Who is Gabriel Shai?

Gabriel Shai was born on 18th June. His first exposure to the sounds of music was rich and varied in the Levant.

At sixteen months, he could already hum the first bars of Beethoven’s 5th with distinction.

Gabriel’s deep passion for musical expression was accompanied initially with a recorder, a guitar, then a set of drums, a second guitar, a piano and them an ever-increasing keyboard evolution. This natural talent was soon discovered at primary school when he was always chosen for performances either in acting, singing or playing his guitar.

When only just past his first decade he had won his first award for song writing. Gabriel was able to teach himself to play the piano after mastering the guitar. As a privileged member of the Performing Arts Workshop he was introduced to numerous forms of music, movement and dance, drama and singing, stage productions and costume design.

He’s solo performance at his older brother’s 21st catapulted him into stardom with wild applause from his appreciative audience. This reception convinced him to embark upon a musical career. At 17, at the lowest rung of the ladder, he performed at numerous venues without remuneration in order to become better known. This resulted in greater demand for Gabriel Shai to perform. His fan base increased and his venues began to fill to capacity crowds.

He was determined to climb higher and after passing Matric he invested in more sophisticated equipment. He studied at the Pretoria Conservatoire of Light Music and thereafter at the Pretoria Technikon. His talent lead to other musicians asking him to write lyrics and music for them. His aspirations soared. He was now determined to create his own Gabriel Shai CD one day.

After spending 2 years gigging throughout Gauteng, Gabriel was approached to perform at the Venda Sun Hotel. It was here that Gabriel had the time as well as the inspiration to compose his many original tunes. A mini extravaganza at the Venda Sun was planned and the music was created with his much untapped talent.

On his return to Gauteng from Venda, Gabriel was asked more and more to entertain with his singing and music at regular venues, parties, weddings and corporate functions. In 1996 he moved down to Cape Town by popular demand and has since become one of Cape Towns regular favourites. He now does still travel up country for corporate functions, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and other celebratory occasions. He has tuned into the people who love music, attracting the children, teenagers, students, adults alike. It is not only Gabriel’s charm and sincerity but it is his G-d given voice and profound lyrical composition that people rave about and return to listen to him and enjoy time and time again.