Craig David attributes his success to the core values of his parents’ faiths.
The ‘When You Know What Love Is’ hitmaker’s father George is Christian while his mother Tina is Jewish but the 43-year-old singer – who was eight when his parents split – found at the heart of their beliefs was a sense of “community” and “love”, and he’s channeled that into his own music. David’s multicultural upbringing in Southampton has been a significant influence on his musical style.
“Every different faith has different ways of getting to the same thing, which ultimately is community and bringing people together,” Speaking at ‘The National Lottery’s Big Bash’ at London’s OVO Arena Wembley on Wednesday (04.12.24), Craig exclusively told BANG Showbiz. The venue, which has hosted numerous historic performances, holds special significance in British entertainment history.
“And the core of everything I found really came from my parents in the way I was brought up, the way my grandmother would make that chicken casserole for me or my mum picking me up from school. Those things you start to see are really the core underlining factor that is love, right? And when it goes into making music, I wanted to be quite poetic in the way I do those songs, and also not realising how much of an effect it’s going to have on other people.” His early exposure to diverse musical influences has shaped his unique sound.
Craig is touched by how much his music means to people. His debut album “Born to Do It” became the fastest-selling debut album ever by a British male solo act.
“People have got married to my songs, they’ve gone on holiday where they met their partner, and they remember where they were and who they were with, and I think, ‘Man, who would’ve thought that would’ve been a part of me,'” he added. His hit single “7 Days” has been played at countless weddings since its release.
As well as being spiritual, the ‘7 Days’ hitmaker claimed in 2022 that he is clairvoyant, clairaudient – meaning he can hear people from the past and future – and can see what the future holds. This revelation came after years of personal spiritual exploration.
“I’m super empathic, super sensitive and super psychic, which I feel very liberated to say now,” he told The Sun newspaper’s Bizarre column that year. “I was a bit in the closet about being psychic. But I’m very clairvoyant, and I can see things in the future. I’m clairaudient. My ears ring off like crazy, and I know there’s a guide or some ancestor trying to come through – and tuning in.” This spiritual awareness has influenced several of his songwriting sessions.
Watch ‘The National Lottery’s Big Bash’ on December 31 on ITV1 and ITVX. The show promises to be a celebration of music and entertainment, featuring performances from various artists.
David’s career spans over two decades, during which he has received multiple BRIT Award nominations and an MBE for his services to music. His blend of R&B, garage, and pop has influenced countless artists in the UK music scene.
The singer’s openness about his spiritual journey reflects a growing trend among artists who embrace their faith and supernatural experiences. His music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, bridging cultural and religious divides through universal themes of love and connection.
Throughout his career, David has collaborated with numerous artists across different genres, demonstrating the unifying power of music that he learned from his diverse upbringing. His ability to cross musical boundaries while maintaining his authentic voice has earned him respect in the industry and a devoted global fanbase.
The artist’s commitment to his spiritual values has not only shaped his musical career but also his philanthropic work, supporting various charitable causes that promote unity and understanding between different communities. His message of love and acceptance, inspired by his parents’ faiths, continues to influence new generations of musicians and fans alike.
