Bio
Adam El-Alfi's life, to this point, has been intriguing and nothing short of inspiring. He lived in Silver Springs, MD until the age of eight when he then moved with his family to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia where he learned to play the piano. At the age of nine, he discovered his passion for singing while he was a member of the cast of "Children's Choice," a popular American children's television show that was broad casted in Saudi Arabia. The more he listened to music, the more his ardor grew. "I remember having to hide his Boyz II Men cd, because he'd play it incessantly to the point I knew all the words," quips him mom, Mrs. El-Alfi. By the time his tenth birthday came around, Adam was back in Silver Springs, MD, a fifth grader happy to be closer to the American music scene. In high school, Adam E., as he had come to be known, was so enamored with music, he joined the Chamber Choir at Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C. As a standout member of this distinguished group, Adam E. was chosen to sing with the Eastern High School Choir at the Kennedy Center Honors. Adam, though only sixteen, was a consummate professional and entertainer and maintained his composure as he had to perform for honorees, Julie Andrews, Jack Nicholson, and Quincy Jones. By junior year, he had written his first song, a ballad titled, "So I'll Go." That same year, Adam had become Chamber Choir president, a position he would hold until graduation. At the age of eighteen however, Adam's luminous and promising future took a bleak and tragic turn. While on a school retreat Adam fell terribly ill. Unable to maintain his balance and running a high fever, he was rushed to the hospital. Doctors were not immediately able to offer a diagnosis. At this point Adam had very limited use of his legs; his lack of strength disallowed him from being able to walk. Doctors then put Adam in a medically-induced coma, allowing them to perform several spinal taps in hopes of finding out with what he was afflicted. Adam remained in the coma for six weeks, missing the second half of his senior year. A bittersweet revelation would soon be made, however.
Medical staff determined that Adam was stricken with Acute Viral Milo Encephalitis (AVME) and Meningitis at the same time. The upside to this diagnosis was that now that the doctors knew what was ailing Adam they would be in a position to better treat him. Unfortunately, however, out of the 100 known cases of AVME and Meningitis, NO ONE has ever survived, as ninety percent of those stricken do not awaken from their coma and of the remaining ten percent they all die within a week after reviving.
Naturally, as Adam regained consciousness six weeks later, the outlook was grim as no one had ever truly survived this disease. Adam however, is different. Though paraplegic and unable to speak, Adam exceeded the week prognosis. Having to relearn his speech and motor skills, it was said that Adam would not be able to walk without a walking aid nor would he be able to sing as a result of a tracheotomy. His physical therapist estimated Adam would be able to walk again with the aid of a walker in twelve months time. His will and persistence, however, were unshakable. With high school graduation vastly approaching, Adam was told that he would not be able to march with his classmates. Adam continued to exude unwavering determination. Daily he would work for hours with his physical therapist to the point that seven weeks later he was walking with only a cane for assistance. All the while, he would continue to sing, never abandoning his passion as it had become his solace during this turbulent time in his life. "I've always said, whether it was aloud or internally, that my ability to do something would not be determined by another man." Seven weeks later, Adam was walking though with some labor, proudly across the stage for graduation, unassisted.
Adam now attends Fordham University where he is a Senior Business Administration major with a concentration in Communications and Media Management. Adam has won several open mics on campus that showcased different types of artists (i.e. singers, rappers, poets, etc). Adam has also performed at AIDS benefit concerts at various schools around New York City as well as various live music establishments in and around the New York City area.
Adam's distinct voice makes it difficult to compare him to many artists. His eclectic musical taste ranging from Ray Charles to Prince plays an influence in his sound. Adam's striking voice and adeptness for the piano coupled with his perseverance and commitment for greatness make him a rarity. Adam E. is destined for greatness!
Medical staff determined that Adam was stricken with Acute Viral Milo Encephalitis (AVME) and Meningitis at the same time. The upside to this diagnosis was that now that the doctors knew what was ailing Adam they would be in a position to better treat him. Unfortunately, however, out of the 100 known cases of AVME and Meningitis, NO ONE has ever survived, as ninety percent of those stricken do not awaken from their coma and of the remaining ten percent they all die within a week after reviving.
Naturally, as Adam regained consciousness six weeks later, the outlook was grim as no one had ever truly survived this disease. Adam however, is different. Though paraplegic and unable to speak, Adam exceeded the week prognosis. Having to relearn his speech and motor skills, it was said that Adam would not be able to walk without a walking aid nor would he be able to sing as a result of a tracheotomy. His physical therapist estimated Adam would be able to walk again with the aid of a walker in twelve months time. His will and persistence, however, were unshakable. With high school graduation vastly approaching, Adam was told that he would not be able to march with his classmates. Adam continued to exude unwavering determination. Daily he would work for hours with his physical therapist to the point that seven weeks later he was walking with only a cane for assistance. All the while, he would continue to sing, never abandoning his passion as it had become his solace during this turbulent time in his life. "I've always said, whether it was aloud or internally, that my ability to do something would not be determined by another man." Seven weeks later, Adam was walking though with some labor, proudly across the stage for graduation, unassisted.
Adam now attends Fordham University where he is a Senior Business Administration major with a concentration in Communications and Media Management. Adam has won several open mics on campus that showcased different types of artists (i.e. singers, rappers, poets, etc). Adam has also performed at AIDS benefit concerts at various schools around New York City as well as various live music establishments in and around the New York City area.
Adam's distinct voice makes it difficult to compare him to many artists. His eclectic musical taste ranging from Ray Charles to Prince plays an influence in his sound. Adam's striking voice and adeptness for the piano coupled with his perseverance and commitment for greatness make him a rarity. Adam E. is destined for greatness!
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-Adam E