A multifaceted woman, Tamu Mazama is an African singer of Guadeloupean origin, writer, fervent Afrocentric activist and above all polyglot. Barely 20 years old but it is already breaking the rules in a world losing meaning by advocating, body and soul, the emancipation of Africa in all its forms. Kama – the ancient name of Africa – is and remains, in her eyes, the mother earth who did not see her birth but whom she carries in her heart. Between poignant truths and modesty, she spoke with an open heart in our columns through an exclusive interview.
How did you get into the world of music?
Tamu Mazama: Since I was six years old, I have always loved singing. It was my way of expressing myself, of making people feel emotions. Emotions that I couldn’t necessarily express through words. And when I was little, my mother let me sing at her conferences. But it was in 2020 that, due to covid, I moved to Guadeloupe and that’s where I discovered my path. Guadeloupe allowed me to rediscover myself. And that’s when I started singing professionally in Racine group. The Jean-Marie brothers, renowned artists in Guadeloupe, supervised me and that’s where it all began.
To (re)read: Kimpa Vita, the glow of a shadow
Where did your passion for musical and literary writing come from?
I started writing poems when I was 6 or 7 years old, to express my emotions and what was going on in my head. It was also a way of talking about the feelings of others. When I was 12 or 13, I started writing fiction and much more developed texts. I started my first novel at 14: Seventeen dry seasons.
The 1/4 cover of this book on Amazon.
You have already written and co-written different books, which one could you suggest?
It’s true that I have four books, two of which belong to me and two others that I co-wrote. In my opinion, it’s difficult for me to suggest a book to someone because every book I’ve written or been involved in conveys a different message. Each book has a particular expression and I have a different connection with each work. All the same, I could advise Seventeen dry seasonsmy first book and LIKE, my book released recently. It is the one where we perceive my maturity as a writer despite my young age.
The music video for the song IMANI.
At what point in your life did you feel ready to embark on the quest for the emancipation of Africa and its diasporas scattered across the world?
I grew up in an Afrocentric family where I was taught my history. A true story that was not reduced to colonization and slavery. And I always grew up with this deep love, this pride for my people and this desire to see them move forward. I’ve always had this since I was little. Moreover, even before music, I organized events for the benefit of young people my age as part of discussing relevant subjects linked to our culture.
Your mother, Ama Mazama, Did it play any role in your Afrocentric ideology?
By the way, I know that thanks to Afrocentricity, my mother played a big role in my view of the world, how I feel in this world. In addition, his message did not only touch me but his influence reached many people dedicated to returning to their roots.
To (re)read: Generation 2000: Tamu Mazama, the Guadeloupean artist who conquered Africa
Why are spirituality and mysticism almost omnipresent in your writings?
African spirituality plays a very big role because I am influenced by my culture. The one we find in the diaspora with our different rhythms, our different traditions that we can trace back to Africa. In many of my works and texts, I highlight the importance of our connection with nature. As she gives us many things, we must also respect her. I am influenced by the forces of nature which serve as our guide.
At University, what encouraged you to enroll in Africology?
Studying Africology is a dream come true. I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. It should be noted that the Africology department dates from the 1980s because Black Americans could no longer bear being taught lies. They wanted to learn their true history away from slavery and colonization. They then fought to have this department. Being in this industry is like a mission for me to continue what my ancestors started. This is huge in my eyes.
Tamu Mazama Service Feast of Sainte-Rose Guadeloupe August 2023
You were born in the United States, grew up in Guadeloupe and, apparently, you have already visited 37 countries around the world. However, if you had to do it again: would you like to be born in Africa?
Very good question. It’s true that it would have been better to have been born in Africa and everything but I always point out that Africa was born in me and at the end of the day that’s what really matters. I carry Africa within me: I protect it, I keep its cultures and traditions. What drives me is to help others by accompanying them to find this African flame in them.
Imani is your new song which has been causing a sensation lately, featuring Bled Miki. What is the strong takeaway message and why is the title in Kiswahili?
The song IMANI has several meanings. In Kiswahili, it means faith but also it is one of seven symbols of KWANZA, a pan-African holiday. It is a symbol that reminds us to have faith in ourselves and our cultures. With Bled Miki, we wanted to convey this message to Africans and its diasporas. The song talks about a Kongo queen who reconnects with her traditions and rites.
What is the sentence that broadly summarizes your philosophy of life?
“Unity is our goal and victory our destiny. »
mai 2024
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