gabrielle

Singer and actress Gabrielle is only 14 years old and making waves. Image: Supplied

#MusicExchange: Rapid-fire Q&A with sassy young go-getter Gabrielle

The multi-talented 14-year-old Gabrielle has recently released her debut single, ‘Nasty’, and will be on our screens in M-Net’s ‘Reyka’ this month.

gabrielle

Singer and actress Gabrielle is only 14 years old and making waves. Image: Supplied

Talent is something that can be cultivated with passion, motivation, patience and practice. 

Armed with all four of these, 14-year-old singer, actress, model and dancer Gabrielle de Gama is a sassy go-getter who recently released her debut single, Nasty. To top off this rising star’s achievements, Gabrielle also bagged a lead role in the M-Net series Reyka.

In the series, which is set for release in June, she acts alongside award-winning Scottish actor Iain Glen from Game of Thrones fame.

Gabrielle fights bullying with music

According to the Grade 9 pupil from the West Rand, she utilised lockdown as an opportunity to write and record her hit single Nasty which has a crucial message around bullying — something the young star admits to having been subjected to herself.

“The message I would like to get across is that being nasty is toxic and could be a tragic act. I wrote Nasty  during lockdown level five, during my first year in high school. Communication was mainly online and I was trying to form new relationships with the other students.

“This opened up a lot of opportunities for bullying. Cyberbullying rates across the world grew tremendously during this time.”

RAPID-FIRE Q&A WITH GABRIELLE

Fame is about?

Using your platform to change lives and create as many plattforms for aspiring artists to better themselves and get into the entertainment industry. 

Retirement will happen when?

When I am unable to reach more lives and when I stop being an inspiration.

I don’t do?

Sneezing and coughing in public. 

What does music  mean to you?

Music is a way for me to express myself. 

My music is about?

Emotions I feel in situations.

I would love to co write with… 

Justin Bieber and Tyla.

Where do you go for inspiration to create?

Situations that have made me feel very emotional.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?

Getting the chance to inspire others to reach their dreams.

The song you must do in every show?

Omio Babbino Caro 

Any funny moments on stage?

One time when I was singing one of my favourite songs, my voice broke into the strangest note ever! It was hilarious.

My heroes?

My mom.

My style icon(s) 

The Jenners and the Kardashians.

Which living person do you admire most and why?

I admire my mom because she has taught me to fight for my dreams no matter what.

What is your most treasured possession?

My phone because everything is accessible through the internet that I need to use for school, the music industry and even food!

It’s your round…what are you drinking?

 Water. I’m underage…LOL

Dream gig to do?

Perform at one of Justin Bieber’s concerts.

What makes you stand out?

Being able to sing opera and having a music video at 14. Also, having been awarded a scholarship at the New York Film Academy.

Nicknames?

Gabby and Gabbs.

If you were not a musician what would you do?

I would definitely be a doctor, anatomy is very fascinating to me.

Who would play you in a Hollywood blockbuster and why ?

The younger Halle Berry because she has attitude and sass.

Pick five words to describe yourself?

Hungry, funny, hardworking, energetic and focused.

Favourite SA albums?

  1. Getting late – Tyla
  2. SMA – Nasty C
  3. You’re the One – Elaine
  4. Drive – Black Coffee
  5. Spin My World Around- DJ Kent
  6. Vulindlela – Brenda Fassie

Greatest movie ever made?

The Notebook.

What books are you reading ?

The Hunger Games and The Bible. 

What song changed your life? 

Justin Bieber’s Believe.

Who do you love?

My family and my friends.

What is your favourite word?

Eish.

Favourite fashion garment/accessory?  

Bows.

Top of your bucket list?

Go on holiday in Italy.

Your greatest achievement?

Booking the “Young Reyka” in the Reyka series on M-Net.

What do you complain about most often?

Being hungry.

What is your fear?

Not having food.

Happiness is?

Being OK with who you are right now.

On stage I tend to?

Get nervous.

The best life lesson you have been taught?

That no one is going to reach your dreams for you. Nothing good in life is just given, everything is worked for.

Do you get worked up while watching a sports game on TV ?

No, not really. The only sport I get worked up about is when my favourite person gets kicked off Survivor. But I don’t think that the show even qualifies as a sport!

Where would you like to be right now?

In New York doing a Broadway musical.

Do you do charity work and if you do –what do you do ?

Yes, I do alot of charity work with the Chayil Foundation who gives back to underpriviledged youth.

Wishes and dreams?

  • To one day get 100 million views on one of my songs.
  • To win an Oscar and a Grammy.