Soumahoro Mamadou popularly known as Soum Bill just arrived in Cameroon and was spotted at the International Airport in Yaoundé on Wednesday, November 5.
Soum Bill is here to perform a 2-day show at the Sanza Night Club at 10pm on Thursday November 6 and Friday, November 7. We took the opportunity to know what he’s up to.
Q: You are once again welcome to Cameroon. We can tell you like your adopted country as you come back often. It is always with the same pleasure, we guess.
A: That's for sure, and it feels great to be home. I know the Cameroonian public appreciates what I do and they prove that to me every time.
Q: Soum Bill has almost a dozen albums. Even though after the album "Escale" you took a long pause in your career, certainly you keep on promoting it, how is it doing?
A: It is doing great. Escale was released in late 2013 and is still being patronized well. We are always touring, not necessarily the African continent but also the European continent and everywhere. We never get tired where ever we are needed and that's how we do it.
Q: You have done many collaborations with other artistes. Tell us about it.
A: That's true and with a lot of musicians especially those who have gone international like Tiken Jah fakoly, Alpha Blondy. As you have probably heard, Escale is a 100% Reggae album.
Q: We also know that you are preparing for something soon.
A: Yes, it is my last album entitled ‘Zouglou’, to be released in two or three months and will be styled ‘ZOUGLOUMANITY’.
Q: The people in Yaoundé are excited to witness your double show scheduled on Thursday 06 and Friday, November 7 at Sanza Night Club. How long have you prepared for it?
A: You know, things should be done the appropriate way especially if the public adore you, you don’t have to disappoint. Besides, those who had the pleasure of attending my show know that I am here to fire. I will give everything I have.
Anyway, I invite the public to come in their numbers to Sanza on Thursday 06 and Friday, November 7 because it will not be a disappointment.
Q: Soum Bill has been in Cameroon for several years now, is he married to a Cameroonian without anyone’s knowledge?
A: (Laughs) You're terrible huh (laughs); but yes I am married, but not far from Cameroon anyway.
Q: Not far, meaning?
A: Well my wife is from Gabon. I’m close by and it’s a good start (laughs).
Q: Your dreads have grown which is just the rasta look you wear, and you stated earlier that the album happens to be the last of your zouglou register; does this mean we now surf the waves to Alpha Blondy and Tiken Jah?
A: No, not at all. In fact I had already publicly announced that I will release two albums which are essentially reggae and the other 100% Zouglou because I was all the time on stage and not composing songs. I will hence take time to produce my albums and will inform the public when it will be released.
Q: You love Cameroon, especially its artistes as you acknowledged earlier. Would you support the younger generation who are doing an outstanding job?
A: I planned to set up a label, and yes, I would love to support those young people who are doing well. Though the record label has been in existence for some time, it will gain its grounds soon. It is our duty as experienced to continue to support these young artistes who very often lack opportunities and visibility. I will work on it soon Inshallah.
Q: Thank you Soum Bill
A: It is I who should thank you culturebene for your good works.
