Born in Zégué on a small farm near the city of Notsé, I grew up in Lomé in a neighborhood founded by immigrants. There were many different ethnic groups in the neighborhood, thus a great cultural diversity. The assimilation of these immigrants was not easy. It led to ethnic conflict between young people of the area. Our favorite games, soccer, marbles, cards and our dance parties always ended with insults and fights. We would insult our opponents with a series of rhymes. We would work very hard at perfecting them especially because hip hop was already on the scene. We were simply following in the footsteps of our older "brothers" like EricMC and Ali Djéz. That is how my true desire to make music (in particular Hip Hop) was born. In addition I borrow from Tali Taki, our traditional music.
The inspiration for my songs
often comes while working in the fields.
It's practically the only time I spend away from my group. I take advantage of it because I always have
to come up with something to say as soon as our fights begin. I was better at it than the others because I
was musically talented. And when my
words didn't flow well this "supposed great artist" was made fun of,
not only by his adversaries but by his own group.
Early on I understood what
misery was because I came from a large and a poor family. Worry and fear were with me daily. This music now gives me "joie de
vivre" and hope for a better world.
In this way my music alleviates my sadness.
I quickly understood that I
should belong to a group in order to make the most of my talent. Another opportunity opened up as soon as I
became a member of the APESMIR organization (Organization for the Promotion of
Health and Education in Rural Communities).
It is through this group, during our work in various cities and
villages, that I came into my own as an growing artist. Our work dealt with, among other things, the
fight against AIDS and malaria, the Guinea worm, hygiene, etc., as well as the
promotion of education in the countryside.
It's important for me to create music with a socially significant message. As an artist I'm committed to creating this kind of music in order to condemn these devastating scourges that undermine our social well being.
I give a BIG UP to APESMIR
for which I have great appreciation and respect. The courage I have today to overcome life's obstacles comes from
this dynamic group. I've just started a
musical career which is very important to me.
I hope this explanation helps you appreciate this album. Above all encourage me to go further. A BIG UP to all my fans.