7 APR

Stranded musician entertains with garden concert series

By timesecholife on in All News, Featured News

AN AMERICAN musician who can’t return to his home in Cyprus because of restrictions in place to combat coronavirus Covid-19, is giving free weekly concerts in Uttoxeter. Raphael Orlando Tate is staying with friends in the town, after becoming stranded in the UK.

At the weekend, he decided to spread cheer and encouragement to the community by giving a concert in his friends’ back garden – and is planning a repeat of the event every Saturday during lock down.

Raphael, 36, had travelled to the UK to record his new single and perform a series of shows, but within days of his arrival, pubs and venues across the country were closed and the country went into lock down.

He said: “On a previous visit to the UK I’d had to cancel a show at short notice and the airline I’d travelled with lost my luggage, so I’d lost some musical equipment and a lot of belongings.

“I’d already planned to come back to visit my friends in Uttoxeter and promote my single, but instead I was coming back to finish recording it and perform a few shows.

“Within a couple of days the Government shut all the venues down. Covid-19 grounded me and I couldn’t get back to Cyprus. My friends allowed me to stay with them, so now I’m here.”

Growing up in a musically talented family in Washington DC, Raphael earned a scholarship to Morgan State University in Baltimore and later worked as a Freedom of Information officer for local government.

But he yearned for a change of direction and eventually took a teaching post in Egypt where he reignited his passion for music and launched his own music programme.

After living through the revolution there, he took a holiday to Cyprus and, in time, moved there permanently. As well working as a backing vocalist, he studied musical engineering and began to work on his own sound.

In 2017 his single With Every Beat of My Heart, reached 25 in the American Billboard and 15 in the UK charts. His Covid-19 Stay At Home House Party includes a series of covers from well known bands and artists.

Raphael said: “I like to think that I’m a positive person and I believe that every problem has a solution, so I wanted to encourage my friends here and my friends and family in the States, and spread a bit of cheer to the neighbours.

“A lot of people have lost someone to Covid-19, people are lonely or they’ve been laid off – it’s not an easy situation that we all have to go through. We may not be able to speak to each other face to face right now, but I can share my gift and bring the love and some encouragement.”

Raphael’s back garden concert was live streamed on Facebook and videoed by neighbours. He has received scores of comments welcoming his concert and was even given a card and gift by one grateful listener.

He added: “It was amazing. The main comment was that people felt uplifted and that was the main thing for me. It was a beautiful thing.

“It made me think of Bob Marley – ‘don’t worry about a thing, cos every little thing is gonna be alright’ – if I can achieve anything that’s what I want everybody to know. Soon this will be over and everything will be alright.”

Raphael will be performing his Covid-19 Stay At Home House Party live on Facebook (search Raphael Prince of Soul Tate) at 4.30pm every Saturday during lock down His new single ‘Smile She Like Dat’ is planned for released at the end of April or early May.

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6 Comments

He’s an outstanding singer and fills me with so many emotions every time he sings I have seen him perform live and and I am still awestruck by his voice. He is a gentle giant and has a wonder heart. The people of Uttoxeter are so lucky. I am sure every town and city would love to have Raphael Tate “ Prince of Soul” In their Neighbourhood .
Written by Mary, April 8, 2020 - Reply
Fantastic of Raphael to spread happiness through his wonderful voice and music. Listened in from Bristol.
Written by Julie Demaret, April 8, 2020 - Reply
Raph is a brilliant singer/entertainer, putting loads of effort into his dance moves, making sure that all that decide to join him during these difficult times, leave the event with a massive smike on their faces, feeling totally uplifted. Thankyou for all your hard work, making sure we all have something to look forward to.
Written by Linda Williams, April 8, 2020 - Reply
Amazing! Talented and inspirational guy spreading love & joy & giving Uttoxeter music, a festival in our own gardens booming throughout Uttoxeter! Can't wait! Stream & share guys! Get Uttoxeter booming! We'll will be the music central of the UK 🌈❤🧡💛💚💙💜🤩🥰🙌💃🕺👨🏿‍🎤
Written by Daniella Hill, April 9, 2020 - Reply
Raphael Tate is my friend, my big Bro 😎💯👍 he is one of the most talented entertainer's in Cyprus and is also a good Latin dancer 🕺 He's very popular on the island and has many shows here throughout the year. 🎶🎵🎼🎤 We hope and pray for your safe return home to Cyprus my friend. God bless and keep you safe 🙏🙏❤️
Written by Marlene Vasiliades, April 10, 2020 - Reply
I have seen Raphael in Coral Bay, Cyprus he is brilliant performer. Stay safe and you get back to Cyprus soon.
Written by J Harrison, April 14, 2020 - Reply

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Stranded musician entertains with garden concert series

Stranded musician entertains with garden concert series

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