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Man Candy: Get to know South Africa's Chart-Topping Pop Sensation, Chad Saaiman

The SAMA-nominated recording artist, has made a significant mark in the music industry with three albums, one EP, and a collection of chart-topping singles. His hits, including Play featuring YoungstaCPT, Seeing Stars, No Feelings with Kerwin, Belief, and Nights, remain popular and widely played across the country.

Glamour: Congratulations on the release of “Adore.” Could you tell us more about the inspiration behind this love song and its significance to you personally?

Chad: Adore is a romantic account of my wedding day and the future I believe we will embark on, God-willing. It’s a song about love, for the lovers.

Glamour: You've had a remarkable career spanning 15 years, performing on prestigious stages and alongside renowned artists. What have been some of the standout moments or performances for you?

Chad: For me, what has stood-out is performing alongside Craig David and doing a duet with him on stage at the Grand Arena. What a moment! As he is one of my favourite artists of all time.

Glamour: With over 60 songs penned and playlisted on radio, including hits like "Play" and "No Feelings," how do you approach songwriting and what themes or messages do you aim to convey through your music?

Chad: Songwriting will always be one of my first loves, even though the time I have for it has changed. I approach it as I want every song to live forever, remain timeless in some way or the other.

Image: Supplied

Glamour: As the Managing Director of Stereotype Talent Management and now collaborating with Radisson RED Cape Town for the Winter Playlist series, how do you balance your roles in artist management and your own music career?

Chad: As time has gone by in my career, I have continued to push to learn more, and do more to keep creating impact. I think running a slick and focused calendar system does help.

Glamour: Tell us about your vision for The Chad Sessions and how it aligns with the upcoming RED Winter Playlist series at Radisson RED. What can attendees expect from these intimate listening sessions and parties?

Chad: The Chad Session was created many years ago when I was given an opportunity that I wanted to share. It’s about bringing artists together in an intimate setting, and creating magic!

Glamour: You recently obtained a Brand Management Qualification with UCT. How has this additional expertise influenced your approach to managing both your personal brand and those of the artists under Stereotype Talent Management?

Chad: I have always had a keen interest in brands, since seeing David Beckham as a kid. Being intrigued by how he surpassed the 90 mins on the pitch and stayed on my mind and in our conversations. After obtaining my initial BA in English Literature and Communications at UWC, I wanted to throw in some spice and upskill. This was done mainly to assist with understanding brands that we work with on campaigns and so forth.

Image: Supplied

Glamour: What advice would you give to emerging musicians looking to establish themselves in the competitive South African music scene, based on your own journey and experiences?

Chad: Go for it, and really go. Establish if you really really want it and there will always be obstacles but keep pushing through if you believe. Get advice from a mentor, have a challenging network of people who are honest with you about your music. Never stop learning. Stay hungry, stay curious.

Glamour: Looking ahead, what are your goals for the rest of 2024 and beyond, both in terms of your music career and your ventures in artist management and event curation?

Chad: I have quite a bit of new music out this year that I’m really excited about, so look out for that. Also my radio show, Saaiman Says on Good Hope FM is in its 4th season and that’s pretty exciting as I get to share great music all week, and provide another platform for artists and creatives. The Chad Session will go down over winter and it’s very special to me. I also intend to bring my Five-A-Side Soccer tournament back into the fold after a brief hiatus. I also continue to perform with The Black Ties, our corporate and destination wedding band that I manage through Stereotype Talent Management, and lastly, I will still work with brands on campaigns over the rest of the year.

Glamour: The RED Winter Playlist series at Radisson RED promises intimate listening sessions and vibrant winter parties. What do you hope attendees will take away from these unique music experiences?

Chad: I want everyone to enjoy the moment, be present and feel the music. It’s also lots of fun, I think it’s perfect for Winter.

Glamour: Can you share a bit more about the lineup for the RED Winter Playlist sessions? How did you select the artists involved, and what can guests anticipate from their performances?

Chad: Craig Lucas leads the show, with the amazing Gemma Fassie and new talent Liam Van Der Heyde. I select the artists based on what experiences we want to create on the night and combine that with my taste for what I think creates a good moment.

Glamour: The events will be hosted at OUIBar + Ktchn, known for its stylish ambiance. How does the venue enhance the overall experience for music lovers attending the RED Winter Playlist series?

Chad: The venue is spacious yet intimate and we will do our best alongside Radisson RED to create an environment and setting that will ooze soul and creativity.

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