Interview with tourism personality Enrico Gonzalves |12 May 2017

‘In the tourism industry, you always have to be an entertainer in whatever you do’

Enrico (left) with band colleagues performing

For this week’s tourism personality we meet Enrico Gonzalves, 31-year-old performer, singer and band vocalist in ‘Kadenza’ and ‘Craze Entertainment’.

When did you start your career in singing/music?

I started off in my early 20s as a rock fanatic. We were in a four-man band under the name ‘Metanoia’ and we were responsible for small gigs during the time we were together. We took part in certain concerts but it was a very brief period of my singing career. I remember we used to practice in our drummer’s living room at the time. It was not the most convenient of settings, but we were all determined to make something from scratch. Honestly, I never thought I would be working in the tourism industry still.

How does it feel to be on the music centrestage in the tourism industry?

Being a funny guy (at least I consider myself as one), performing is very much tied to my upbeat personality and my outgoing character. In the tourism industry, I have learned that you always have to be an entertainer in whatever you do. It is either you are entertaining their minds, their sight or their palates, and I have grown to understand this very well. At the beginning, I believed that it was about my own flavour, but after going round in different hotels on several islands I now understand that depending on your crowd you have to go with their vibe. At times we will have those very eager to hear some Creole music and dance to sega and others wanting to hear sweet jazz all night long. So, I have to perform according to their flow basically. However, we perform a fusion of world music with mellow beats accompanied by an acoustic band.

How would you describe your experience so far as a personality in the tourism industry? The highs and lows of working close with the tourists?

Since I sing mostly at the food and beverage side of the settings, this means working odd hours and until late in the evening. You have to stick around long enough to keep the services circulating and that is how we are rated, on how well we can attract and keep a crowd present at a venue. As a soloist singer and even when working with my band, we need to keep it together and remain humble. There are of course difficult scenarios but this we need to discuss and continue with the good job we offer.

Has a career in the tourism industry impacted you in any way?

I am definitely a better crowd pleaser. I have improved a lot and learned a lot about communication. Your usual reflexes are altered tremendously especially when dealing with clients. You have to be patient, understanding and always ensure that you play for them; they love knowing that this is a special treat. The minute you make your crowd feel special, that is when you hit the jackpot.

Do you plan to stay in the tourism limelight in terms of your career? What are your plans for the near and distant future?

Currently I enjoy my gigs in the hotels and bars since the tourism industry is a very lucrative market to grow into. However, I will still take part in other small concerts such as country and western and children’s concerts and I also plan to venture into the world of events such as weddings as well. For further plans I wish to go commercial as a solo artist.