NEVILLE REFALO - Neville has established himself in the local music scene thanks to his various participations in musicals and concerts.  He is also a popular face on local television shows as regular guest, performing live with bands.  Neville Refalo is currently taking part in the Malta Hit Song Contest 2008 aired on ONE TV.

Neville is the sixth artist to walk on our CELEBRITY RED CARPET...Enjoy!

"As a child my dream was
to become an astronaut!"
-  Neville Refalo

1. What were your dreams as a child? Did you ever wish to become a singer or you thought of another career?

As a child my dream was to become an astronaut!! But I always sang in any moment I was alone, my bed room, the shower or in front of my parents. Being very shy I never wanted to sing in front of other people outside my house. So, although I really loved doing it, a singing career wasn’t an option when I was young.

2. Are you more like your mother or your father?

I’d say I have a bit of both but if I had to choose it would be my mother. Her character is more similar to mine, mostly in how to use money (we spend a lot of it without thinking many times!!) and how we look at certain things in life. I also see myself as a perfectionist! That is my father’s attribute though!

3. Rich and famous... or... poor and anonymous?

Well, being in the music business, I’d have to say rich and famous cause I would be lying. It’s obviously nice to have all the money you need and being recognized everywhere you go, but all this doesn’t necessarily make a person happy in life. So if being poor and anonymous would make me happier, I would sincerely opt for that.
 

4. What is your idea of heaven?

For me heaven is a place where all your dreams can come true and where a person can find happiness within. It’s also the place where I can be one with God! I’m quite religious, so this means a lot to me.

5. What has been your greatest challenge so far?

My greatest challenge is still ongoing at the moment. Since I started my singing career some 6 years ago, I always wanted to become a recognized figure in the heart of all the Maltese public. Starting my career when I was quite old (23 years old) for a singer, it was always going to be very tough to compete with many established Maltese singers who have been in the hearts of the Maltese public for quite long now and started their career from when they were very young.

I’d have to say, I still have a long way in front of me… but I won’t give up and hopefully will succeed in the future.

6.  What was your funniest experience with a fan?

I don’t think I’ve ever had a really funny experience with a fan. What I remember once I was in Ghaxaq and had a concert there. When I was coming down off the stage, there was this very nice lady in her 40s who came to me for an autograph for her young nephew. Whilst signing, she told me that she needed another one for herself as well because she was shy to ask for one and used her nephew as an excuse. When I finished she we had a chat and in 15 minutes she told me all the things I had made in my career so far! There where certain things even I had forgotten all about them but she remembered them to show me how much she liked watching me. It was a really nice experience and I thank that lady for all her support. She knows who she is if she’s reading this interview.

7.  Are you a shopaholic?  If so, which shops do you visit mostly?

I’m a medium shopaholic I think. I love going shopping and buying lots of clothes. Recently I had a very big shopping spree when I was in London for a holiday. It was very very satisfying. But on the other hand I really don’t have time to go shopping so this happens very remotely. That’s why I’d have to say I’m a medium one.

8.  What makes you angry?

I HATE backstabbing! It’s the thing that makes me angry the most. I just can’t stand someone who smiles at you in your face and then goes on to say many negative things behind your back. I’m a very direct person and every time I have something to say to someone I always try and find time to go tell him/her in his/her face. If not I just keep it to myself and wait till I have time to talk instead of telling someone else.

9.  A 'YES' you're sorry you have said.....and a 'NO' you're proud you have said?

When I was younger I had this opportunity to choose to take up a singing career or else to choose football as my main extracurricular activity. Being involved in many other things I couldn’t do them both since both of them are very time consuming. I took up the football option and this only lasted for 3 years maximum. So I’d say that I’m sorry for that ‘Yes’ I gave at that time, seeing where I am today.

On the other hand, some two years ago I had the opportunity to go and work on a foreign airline after various interviews. It was a very good job with very good remuneration but seeing that it could jeopardize my singing and drama career and also my life in general I opted to say ‘No’ at that time. I’m still very proud of what I chose. At the moment I’m very happy and that’s all that counts no? 

10.  Which career do you see yourself doing apart from the one you're already doing?

I wish that one day I’ll have a tv football programme or a movie programme where I could present. I’m a football fanatic and watch films almost every day so I’d say I’m quite confident in both areas. Being able to forward your knowledge to interested people on tv is a thing that I love and would really like to do in the future. Anyone interested please call…

11. Which is your favourite word....and least favourite?

I can’t choose my favourite word from ‘Isa Hey!’ or ‘Faqa!’. I use them a lot so can’t choose.

Least favourite would be ‘Jaq!’. I hate that word because what someone doesn’t like might be the favourite thing for someone else. So I prefer to say I don’t like it instead of using the ‘Jaq!’ word.

12. Can you please send a message to all readers of OGAEMALTA.com?

First of all I wish to say thank you to all the readers of OGAEMALTA.com for all their support throughout the year in everything regarding Maltese talent. Without this support in our very limited local market, a performer would surely give up more easily.

Secondly, I’m sure that this site will continue to thrive with the ideas of all persons involved in running it and so I encourage all readers to continue logging on this site because it’s with them that sites of this quality will continue to provide so much useful information in the future.