A father of two, motorbike enthusiast and award-winning gospel singer, Umhlanga’s Adrian Sing dreams of one day making it to the Grammy Awards. And we think he’s well on his way!
With a string of awards and nominations behind his name, Adrian is a contemporary praise and worship artist who is passionate about music and his family.
A hands-on dad and husband of 15 years, Adrian was last month nominated for two more awards in the Crown Gospel Awards 2022, which form part of the World Gospel Powerhouse programme, celebrating and rewarding excellence within the gospel music industry in South Africa.
Durban born and bred, Adrian attended Northwood High School in Durban North before studying marketing at Durban University of Technology and Varsity College. His father was a pastor, and Adrian attended bible school through Vision College in the USA. He is currently a music director and pastor at Rhema Church in Durban.
Music found its way into Adrian’s life, he says, when his dad opened a church in 2000. “It sort of became a necessity because no one else in my family had any musical background. I learned to play the piano and drums and then lead the music at the church, which I still do.”
Since then, music has become Adrian’s passion and, he says, an avenue for him to connect with other artists and spread the gospel. He began writing his own music and released his first album in 2015.
A year later he won the ‘Best Rock Album’ category at the Crown Gospel Awards and his career began to develop. “I worked closely with our municipality on their music initiatives, and also travelled extensively abroad to collaborate with other artists.”
Describing his music style as varied (with a combination of rock, pop and contemporary), Adrian encourages anyone who hasn’t listened to contemporary gospel music to give it a try. “I think people are always pleasantly surprised. The music is written to uplift your soul and there is real meaning behind the songs.”
When he’s not writing, performing or leading the church music, Adrian says he can usually be found picking up his kids from school and supporting them with their various extra-curricular activities. He also has a new hobby … riding motorbikes! “I have an off-road bike as well as a road bike and my kids and wife ride with me. Riding bikes is a way to de-stress and a great way to meet new people outside of the music industry.”
Apart from his goal of living a truly balanced life and leading his family by example and being the best husband, father and friend he can be, Adrian also hopes to inspire other local musicians and artists to reach for their dreams. His ultimate dream, he says, is to win at The Dove Awards and, of course, the Grammys.
Details: www.adriansing.com, [email protected], FB: @adrian.sing.3 IG: sing.adrian
