Bloem - May 24

Mario Lategan, the classic man
Text: Gypseenia Lion
Everything he does, he does with class. From
the cars he drives to the music he makes,
Mario Lategan believes that everything in
life gets better with time and age.
“Life happens and things don’t always work out as
you planned, but I am grateful and luckily singing
is a passion and a hobby for me and I don’t have
to stress to make money and a living out of it,” he
expressed.
Inspired by a trip to the theatre as a young boy,
Mario was hooked to the world of opera and
classical music instantly.
“That was all I wanted to do with my life except for
maybe studying architecture…I started singing
when I was in Grade 9 in Jim Fouché High School
in the schools Revue Group, it was great fun and I
then realised I might have some talent,” he said.
“Music took me all over the world and our
beautiful country. I have met amazing people and
I have seen the most incredible places.”
Today, the 44-year-old has numerous experiences
in music and also ventured into being a Master
of Ceremonies at major festivals and beautiful
weddings.
“I had to open a big festival and I quickly had to
learn how to swim… Talking in front of 2000
plus people is a very daunting experience and
the first time I had to do it, I nearly died,” he
said jokingly.
Mario’s first gig at a wedding was an
occasion he will never forget, but the
lessons he learnt from that day measures
up to his success today.
“I take things in my stride and I have fun
and enjoy myself. I like to make people feel
special and heard… It always depends on
the type of people you are dealing with
and I think you must have somebody
[a client] who understands you so that
you can bring flavour to the function or
wedding. I believe good humour is always
important and being able to think on
your feet and be in the moment. “If you are
having fun, the audience is having fun.” I like
to do things quickly and get it done. It is very
important that you engage with the venue and
planners to manage the flow of the event.”
Mario is also a big lover of classic cars. For him,
driving along the beautiful country in a classic
car while listening to beautiful music while singing
along is, “Priceless!”
“The love of classic cars is just an illness that you
get and when you have it, you can’t get rid of it…
I love the beautiful lines and the effort that’s put
into the design and the finishing of classic cars. I
love cars and powerful engines,” he expressed.
He also enjoys spending time at home on the
stoep with his partner while they listen to music
and enjoy good food and wine and music.
Mario also manages a private school, Kyrios
Independent School, and “I love every minute
of it”.
His idea of a perfect wedding is one that has
a little bit of Bloemfontein’s heart, authentic
and real.
“I don’t like fake things and you
immediately know when something is real.
It doesn’t have to be expensive as long
as the love is there… I like to do things
classy and clean and sometimes a little
bit tongue in-the-cheek,” concluded
Mario.
12 Get It Bloemfontein May 2024 getitmagazine.co.za/bloemfontein