to keep eye contact with this girl. Anyway you can imagine all the laughter from all her friends, my friends, people passing by and her.
I was so red I picked up my skateboard and walked the walk of shame till Exiles!