>> Dwele (Photo by Adele Ambrose).
Detroit’s smoothest soul brother stopped by Level Nightclub to celebrate Soul Kitchen’s Anniversary. Although there were a few rough edges, the evening was indeed a soulful one. Sexy, engaging and humble, Dwele shares a few thoughts on life and his music.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My mother, then my brother
Which talent would you most like to have?
I wish I could dance, I wish I was on some Usher Shit. I could just pull that out of my hat and just blow everybody’s mind.
What is your current state of mind?
Right now, I’m really thinking about this next album and trying to decide what direction I’ll take it in. I’m kind of at a crossroads: Am I going to do Jazz or Soul hip-hop? That’s where I’m at right now.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
The most recent album
What is the trait you most dislike in others?
Dishonesty
What is your greatest extravagance?
Electronics, gadgets. Whenever that new Mac computer comes out, I just gotta have it.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“You know what I’m saying” – I’m working on that.
If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be?
A bird
What is your most treasured possession?
My first house
What is your favourite occupation?
I haven’t had too many jobs in my lifetime, but I really enjoy and really miss flipping pizza. When I go into Restaurants and see people preparing pizza, I just wanna go in the back and flip a pie. The music is a given, of course you know that’s what I love, that’s my first love [but] outside of music I really want to flip a pizza.
Where were you flipping pizzas?
I was managing at a Papa Romano’s in Detroit.
What is your most marked characteristic?
I’d probably have to say, because I hear it a lot—my beard and my lips. I try to hide myself; I put on the glasses and the hat and still get recognized. Yeah, I may have to cut my beard off…..
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
It really does vary, but I have to say I like a woman with a sense of humour, a woman I can laugh with …..I like flapjacks, too.
What do you most value in your friends?
I value my friends' truthfulness most. To be a true friend, you have to be able to speak your mind.
What is your motto?
My motto, “The motto of the wise is to be prepared for a surprise.”
Adele Ambrose is an arts columnist for AfroToronto.com. She can be reached at
