A man who grew up in Cwmbran is now the lead singer of a hip hop band in Norway who have just released their latest album. Paul Horsley, age 35, lived in Dinas Path and went to Fairwater infants, junior and comprehensive.
Here he tells his story:
“I was swept off my feet by a Norwegian girl during my first year on the BA(hons) ceramics course at university in Cardiff in 1997. We kept in contact after she moved back to Norway.
“I visited her in my holidays up until I graduated in 1999. The news that she was pregnant left me with a life changing decision to make. Should I move back to Cwmbran or should I move to Norway? Fortunately I chose to move to Oslo. The move was a culture shock to say the least. The transition from growing up in Fairwater to moving to one of the world’s richest countries was a big step.
“Our beautiful daughter was born on 10 September 1999. Becoming a father at 22, learning Norwegian and looking for work was a serious reality check.
“In 2001 after a painful break up with my girlfriend, I found myself living in a squat after she kicked me out of the flat we had bought together. Just when I thought it might be time to return to Wales I ended up forming the band Subway Safari with a group of experienced Norwegian musicians in the summer of 2001. I was the only band member who had not come from a musical background
“In fact I remember hating music lessons at Fairwater comprehensive. I bought a sampler/ drum machine and began in Subway Safari as a button pusher. After the vocalist left the band to work in TV I was given the job of being the new front man. I started writing rap lyrics and the first song I wrote was called ‘Female Honey Bunnies’.
“The band is still going strong today after four singles, an extended play, two albums, two music videos and a few hundred gigs all over Norway.
“Subway Safari has played festivals, warmed up for the Happy Mondays and played live on national TV.
“Our new album ‘Life Sessions’ is out now on iTunes and will be available for mail order on 180gram vinyl from our website http://www.subwaysafari.no/ from 31 August.”
Here are the group’s links to Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.
Click the You Tube video below to watch Subway Safari’s first video- Pure Fuckin’ Rage
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6a5uF8ljDw]