Everything he does, he does with class. From the cars he drives to the music he makes, Mario Lategan believes that everything in life gets better with time and age.
“Life happens and things don’t always work out as you planned, but I am grateful and luckily singing is a passion and a hobby for me and I don’t have to stress to make money and a living out of it,” he expressed.
Inspired by a trip to the theatre as a young boy, Mario was hooked to the world of opera and classical music instantly.
“That was all I wanted to do with my life except for maybe studying architecture…I started singing when I was in Grade 9 in Jim Fouché High School in the schools Revue Group, it was great fun and I the realised I might have some talent,” he said.
“Music took ma all over the world and our beautiful country. I have met amazing people and I have seen the most incredible places.”
Today, the 44-year-old has numerous experience in music and also ventured into being a Master of Ceremonies at major festivals and beautiful weddings.
“I had to open a big festival and I quickly had to learn how to swim… Talking in front of 2000 plus people is a very daunting experience and the first time I had to do it, I nearly died,” he said jokingly.
Mario’s first gig at a wedding was an occasion he will never forget, but the lessons he learnt from that day measures up to his success today.
“I take things in my stride and I have fun and enjoy myself. I like to make people feel special and heard… It always depends on the type of people you are dealing with and I think you must have somebody [a client] who understands you so that you can bring flavour to the function or wedding. I believe good humour is always important and being able to think on your feet and be in the moment. “If you are having fun, the audience is having fun.” I like to do things quickly and get it done. It is very important that you engage with the venue and planners to manage the flow of the event.”
Mario is also a big lover of classic cars. For him, driving along the beautiful country in a classic car while listening to beautiful music while singing along is, “Priceless!”
“Classic cars is just a sickness that you get and when you have it, you can’t get rid of it… I love the beautiful lines and the effort that’s put into the design and the finishing of classic cars. I love cars and powerful engines,” he expressed.
He also enjoys spending time at home on the stoep with his partner while they listen to music and enjoy good food and wine and music. Mario also manages a private school, Kyrios Independent School and I love every minute of it.
His idea of a perfect wedding is one that has a little bit of Bloemfontein’s heart, authentic and real.
“I don’t like fake things and you immediately know when something is real. It doesn’t have to be expensive as long as the love is there… I like to do things classy and clean and sometimes a little bit tongue in cheek,” concluded Mario.
Text: Gypseenia Lion
