By Stamatina Notaras
While we live in a time when performers are curated and authenticity is rare, Mihali Georgeou constantly reminds us that some things can’t be taught.
Before the flowers come in to play, the venue is booked or the guest list is compiled, there is one element that will make or break any celebration: the music. If your guests aren’t forming a circle on the dancefloor, dropping to their knees, and downing rum shots from the ground, then sorry to break it to you, but the kefi may have left the room. But when Mihali is on the run sheet, rest assured, you’ve got nothing to worry about.
It’s hard to articulate the energy shift that takes place when Mihali is on stage. As his cousin and a bystander to many of these moments, I can say that small talk comes to a halt, smiles break out as if yielding to the moment, and the eyes of onlookers widen with awe.
Aside from vocals that turn the heads of high-flying Greek talent and constant comparisons to the great Pantelis Pantelidis, what makes Mihali stand out in a sea of performers is the entertainer within him that requires no coaxing, warm-up, or recharge.
“I enjoy entertaining people and just seeing people enjoying themselves and being happy through my music. What I love about singing is that you feel free, and it feels good to perform and sing, especially when I’m doing it with others.” Mihali said.
Picking up his first bouzouki at age 14, his talent was apparent, and his passion was unparalleled. After three years of lessons, he broke out on his own.
At 17, without a single lesson, he added singing to his repertoire. With a knack for string instruments, a guitar found its way into his hands, and right in the heart of Brisbane’s Greek community, a star was born.
Ever since then, whenever there was a Greek event in Brisbane, Mihali would be the first call. Because, much like hot chocolate on a rainy day or bangers with a side of mash, it seemed wrong to have one without the other.
Much like a chameleon’s ability to cater to its surroundings, the same can be said for Mihali’s vocal range. One minute, you’ll be welling up at the tear ducts as he belts out a ballad, and three minutes later, you’ll be waving napkins above your head, wishing you could freeze time and live in the moment forever.
The storytelling quality Mihali possesses is that of an old soul, captivating those around him with a palpable passion for what he does and a deep-rooted respect for the culture that shaped him.
Unlike some of us, where the thought of singing on stage in front of people turns palms sweaty and airways tight, nerves never seem to be an issue for Mihali.
From regularly performing on the Brisbane Paniyiri’s main stage to serenading newlyweds as they take their first dance as husband and wife, I strongly feel that the best is yet to come.
What’s next for our rising star? “I would like to carve out my own voice,” he said. “I want to release my own music one day – maybe a single, or eventually an album.”
While everyone has their pipe dreams, this one seems as certain as my daily cup of coffee – spoiler alert: I never skip it.
