IVORIAN AFRO-ZOUK MUSICIAN Monique Seka is in Kigali ahead of the highly-anticipated Kigali Jazz Junction slated for Friday, August 26 at Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village (former Camp Kigali). The 56-year-old singer, who is celebrating over 40 years in music, will share the stage alongside Rwanda’s very vocalist and songwriter Mike Kayihura. Below is what she told The New Times in her first interview prior to Friday’s mega Jazz night. Excerpts: Welcome to Rwanda, Seka. How is Kigali treating you already? Kigali is taking care of me well with its cleanliness and calmness. You will be performing on Friday at Kigali Jazz Junction. What made you feel convinced that it’s time to perform in Rwanda? I dream of playing wherever I am asked. Where the public calls for me. The question would be why the promoters took so long to invite me? But as they say everything is won in teams. What’s your biggest anticipation for the concert? It's the first time I've performed in Rwanda, it's a challenge. I expect the public to have fun as I give everything I have in my guts. How can you describe the feeling of singing for Rwandans for the first time in your music career? It is a feeling of joy and pride. I didn't know that my music was appreciated in this part of Africa. Rwandans have contributed to the admiration of Africa having come from far. We'll be by their side to celebrate with them. How much do you know about The Kigali Jazz Junction concept? And when asked to perform in Kigali, did you hesitate? If so, what was your impression? If not, what made you hold on at first? To be honest I didn't know the concept but I admit that when my manager told me about it I said ‘okay’ because I trust him. And in addition I discovered professional promoters which is to be congratulated. The idea is to play old glories and living legends of African music according to my information. What message do have for your fans ahead of the concert? Many should come to party because we will have fun. Life is too stressful let's enjoy the good times About Monique Séka Séka developed an interest for music from childhood. She represents the third generation of a musical dynasty of Ivory Coast. Seka is the daughter of Seka Okoi an Ivorian singer famous in the 1970s. Seka was apprenticed by her father before joining the RTI Orchestra. That was the time she started to experiment mixing zouk and rhythms to create Afro Zouk, a combination that surprises and seduces music lovers at the same time. In the mid-1980s, Caribbean music invaded world markets. Seka blended into this trend and released her first album Tantie Affoué in 1985. In 1989, she signed the production of her music to Cape Verdian keyboardist Manu Lima and released her album Missounwa. This mixture of zouk and African rhythms travelled beyond the African borders, and asserted recognition in the press and media. At the end of 1992, she met Dominique Richard, a founding member of Radio Sun, the first Afro-Caribbean radio station launched in Lyon in July 1993. Dominique became her producer and impresario. They got married on March 31, 1995, and after releasing a few albums they had a daughter Carolyn Richard, born February 9, 1998. In 1994, she again called Manu Lima for the arrangements of her new album and returned to the country with the album Okaman. Subsequent albums of hers include Adéba in 1997, Yélélé in 1999 and many best of with new titles: Anthology in 1999, 15 years 15 success in 2003, Obligada in 2005, etc. Her success has earned her the support of many artists from various musical backgrounds such as Yaye Demin, a hit song with Meiway. Early-birds tickets are available via www.rgtickets.rw for Rwf10, 000 for regulars and Rwf20,000 and Rwf30, 000 for VIPs and VVIPs while tickets on the gate will be sold at Rwf15000 for regulars, Rwf25000 and Rwf 40000 for VIPs and VVIPs.
