10 Questions For: Matt Roux

Matt Roux is a Chief Technology Officer during the day. At night he puts on a hat and transforms into a musician. Based in Cape Town he entertains young and old.

1.  How would you describe what you do for a living?
During the day I’m a Chief Technology Officer at an eCommerce consultancy. I’m passionate about helping retailers step into the online world. At night I put on a my hat and a t-shirt, strap on my guitar, say “testing one-two” into a microphone and then take audiences on a musical journey. I love both my jobs.

2. If you could invite any three people, dead or alive, for dinner, who would they be and why?
Is this dinner catered so that I can focus on the conversation (also, I’m not much of a cook)? First up I would invite John Mayer for his deep intellect plus his love of talking would ensure no awkward silences. Next in line would be Amy Schumer – I’m fascinated by her rapid career arc and approach to humour. Finally I would throw Bill Clinton into the mix because of his political longevity and ability to survive and thrive.

3. If you ever found yourself auditioning for a music reality TV show, what song would you sing and why?  
Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours”. It has become a signature song in my shows and I notice that it has the widest reach in terms of making any audience member tap their feet, play table drums (which is like air guitar but with imaginary drumsticks instead) and sing along. It’s guaranteed to give me a shot at being selected for the TV show.

4. How would you complete this sentence? The South African cabinet should include a Minister of ___________.
Logic.

5. What is your (honest) opinion of Cape Town? 
Having been born and bred in Cape Town I can honestly say I am still completely in love with her. Of course, there is much important work to be done still to ensure all of Cape Town’s residents have equal access to what she offers.

6. Which part of Cape Town describes you the most and what kind of South African food would you be?
Definitely the city centre itself – it is all about energy, meeting new people and endless possibilities for experiencing something new. 

In terms of South African food, since I’m a committed Banter I would have to say: an egg and boerewors breakfast.

7. Which well-known South African personality would you, without a doubt, be able to beat in a street fight and why?
Tough question! Barry Hilton – I’d stop him in his tracks with a good joke.

8. You have played in front of a local audience and international – is there any difference?
In fact, music is universal – and the most universal part of it is rhythm. Even non-English speaking audiences can feel a song though it’s rhythm. One specific thing does stick out – a tour group from Europe caught part of my set and one of the gentlemen insisted on giving me a VERY large cash tip (I’d like to believe he loved the show but perhaps he just hadn’t gotten used to South African bank notes yet).

9. What should happen to you right now that makes you an internationally known star?
One catchy song can literally propel anyone from any corner of the world into international fame. I have the songs – who wants to record them with me?

10. What can visitors learn from Cape 
That there is beauty around every corner – you just have to go out and experience it.

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ABOUT #CapeTownMag10Q:

CapeTownMagazine.com’s 10 Questions project gets to know some of the Mother City’s most creative and inspiring people. From television personalities and musicians to politicians and entrepreneurs, we find out more about well-known and up-and-coming Capetonians. You can follow #CapeTownMag10Q on Twitter and Facebook to track recent interviews or read more here about our other awesome 10 Questions candidates. 

A FEW OF OUR OTHER 10Q CANDIDATES:

10 Questions For Comedian Dalin Oliver

10 Questions For Pop Singer and Songwriter Jimmy Nevis

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