Ophélia Grelet
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Flashmag March 2020 www.flashmag.net
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because I did not know who she was despite her great songwriting talent. She was incredible. The second is Abbey Lincoln, it was very important as well for me, to have her on this album, with 2 songs “Afro Blue” and “Throw it Away” a song that reminded me a bit of what I went through, when coming to America. The difficulties I have faced. That song spoke to me. I was lucky to meet her when she was still alive. On my first record she came to the studio. She was from the generation of Nina Simone, and Billie Holiday. She was not only a singer, but an activist during the time of the civil rights movement. A challenging time to be an artist since they were risking their career to take a stand. She really stood for something worth, that is why I admire her. She was an intelligent and strong black woman. She was an actress as well, Hollywood wanted to turn her into a black Marylin Monroe and she refused.
“Etre ne quelque part” from Maxime le Forestier is important as well, because it describe the situation I have lived as immigrant with my daughter. Maxime le Forestier wrote this song in the seventies, and to this day this situation hasn’t changed; it became even worst. Now there is a ban on Nigerians, Eritreans and many others citizens of countries, who cannot travel to the United States anymore.
Technology is been of a great help to music, but some musicians believe it tends to make lazy new artists, and more over everybody who knows how to use a computer can make music now. Do you think it’s important to insist on the fundamentals of music like learning to play an instrument and learning to sing properly, before even thinking about making it, since the problem now is everybody want to be a star, but nobody want to learn to be an artist?
You have to know your instrument of course, and even solely the voice is an instrument. And I believe you should master at least one instrument. But now I believe technology is important because it is a tool that helps a lot, if you use it the right way you can make amazing things, like DJ Black Coffee. It’s amazing, but I still prefer to pick up my guitar, or sit to play my piano. The best thing is that you can combine organic with electronic. I believe that even if Bob Marley was still alive today, he would use the best out of electronic. Even those who create music electronically, still have a certain knowledge of music. they know the culture, rhythms and name brand like James Brown, Aretha Franklin, or Fela Kuti.
By March, you will be touring. I’m a bit curious when you go on tour how do you manage your children education and follow up?
When I go on tour, they come with me. Of course, I make sure they follow their studies, there are many tools now that helps; like online schooling that doesn’t require you to be in the classroom. I make them read a lot of books. As parents we sometimes think that what was good for us, is also good for our kids; yet time are evolving and we have to adjust. It’s not forcibly the best thing to send your kid everyday 7 to 8 hours, into a place that may not be the best place either for them to grow wise. It’s important to keep your kids as closer, as you can, with the rampant miseducation that is going on.
You have several concerts that are already Sold out in France and Germany. What can the public expect during this Royal tour?
You can expect a very exited Ayo. I have been waiting over a year for this record to come out. I’m very happy, and ready to sing these songs to people, to share. The songs of this record are very powerful. They can expect something very pure, and humble. I’m not coming to entertain; I’m coming to share.
As we are closing this talk do you have a special word towards the public? And for the younger generation, who takes you has an example to follow, what can you tell them about their ambition in the music industry?
Never stop believing in what you want. Don’t back down. if you have to break a wall, then do it don’t let nobody put you down or discourage you in your legitimate ambition. No obstacle can be bigger than your dreams. If you really want something, you’ll finally get it. You just have to be patient.
Work for the light, and stay away from negative vibes. Waste no time for people who are negative. If you don’t know what makes you happy, pray to believe that one day you’ll find out. And if you know what makes you unhappy change that today, not tomorrow.
Ayo thank you for this deep talk all the best for the rest. And happy tour
Off: Comment va ton français? (How is your french doing?)
Merci beaucoup il va très bien mais tu aurais dû m’interviewer en français. Aussi non ? (Thanks, it’s doing well… but we should have spoken in French why not)
Oui je sais que tu parles français mais je sais aussi que ta langue de prédilection en plus de l’allemand c’est l’anglais j’ai voulu que tu sois à l’aise. (laughs) (yes, I know you speak French, but I also know that beside German, English is your main language I wanted to put you at ease) laughs …
Interview by Hubert Marlin
Journalist