I'm back for a new stage adventure with the X- Maleya. After l’Olympia de Paris, they are ready to tread the l’Olympia de Montréal in April. Below is how an interview with them went.
Q: Hi Roger, Hated and Auguste.
A: Hello culturebene.
Q: Only a few days more before your departure to Montréal, where you will stage a performance at l’Olympia de Montréal on April 4. Moreover there were times you met with the press to talk more about it. How did it go?
A: We are very pleased to note that the media are always present when it comes to promising projects that promote our culture. It is with great pleasure to realise that they are involved with this dynamic that is taking place. We hope it will continue.
Q: Some have made comparisons between the l’Olympia de Paris and l’Olympia de Montréal. What’s your take on that?
A: Oh it was understood that it is a habit of the media; you know you people like to create suspense and controversy. But honestly, every day’s state or prospect is another story. It's never the same. For us, the show is important, whether the Olympia in Paris, the versatile Sports Palace in Yaoundé, or the Maeva O club. We take pride in giving our best everywhere and it is vital to us but more for our fans who do not get the opportunity to see us at big events. So we will never make comparisons. Everyone is free to do so, we just know that we are at work, and that's the most essential aspect. Beyoncé sang in a nightclub and there were days she performed in France. So X-Maleya cannot be identified as a special ‘OLYMPIA’ group. We should also entertain our younger siblings in high school during social fun fairs. One must give bliss to everyone.
Q: So are there some rehearsals prior to the actual event?
A: Yes, everything is fine. We will put up the package as we did at the Olympia in Paris.
Q: For your show at l’Olympia de Paris, you said that the goal was to attract an even wider audience, but also the showbiz personalities; can we say that the goal has been achieved?
A: We are able to say that our primary objective was to demonstrate to the world that "it may come from Cameroon and be very competitive," has been reached. Presently, there are so many offers, but do not get excited, we must make the right choices to remain vibrant. We have been in l’Olympia de Montréal a few days but we have signed contracts to perform on 16 dates in the United States. It includes professional tours, there is also a Zenith event, festivals, in short work still continues for us. And then we would train the younger generation in this dynamic one. That's also part of our goals; to ensure that the generation that comes after us gains international recognition. So we cannot stop on the way. We just work hard and achieve that dream.
Q: How is the morale like for the impending Olympia, Montreal show?
A: Honestly, we feel less pressured (laughs). You know, the Olympia in Paris was the first for us in terms of the size of the show. Once we know exactly what we do and we are ready, we give off our best. We invite Montrealers to be there in their numbers because we will give them a show that will live up to their expectations.
