The release of the single comes shortly after having received the award for Contributing Musician of the Year at this year’s 2021 Hero Awards for his contribution as an artist within the LGBTQI+ community in March of this year.
The song serves as a deeper exploration into his love of R&B and soul. A ‘70s-style funk track with modern infusions, “At First Sight” was produced by Moeneeb Galant.
“At First Sight” deals with the heartache of the never-ending search for real love.
Written in the aftermath of a relationship gone bad and inspired by the heartbreak that ensues all such unhappy endings, “At First Sight” is driven by vivid lyrics of pain and desperation.
Latheem says: “I was inspired to write this song after a breakup I had gone through a few months ago, and I realised that I was stuck in a cycle of falling in love over and over again with the same result.”
I chatted with Latheem last week.
Beginning to see some of the hard work I put into my dreams come to fruition.
Hard work, sacrifice and developing a thick skin. It’s a byproduct of being successful
When I’ve done everything I set out to do. Until then, I can’t stop.
Tripe and trotters. I just can’t.
It’s my true north, my compass needle. Music is a wondrous way of connecting with each other in an age where people are becoming ever more afraid of feeling.
My songs are a snapshot of what I feel are important moments in my life.
The seaside. Anywhere I can smell the ocean and hear waves crashing.
Completing a song, it's hard work writing and when I’ve penned that last stanza, I feel I’ve accomplished.
“Bones”. I’ve certainly done it in every show. I guess it’s something I really like singing because it means so much to me.
Steve Biko, Nelson Mandela, the students who marched on 16 June 1976. Firefighters and anyone who is willing to risk their lives for another and stand up against oppression.
Prince. Hands down. I just loved those outfits he would wear.
I would have to say my guitar. It’s a 12-string that I was given almost 20 years ago and it has written more songs with me than I can remember.
Just water.
I have really rebellious hair. It won’t do anything I want it to so it usually looks unkempt, which in itself became a characteristic people associated with me as an artist and public figure.
Jof.
I’m also a qualified graphic designer. Design and creation are some of my biggest passions.
Toby Kebbell. I think there’s a resemblance and I like the intensity when he acts.
Passionate, creative, obsessive, compassionate and tenacious.
Oliver! (1968) by Carol Reed. It’s the one movie that never fails to inspire me to happiness and tears. It represents innocence for me. I saw it as a kid and knew I wanted it. It was magical.
“All I Really Want” - Alanis Morissette. At 16, it was filled with all the angst, bitterness, intellectual musings and questions I never knew I had! I was hooked on rock after that.
My current partner. I just released a song about the plot twists of falling in love and here I go again.
Sorry. It’s so hard to say but it forces us into a space of humility and gratitude.
Fur. I love my fur coats.
Minute: a Coloured colloquial term, which directly translates to minutes in Afrikaans. It means to wait, but like you seriously need to slow your roll. “Minute! Wait your turn.”
I’d love to skydive and bungee jump before I cash in my chips! I’ve never been an adrenaline junkie but would love to experience that rush.
Receiving the award for Most Contributing Musician of the Year in March of 2021. It was the most beautiful moment for me.
Not having enough hours in a day and inconsiderate behaviour.
Writing music near the ocean. Listening to the sound of waves crashing and the smell of seaweed.
Lose myself in whatever song I’m singing. It often feels as if I’m having a conversation with God.
I do pro-bono work for an organisation called Al-Ghurba Foundation that counsels and workshops Muslims who struggle to reconcile their sexual identity with their religion.
One of my biggest dreams is to have my own organisation one day mentoring and teaching young artists. I believe mental health is important as an artist. An issue I feel Isn’t sufficiently addressed in this industry, but I still have a long way to go before realising this dream.