'I am a traditional boy'

As the singer-songwriter-producer spoke in depth about his passion for music and life, he was at his charming best. “It will be a high energy show,” he promised Metrolife, which turned out to be true as he entertained his fans with all his popular numbers. 

With a base in Dubai, the versatile musician is Canadian-Lebanese in origin and keeps moving between these countries. “I love India because the weather here is so similar to Dubai. It’s so hot,” he smiles. With his original name being Carl Abou Samah, how did he become the hip and happening Karl Wolf? “I was called Wolf in high school because I was the shortest and fastest guy in the basketball team. And that’s when Michael J Fox’s film Teen Wolf came out,” he points. “And I became Karl from Carl, as I thought KW sounds perfect.”

His love for every place he hails from is reflected in his recent single Africa, which is doing well on the charts. What made him cover Toto’s 1980 classic? “The way they sing about Africa is just so beautiful,” he says. “It reminds me of Lebanon, Canada and the Middle East.”

The artist is already planning to release his next album early next year. “The music is influenced by the 1980s with a lot of Arabic tunes,” he reveals. Karl has even collaborated with Jay Sean, the Indian rapper of the UK origin. “It’s a song called He Don’t Love You Better Than Me,” he recollects. He feels that the two are a ‘perfect match’. “Both of us are young and have respect for each other,” he feels.

His inspirations are many. “Snoop Dogg, Sade and Pandit Ravi Shankar’s daughter,” he smiles referring to Norah Jones. But the person who inspires him the most is Akon, with whom Karl even toured Canada. “I feel I am very similar to him,” says Karl. “He has his own label, he is an entrepreneur and despite all the success he has attained, he is so down-to-earth.”

 His first concert, where he opened for Mary J Blige is closest to his heart. “She is so supportive, and we keep in touch.” He also remembers his performance at the European Music Awards. “I had Beyonce Knowles, Kanye West and Sir Paul McCartney watching me,” he says proudly.

Is there any place that he wishes to perform at? “India was one such place, so nothing is left now,” he says happily. However, the ‘Triple Threat’ (as he is called being a singer-songwriter-producer) hopes to get into movies (maybe even Bollywood) and direction in future. “I even co-directed one of my music videos,” he smiles.

Karl values all that he has achieved in these nine years. “In my case, luck was not a factor,” he is honest. “I have worked really hard to get where I am.” When not making music or performing, Karl loves spending time with his family. His mother accompanies him on tour whenever she can. “I am a very traditional boy, and unlike what others may assume, I don’t party.” He also loves beaches, sharks, and tattoos, which he seems to have in plenty. Chic in white pants and vest and a red cap, he describes his style sense as “casual”. “I own over 25 pairs of classic Adidas shoes and 65 caps,” he boasts. So how does he feel when his style is compared to that of Eminem? “I like Eminem,” he laughs again. “I can be the ethnic Eminem.”