Singing car guard Alen Abrahams has his first concert scheduled for later this month and a record deal on the horizon.
|||Cape Town - A rags to riches story has been unfolding in Cape Town over the past few months.
With his first concert scheduled for later this month and a record deal on the horizon, it’s been a dream come true for Cape Town’s singing car guard, Alen Abrahams.
Born as a middle child in a family of eight in Kalksteenfontein, Abrahams’s future seemed grim.
“My father walked out to the bus stop and never came back.
“I dropped out of high school in Grade 8 to look for a job to feed the family,” he said at a friend’s home in Plattekloof on Thursday.
A series of poor choices resulted in an unemployed Abrahams living on the streets of Cape Town.
“I stayed under that bridge in Green Point. On a good day with nice weather, I slept on the top of the bridge.”
Abrahams recalls days spent on the streets and nights at local drinking holes.
“It was tough. I knew I had to stop, so when I turned 21, I quit drinking.”
That same year, his then girlfriend gave birth to their son, Abdul Muhauimin, who is now 10 years old.
“My life had to change. I knew that even though I wasn’t going to get a key like other 21-year-olds, I had to change.”
He decided to be a car guard three years ago. Business was slow at first, as he slowly gained the trust of motorists.
“They need to see you on the streets and get to know you.”
Realising he needed to do something different to generate more income, Abrahams decided that he would entertain his customers while parking their cars.
The entertainment included dancing and singing. The technique worked, and by the end of a good day, Abrahams had made between R200 and R250.
Regarding the video that shot him to YouTube fame, Abrahams said, “I remember the girl that took a video of me; I don’t remember her name though. I never knew it would do all this.” Although his career may be flourishing, his love life is on hold.
“I’m single and not looking. Why look for a lady if I can look at my music?”
The passionate musician said he found inspiration in everything, and was always singing a song in his head.
“Music has chosen me. I open my mouth and the words just come.”
Abrahams intends to record an album soon, and will continue chasing his dreams of fame and fortune.
Sitting back and gesturing at his friend’s luxury home, the Meisie singer flashed a gap-toothed smile saying: “No more parking cars for me. I’m definitely a celebrity now.”
The singing car guard will perform his first concert with a star-studded line-up on March 22 at His People Centre, N1 City. Guest artists include Karen Kortje and Lloyd Cele.
sibusisiwe.lwandle@inl.co.za
Cape Argus