Bearing his Teeth

“Wow! The EMA! This is massive!” Karl screams on hearing the news that he’s been nominated for Best MTV Arabia New Act for this November’s MTV Europe Music Awards. Not that he’s exactly a newcomer; the Canada-based artist (real name Carl Abou Samah) has been piling up the recognition since his debut Face Behind the Face in 2006. But, hey, an MTV nomination is an MTV nomination. Let’s not quibble here...

NOX: Congratulations, Karl. Was 
it a surprise to be nominated?
Karl Wolf: Very, since I am physically so far away from where the Awards were conceived… But award nominations are always an honour because they represent a milestone in your progress. The nomination lets me know that I’m on the right track!
 
NOX: Who are you looking forward to meeting there... and what will you say to them?
KW: I’m looking forward to seeing Akon again, especially as we’ve been in contact for two years regarding a possible collaboration. We definitely hit it off during the performance for MTV Arabia’s launch party in Dubai.
 
NOX: What’s your acceptance speech going to be? Have you prepared one?
KW: I never like to prepare for such things. Words are better when they are spontaneous and true. Besides, I know exactly who has helped me along the way and who has not…
 
NOX: Wouldn’t you rather just be nominated as “Best New Artist” without the “Arabia” bit...?
KW: Like I said, any nomination is a blessing and a sign that you’re on the right path. I don’t think I’ll ever disregard the fact that I have a huge following and support in the Middle East. The gesture of being nominated in any category is a dream come true.

NOX: Aren’t you a bit young to know “Africa” by Toto, which you covered on your last album?
KW: True! But I matured musically earlier than most since my parents were musicians. I’m a huge fan of the Beatles and they were out earlier than Toto. I think I first heard “Africa” when I was 13, and it hit me like a tonne of bricks – it was actually more like an awakening. It is because of this song that I have a strong love and understanding for vocal harmonies today.