As a distinguished journalist and photographer, he published a book earlier this year retracing nearly twenty years of new encounters with big names in world music. Samuel Nja Kwa, during an exclusive with Culturebene told us how his book ‘Route du Jazz’ came about.
Q: You published a book sometime ago on your experiences with artistes and musicians who are legends today. If we were to say something about this beautiful rich catalog of unpublished photos, what would you say?
A: Well, the book is entitled ‘Route du Jazz’. I attached images and texts explaining my encounter with African musicians as well Americans, Cubans and Brazilians who are of African descent who exhibited Africanism in their music with delight. This adventure began when I was between the ages of 15-16 years, while I was still working for culture magazines. So every time I spoke with artistes that I covered festivals for, they surprised I was the only black journalist. Suddenly it created links for me. From time to time I happened to relish those moments and it always dawned on me that it was necessary to write about it someday. So it’s been two years since I got into it. I decided to write a book as a result which was officially released in March 2014.
Q: Which of your vivid encounters would you like to share with us?
I'll first talk about my meeting with Manu Dibango, who also happens to feature in the preface of this book. I describe him as someone who is at the crossroads of all music. It must be remembered that he arrived in France when he was only 18, and it was after the Second World War and at that time music had taken a certain magnitude. That was when Americans introduced Jazz to France and all the black people in France adopted the American attitude. Manu chose the saxophone and he impressed me the most because he is one of the first black African to be recognized musically by America. He toured most part of the world especially Africa because he left his footprints in the Ivory Coast and Congo. This was because he played with Tabuley Rochereau, Grand Kalle just to mention a few. Today at 82 years, he is the African music library. So for me this is one of the most important and exciting encounters of my life. I also mentioned Miriam Makebah who had exiled to the United States and later moved to Guinea with her husband. In short they are strong personalities who remind me of beautiful things, not forgetting my friend Ray Charles.
A: The strong ‘Jazzy’ tunes were noted in your work, why?
Q: The simple reason is because I grew up with it. I was born in France , and my father was a student at the time, a doctor by the way. In fact every time he was done studying, he listened to jazz and I was lulled into this music. The rest are my many trips that have contributed, but I listen to a lot of other music, especially when I arrived in Cameroon. I did not miss the opportunity to go places such as Bangoua, Bertoua, Bafoussam, among others. I know the country well.
Q: Do you play any instrument?
A: Yes the guitar. But I think that everyone has his field. I 'm not a musician but a journalist and lover of music. So it's in my spare time I indulge in this exercise.
Q: What else influenced your progress?
A: Let's say I grew normally. After obtaining my in France I went to Montreal to study political science for five years, and thereafter I began my long journey into the world as a journalist. I have never worked for a particular newspaper; I have always worked as a freelancer.
Q: Also as a professional photographer have you worked with some Cameroonian artistes in?
A: Yes, of course I worked with Richard Bona and Coco Mbassi. I made the covers of the first two albums for Jay Lou Ava and for Dora Decca I made the cover of her latest album. I have worked with Bekoko giants like Aladin, Messi Martin, in short they are many. I’m also working on a project with Cameroonian artists, but you'll know when the time comes.
Q: Will you stay home?
A: Uh, no I’m not sure (laughs). My life is here in France, I am married to a French and a father of three children.
