My first memory is lying in my cot getting ready to sleep. It's a really vivid memory for me. I remember my night light being an amber colour, and I had a mobile above my cot. I was between 8 to 18 months old.
My life began in Fulham, South London and progressed to Whetstone in North London. As an only child, I was close with my parents, my father would play music a lot on his record player. I'd hear a mixture of Greek music, some music from Latin America and also Italy too. I'd be introduced to the guitar and keyboard, my father always encouraging me to express myself musically. My childhood was family orientated; I recall always being at my Uncles and Aunties' houses, playing with my cousins.
From my mother I inherited her resilience, from my father his determination. I've learned a lot from my parents; my father educate me about the world, about history, how to be well behaved, to think positive as much as possible. He's shaped my outlook on the world.
I began to record myself playing guitar early on, using a double tape deck and then overdubbing me tapping a drum beat on the table. I was layering my own type of bass using the lower notes from the guitar. It was so long winded but there is no doubt in my mind that this process was the first step of me learning to compose.
My first experiences with Latin culture was in the community hubs of Latin Village in Seven Sisters, and in Brixton Village. These were important and amazing moments. When I visit the Latin American community in Elephant & Castle, Brixton or Tottenham, Ii's a reminder of back home and I understand why it is so important to keep the culture alive here in London.
I fell in love with Latin music in two different stages. Hearing the more popular songs from my Father's collection, bossa nova classics and boleros like "The Girl From Ipanema"and "Bésame Mucho" Then much later in one period of time discovering salsa artists like Roberto Roena, Joe Arroyo and Latin Jazz in general, had a huge impact on me. The melodies, the emotion. I was captivated. As a guitarist, Paco De Lucia is a major influence, but also the percussion of greats like Tito Puente.
There are loads of similarities between Latin American and Greek music. The sound of the cuatro instrument reminds me of the Greek bouzouki. The melodies are also similar.
As a Greek Cypriot, I feel a natural connection to Latin Culture, which is very focused around music, food, and family, It's one big party. Meeting up and eating around a big table food, music etc exists in both cultures. Latin Americans are especially open and welcoming.
The kindest thing someone from Latin America did for me was invite me to perform at an event in the very beginning of my journey. Stefanía Álvarez and Javie Huxley welcomed me at the 'Save Latin Village' Fiesta back in 2019, and I was really moved by that. So much so, that I named a track on the album "Latin Village" in tribute to the inclusivity I had experienced.
The struggle of Latinos in London is my struggle. I was really proud to have had the opportunity to be part of what they are fighting for. It reminded me of when Greek Cypriots moved here to London almost a hundred years ago to try and have a better life, just like my parents did. To have that opportunity restricted due to gentrification is a blow for the Latin American community hub in Seven Sisters Road.
The Latin artist I’d most like to perform with is Tito Puente.
If I didn't live in London, I'd like to live in Rio or even over in the Mediterranean. (Cyprus or Andalucía).
My favourite word in Spanish is 'corazon'. It's such a beautiful word. Our hearts are so important. The introduction to my album is called 'Mi Corazón' and it's a description of how my heart felt, in musical form.
The most useful bit of advice I have been given is "follow your heart and go with what makes you happy." My wife Catherine said this to me during a moment of crossroads in my career.
Miguel Muziq performs as part of LatinoLife’s 'Intimo' dinner concerts on Tue 22 June, Book tickets here
His debut album “An Angel’s Healing” is available on Spotify
