This Week • November 2 2003

On the Spot... Fabrizio Faniello

Fabrizio Faniello is one of Malta’s top singers with a string of hits both here and abroad. He lets us interrupt his hectic schedule and spares us a few minutes for a quick chat. You can catch Fabrizio as James Bond at the Mediterranean Conference Centre on 7, 8 and 9 November in the Dancentre spectacle, 007 The Bond Show.
When and how did you become interested in singing?
I started at school, at around the age of eight, singing Christmas carols. My teachers and my mother gave me so much support and encouragement. But at 12 I got bored and took up football. I used to play for Sliema Wanderers and the National side. At 16 I had to decide between football and singing.
What emotions does your music instil in you?
Every song has different emotions coming through but I do relate to most of them as they come from personal experiences.
What are your future projects as regards your singing career?
Currently I’m focused on the promotion of my new album. It was released here and I’m also releasing it across Europe. "When we danced" was also recorded as a duet in Romania with one of their top female singers where it reached No.1 and was placed third in the Best Song of the Year Award.
Soon, I’ll be releasing in France the cover track "My Girl" from my first album, "While I’m dreaming". Then I’ll be concentrating on the promotion of that album there.
What is your most precious
possession?
Definitely my vocal chords.
If you ruled the world, what would you ban?
Terrorism, wars and all types of abusers.
When you were at school, the teachers thought you were…
A very nice boy!
When you’re feeling romantic, what do you do?
Whatever my heart tells me to do. Which means I can be anything from words to touch!
When was the last time you cried and why?
I cried so much with laughter when I watched American Pie: The Wedding.
What’s your biggest phobia?
I cannot stand the sight of blood. So, as you can imagine becoming a doctor was never an option!
If you were invisible for a day, what would you do?
Many things. I would definitely go abroad for the day just to have the peace and quiet but I would have a little fun and go into women’s changing rooms and play tricks on them!
Your best friend would describe you as...
Respectful, loyal, helpful and honest.
The person you text the most is...
I’m constantly texting so it’s difficult for me to know for sure but it’s probably my manager.
Someone hands you Lm10,000. What would you spend it on?
Invest it so hopefully it triples!
What do you want to be remembered for?
Trying to put Malta on the map in the European music scene.
What’s the worst insult one can throw at you?
That I’m ignorant and big headed because I’m neither.
Do you have a nickname?
Just Fabby.
What’s your favourite drink?
My favourite drink is water believe it or not but I’m partial to a good Italian or French red wine.
What’s been the highlight of your life so far?
I have a few! Obviously my Eurovision experience in 2001 is one of them as is my popularity abroad. Every month something happens, either here or abroad and that makes me step back and say ‘wow’.
How old do you feel?
Right now older than I am as it’s a really hectic time for me. But when I’m performing I feel my age.
What are you like when you’re drunk?
Most of the time I’m happy, a little crazy maybe and losing a few inhibitions!
Do you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert?
Both but it depends on who’s company I’m keeping!
Live long or live fast?
I want both! I don’t want a boring life but I want to live to a good old age.
What’s the most bizarre thing you have ever eaten?
Has to be camel. I didn’t know it was camel but it was good. Almost like chicken!
Are you good at keeping secrets?
Yes, in fact a lot of people do confide in me.
If you had a time machine where would you go?
I would try to go to three different eras. To ancient Egypt, the Roman times and the French Revolution.
If you could be a fictional/real character, who would you be?
James Bond, in fact I get to play the character soon in a forthcoming production.
If you could star in a movie which genre would it be?
Thriller or a romance.
If you were to write an autobiography, what would it be called?
Deep inside me.
Do you believe in the supernatural?
Yes but I’ve never seen a ghost or anything.
You’re stuck in an elevator with strangers. What do you do?
If they’re not weirdo’s I’ll get to know them but if they are I’d worry!
Are you a workaholic?
Yes I have to be but I love my work so it’s not a problem.
What are you most afraid of?
People that I trust stabbing me in the back.
Would you quit a job without having another one lined up?
If I had a 9 – 5 job I probably would if I wasn’t happy.
What’s your most embarrassing moment?
Oh no! When I was at a duty free shop abroad I wanted to use my visa but it wasn’t being accepted. With the queue building up behind me the lady asked me to put something back on the shelf but I began rummaging through all my bags and I eventually found just enough cash to pay for everything.