Guy Manoukians Concert at the Arcadia Performing Arts Center

Portrait of Guy Manoukian.

The musician talks most his incredible ascent, royal fans, and family unit ties.

With his proper noun written in lights outside the ii 286-seat London Palladium theater, Guy Manoukian is reveling in the moment. The multimillion record selling artist regularly cuts a stylish effigy in custom-made Hugo Boss and Dior suits, and on this mild spring night, the upshot is no different. The collar of his crisp white shirt is unbuttoned and along with a loosened necktie, hint at a rebellious nature. Manoukian has earned a devout following over the years. Unsurprisingly, he's also built a firm A-list fan base, including Salma Hayek (who he calls "amazing") and Arab royalty. Surrounded by his family ahead of his testify, there is i person noticeably missing – his late father, Gabriel Manoukian, who had played an instrumental part in developing his 26-twelvemonth-long career.

Originally printed in the Fall 2018 consequence of Vogue Human being Arabia

Minutes earlier taking to the phase to perform his hits "Harem" and "Freedom" in front of the sell-out audition, Manoukian slips on a treasured timepiece, similar he does ahead of every show. "I always habiliment my male parent's watch when I perform. It was his favorite one and he rarely took it off," he says of the Baume et Mercier piece. "I bought it for him in 2007, the year I got married. It meant the world to him. He left it to me when he died. When I article of clothing information technology now, I know I'm never alone. I miss him every twenty-four hours."

After the 150-minute set, Manoukian hails the evening equally "surreal." It's another career highlight for the 42-year old, who credits his begetter's guidance for helping propel him to international fame. "My father was in finance but he loved the arts," he shares. "When everyone was encouraging their kids to steer articulate of music – they didn't remember information technology would brand coin – my father made me promise not to go out it. He told me that y'all could find a million lawyers or doctors but rarely would you come beyond real talent."

Guy Manoukian with Aziza at Vogue Arabia'southward first ceremony party in Beirut

Manoukian started playing the pianoforte at age four and was composing his own arrangements by eight. He performed his kickoff concert at 16. He also began writing his own songs and so. Remembering his beginning concert, he says, "My father was a visionary. It was supposed to be inside the Jeita Grotto in Lebanon, just he convinced me to practise it in the parking lot, which could accommodate more people. I was performing my own music; I didn't even know if anyone would show up. We were expecting 400 people and more than 1 000 came."

A alloy of contemporary and classical pianoforte scores, his energetic compositions reach fans ranging from ages 8 to lxxx. Born in Beirut, he explains that his Lebanese and Armenian heritage flavors his music. "My Armenian side gives me the soul of a nomad, whereas Lebanese republic, where I alive, is a big melting pot of cultures. Naturally, this influences my work. Beirut is wild." En road to his meetings, he oft weaves in and out of traffic through Downtown Beirut on his Vespa. The frenetic pace suits him. "I'm hyper. I similar to keep myself decorated," he laughs. His career has been on a similar feverish ascent since he was wooed by Sony and EMI at the age of 23. Manoukian recalls that he chose the latter when the squad promised to fly him to Paris to sign the contract. "I was a struggling musician, then I went for the trip," he shrugs. "All the same, while I arrived in Paris, my numberless didn't. I had to rush to Galeries Lafayette to buy some Armani pants and a shirt for my big meeting. The record company took me to lunch at an amazing restaurant and I signed a multi-album contract."

Their partnership gave EMI its outset number-one album in the Middle East, when Harem went gold in 2002. Several pop and award-winning albums followed before he moved on to Sony in 2013. Such is his global fan base, Manoukian performs everywhere from New York and Toronto to Sri Lanka and Santiago.

In a notoriously fickle industry, Manoukian has been business savvy, investing in real manor and devoting his time to another passion, basketball, serving as president of The Homenetmen Basketball Club, the current Arab globe champions. Music, however, remains his showtime love and his fusion of oriental melodies with contemporary arrangements has led to international collaborations with Wyclef Jean and 50 Cent. "I practice a lot of house and electronic music then I've produced a lot for Wyclef. It was such an award to piece of work with him; the guy is a genius, a lyrical fable. I opened a concert for 50 Cent when he played Lebanese republic in 2006 and he's a really absurd guy, as well."

Portrait of Guy Manoukian.

Manoukian still gets a buzz from performing. "The Sydney Opera House was magical, it was such an honor to play there, especially as I don't come from a musical family unit. I'm not Paul McCartney's son; I've had to build my fan base myself. That's hard for someone who's not a singer, as it's purely nearly the composed music." He'due south proud to say that Queen Rania of Jordan is a fan. "She's an incredibly down-to-globe, apprehensive, and beautifully spirited person. I've composed for her and oft visit Jordan to play functions for her charities and the royal family." He adds that the Kardashians are also enthusiasts; they were rumored to have made a surprise advent at his LA show in 2016. "They are proud Armenians and I think they've done a bang-up job for our 6 000-year-erstwhile civilization. I think what they've achieved outweighs the so-chosen negative things they have done. They deserve to exist called celebrities."

Away from the limelight, Manoukian loves cypher more than than spending fourth dimension with his family. His three children – Gio, nine; Luca, seven; and two-year-old Cara – are his world. "My children take my breath away. I've never loved anyone or anything as much as I dear them. I attempt to spend as much time as I can with them, as I don't get to encounter them enough when I'm traveling." Video calls with his wife, Sarah, helps to brand long-distance travel more bearable. "I'grand lucky as I have a wonderful family in Lebanon and London, including my mom, Asdghig (Stella in Armenian) and my cousins Bob and Rafi Manoukian, who e'er support my art and invite the best people to watch my shows," he beams. The performer supports a number of philanthropic projects, such every bit Saint Jude'southward Children's Center of Lebanon. "I'g proud to be involved in a number of charities especially those that support children and the elderly. If y'all don't give back, at that place'due south no purpose in working," he comments. He'due south fix his sights on cracking China next.

Similar with everything he's accomplished in life, Manoukian has a plan. "I'thousand a dreamer, but I studied law, and then I'thou a businesslike dreamer," he smiles. "Every dream I've had, I've backed up with planning and studying. The secret to my success is to exist sensible, downwards-to-earth, and to have logical targets."

Guy Manoukian volition perform at Dubai Opera on November 17.

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Source: https://man.vogue.me/entertainment/guy-manoukian-interview/

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