Meet Steven Labat, a young and rising talent who started his way at just the age of 11 singing along to legends like Celine Dion and the BeeGees and at the church choir. Today, Steven is a lead singer in a band, a performer in a musical and on top of that a soon-to-be lawyer!
Tell us more about yourself and what you do…
I am a singer/performer and I hold my Bachelor’s degree in French International Law.
My first performance was on a tour around Germany performing in the Musical “Mad” (the story of Mary Magdalene). When I came back to Egypt I participated vocally in 3 CD’s and a couple of small concerts with Musicians playing praise songs. I was lucky to get a role in the Musical “Aida” and to be part of the modern Arabic production of “Les Miserables”. I am currently a performer in the Musical theatre company “Fabrica”.
How did you discover your talent?
I started discovering my love for music when I was a little child. My mother heard me singing and told me that I have a nice voice. That’s when it started off; I started gaining confidence in my voice and I joined our church choir -which made me appreciate oriental chants- at the age of 11 and still sing with them to this day. After a while I started a Rock band with some friends that really gave my taste an edge and I got to experiment with different genres.
Did the success of Les Mesirables bring you more opportunities?
I could say that this interview is surely a wonderful opportunity already! “Les Mesirables” was an AUC graduation project that came to light last year and due to its success we have performed the show on Bassem Youssef’s El Bernameg and even in the United States! Not to mention that working with great teachers like Mohamed Abou El Kheir, Neveen Allouba and Raouf Zaydan greatly developed my vocal skills, performance, my love for classical music and understanding of the arts in general. I also recently got a chance to be the lead singer in a Soul/Jazz band.
” I realized lately throughout my musical experiences that those who keep that dream until the day the day of their passing are those who really make it happen”
Do you think that people in Egypt are aware of/like Broadway style shows and musicals?
I think that the concept of Musicals is well known in our culture; everybody knows “El Leila El Kebira” but it has been forgotten over the years. This expressive type of performing art definitely needs to be reborn in Egypt since it has such a powerful impact on its audience. I truly believe it’s making a comeback.
What is your big dream?
My big dream is to change the world! It is really every child’s dream, but I realized lately throughout my musical experiences that those who keep that dream until the day of their passing are those who really make it happen. I am fortunate enough to have been given a great education, talents and faith. It is my turn to give back. I am arming myself with studies and surrounding myself with good people to participate in bringing justice to the world, inspire people as well as helping the young ones discover themselves.
What do you think of the performing arts in Egypt?
I think we have a lot of talents in Egypt, a lot of Music geniuses but they are not being heard. I wish producers would dare to think a bit outside the box and deliver something useful and innovative to the audience. Sticking to the same old money-making techniques and stereotypes will only lower standards of the taste in music and eventually our culture.
What advice would you give to young people who just discovered their talents?
Work on your talents, develop them, you owe it to yourself and to the one who gave them to you! From my personal experience, the idea of someone discovering you is only secondary to discovering yourself and who you really are! When I sing I find myself, so I just keep on singing no matter what. And that’s what every talented person should do!
