He is one of the most respected DJs on the Paris market; DJ Peet of the VIP Room in Paris is in Cameroon for two intense weeks in which he will devote to the public his best mixes behind his turntables.
Dj Peet came in response to the invitation of the Abok I NGOMA festival. He willingly exhibited his skills with a spectacular mix this Saturday at Club OG, while special guest Emmanuel Nguélé enjoyed it. Culturebene had a chit chat with him and this is how it went.
Good evening DJ PEET, we suppose this is not your first visit to Cameroon?
Not at all. This is my fourth time, to be precise, and it is always with greatest pleasure. There is always this special warmth inside me every time I step on the Cameroonian soil and I stroll through its streets.
Kindly introduce yourself formally to all those who will come across this interview.
I am DJ Peet, official DJ of African Money which helps and promotes new talents coming from the African continent through AMplus events. This is my fourth time in Cameroon, but this is my first time at the OG club of Emmanuel NGUELE who I respect enormously. He always enjoys what I do and do not miss a ride to the VIP ROOM in Paris where I work. He invited me to a party mixes in his popular club to benefit its prestigious clientele and I am delighted with the attention. So hats off to Emmanuel Nguélé and good luck to the Olympic Game Club.
How long will you be here?
I'm actually in Cameroon to respond to an invitation from the festival, Abok INGOMA, Madame Elise MBALLA. I will be here for two weeks and I'm already starting to have fun. Cameroon is is a great country and I like its atmosphere.
Is the fourth coming like the previous visits?
I would say no; because the previous times were in humanitarian circumstances. I'd mix for gifts giving ceremonies in orphanages and will go back immediately. Here I have all my time and I intend to make the max of this time around because everything I’ve seen so far is beautiful.
Some friends also urged me to make a trip to Douala, visit incredible relics and sites, especially where the Ngondo stands.
Have you already worked with some Cameroonian DJs? If yes how do you rate their level of performance?
I could not rate because Dj Labastille 1 for instance is very good. There are also the likes of BOOBA Dj and Luda. In short, Cameroonian DJs are very good in Africa. I say this because I have mixed with Djs from Ivory Coast, Nigeria and some other African countries. By far I can proudly say Cameroonian Djs are among the best.
What's your special?
I am more Hip hop and electro because it is what works internationally. The boxes in which I mix in counts so it's a bit crazy. Otherwise, increasingly there is the phenomenon that ‘Azonto’ is opened to the world and especially the West. Here I am preparing the release of a single with an English artiste that I will not reveal now. The single will be ready in January 2015.
This is your first in your discography?
Yes. You know I did not have time to record because I mix for several clubs and it took me a long time. Today there is an agency that manages for me: Cut French, who organized everything in the studio schedules for me. This will be a single Azonto and Afro beat, and then come two more singles that I will make with two American artistes with whom I am in a discussion with.
Why did you choose the Deejaying?
In fact it was a teenage love. I started at the age of 13 years when celebrating with friends; it became a passion and a profession afterwards. I promised myself after my studies at New Energy that I will live this passion. Today I travel all over the world and I do what I love.
Here are two random names; Dj Cut Killer and DJ Battle. How do they inspire you?
Cut Killer was one of the best DJs in the French hip hop, who managed to open this movement in the world and in boxes because at the time it was considered a rabble of music, and was preferred to be played the House. Battle is the Special Dj La Fouine. I do not know him personally, but I hear that he easily fits into many styles. Once I was in Congo for a show, I was told he was there was a week before me and had it mixed at the Ndombolo. It was amazing! Which of the Cameroonian artistes do you know?
I admire the young Museba. He is the friend of a big brother of ours, Ben J of Neg'Marrons . She sings great and saves in hyper pro studios. For me it is the Cameroonian artist who can go very far. I have not yet had the chance to come cross others, but will surely do, since I 'm here for a long stay.