10 Questions - Karengera Eric Soul
Published 13 May 2009
In our latest artists interview we ask Karengera Eric Soul from AfroGroov about his influences, creativity and the best job he's ever had...
'''Ten Questions'''
'''Name:''' Karengera Eric Soul
'''Role:''' Musician
'''Showcase Performance:''' Black Atlantic
'''1. Where do you find inspiration for your work?'''
The inspiration is drawn from various sources, it is rooted in cultural identity and tradition as well as all the experiences encountered while growing up between my country of origin Rwanda and Europe. The fierce struggle of my people to remain culturally relevant while surrounded by a dominating and influential western culture is a source of great drive to pursue this avenue.
'''2. What has been your most memorable performance?'''
Too many to mention; the top ones were to be able to create sonic connections while supporting Keziah Jones in Paris 2003 and sharing the DJ booth with Afrika Bambaata - The Godfather of Hip Hop in Germany in 2006.
Following his DJ set with an AFROGROOV selection made total sense and brought me a lot of satisfaction. It confirmed the relevance of an abstract concept I have been trying to share with people for a long time.
'''3. Where in the world would you most like to perform... and why?'''
On a big open air space by or on one of the 7th wonders of the world .Imagine a massive booming sound system set up on a stage by the Pyramids in Egypt or by the Great Wall of China:-).
To share my music with a maximum of people in such a surrounding would connect the spiritual undertone and the story my DJ set is attempting to tell... In fact, on top of one of the 1000 hills in the wonderful landscape of Rwanda would be amazing.
'''4. Who/what has been the greatest influence on your creative output?'''
My mother's music and Fela Kuti's relentlessness taught me about the gratification of musical integrity. The Michael Jackson of '78 to '91 taught me greatness and excellence through hard work. The inventiveness of DJ's such as Jazzy Jeff and Cash Money taught me about the importance of practicing your craft and the entrepreneurial skills,and the achievement of US Hip Hop moguls showed me the economic power and influence that music has on popular and global culture.
'''5. What has been the highlight of your career so far?'''
a)Being congratulated personally and in writing by Jack Straw for my work during the Holocaust Memorial Day in 2001.
b)The trust and satisfaction OXFAM bosses expressed when I delivered a perfectly timed show for the MakePovertyConcert in Meadows in 2005, where I was appointed musical director.
'''6. Who would you most like to work with...and why?'''
Too many to mention, from Jazzy Jeff to Seun Kuti via K’Naan or even my own mother would be fantastic.
They are inspiring and ridiculously talented while successful with integrity and cultural depth. I love finding that combination in artist.
'''7. What is the best job you have ever had?'''
I've been blessed to be able to pursue a creative path since my teenage years. A project where I collaborate with like-minded people and am able to express and execute my ideas without third party interference have been the most satisfying and successful. Currently, I am producing and presenting a musical TV show and I think the best time is still to be had.
'''8. Where do you see yourself/your company in 5 years?'''
Probably commuting between here and Africa, doing what I do now on a much bigger scale, creating a bigger impact with our initiatives and ideas. The company should be in a position to nurture and jump-start the careers of talented and dedicated individuals. I'd like to transpose all of my skills in as many parts of the African continent as possible. With my modest experience, I d like to be able to give something back for the empowerment of people and especially artists of Africa. Africa is such a wealthy niche of mis-managed talents.
Also, to find the magic formula, to balance it all out with a decent family life would be the icing on the cake.
'''9. What makes you happiest about performing?'''
Bringing pure joy in people hearts ...making them lose their heads and forget their worries for that little time. On a collective level, there are so many sources of satisfaction we achieve in a single performance, I can’t think of only one, however, seeing the sceptic smiling in disbelief is a great highlight during performances. At the risk of sounding motivated by the financial aspect, to be fairly valued and getting paid appropriately for a performance makes me really happy indeed.
'''10. What concerns you most about the state of the Performing Arts Sector in the UK?'''
A lot of genuinely, extremely talented artists do not have the eloquence to translate their ideas in a language that the industry understands and require in order to be taken seriously. It create a wide gap between genuine & natural talent and intellectualised art....everybody is losing out a bit in this climate.
