>>What do you do for a living?
I’m a musician. I do African music and others like hip-hop, reggae, and soul as well. I’ll play a tune for you later. I mainly play percussion instruments and do vocals, too.
>>When did you arrive in Japan?
Thirteen years ago. I was nineteen when I first visited Japan, and I have been living in this country since I was twenty-one. I moved to Kurashiki two years ago.
>>Why Kurashiki?
Blown down here by the hurricane. I suddenly found myself here. I believe it was fate.
>>Do you like it here?
I like it very much. It’s a nice city. There’s tradition and culture. My favorites are the Bikan Historical Area and the Geibunkan Hall, places where the good old times are preserved.
>>Do you realize any difference between people in Tokyo and Kurashiki?
They are completely different. People in Tokyo are too occupied with themselves. People here have more time to care about others. I find it more fun and comfortable here in Kurashiki.
>>Where do you often go in Kurashiki?
The Takahari River. I often play my djembe (African drum) at the riverbed. That place reminds me of my hometown Fadama, Guinea. Another place I frequent is the Sento (public bath). I go there almost every day. I’ve pretty much become friends with the regular customers, mostly elderly men, there.
>>What is most important in life?
The soul. Respect for others. Acknowledging that, “people are created equally.”
>>What do you do to relieve your mind of bad things?
Simply play the djembe. The djembe is part of our lives back in the village where I come from; an instrument everyone picks up as a kid. The rhythm exists within us.
>>How many djembe tunes are there？
About three-hundred.