Interview with Zamina
Just a week before the CAMA Festival, CAMA caught up with Zamina’s Nigerian frontman, Jude to hear how Reggae and Afro-beat is kicking up a storm in Vietnam’s capital. Below is the details of the interview:
CAMA: So, how did a Reggae and Afro-beat band start in Hanoi of all places?
Jude: It started with Jam [the band’s Philippine songwriter, guitarist and singer] stealing my cigarette at Phuc Tan.
CAMA: As a band, what would you say are your musical influences?
Jude: Jacob miller, Bob marley, Fela kuti and Awilo logonba.
CAMA: I’ve heard Zamina are starting to introduce a more Asian influence in their music, can you elaborate a little about this? Do African and Asian music go together? What aspects are you taking of each?
Jude: Music is a universal language and whatever genre can blend together, if done the right way. That’s why you can see an Englishman dancing to a Yoruba song. We actually want to do something unique and since we are based in asia at the moment, we reckon we should have an Asian feel in our
songs. You need to listen to AFROASIA.
CAMA: How would you describe a Zamina live show?
Jude: Insanely Crazy! You can’t help it but dance.
CAMA: What do you think about the Hanoi music scene? How would you like to see it change/develop?
Jude: More bands are coming up now, which is good….
CAMA: What other musicians do you like? Can you recommend any acts to check out?
Jude: In Hanoi I’ll say Machete.Sex.Mix, Zippy and hi JINKS.
CAMA: What are gigs like in Vietnam, compared to Nigeria?
Jude: Almost the same, except the party is more crazy at home.
CAMA: How do you feel about playing the CAMA Festival?
Jude: I feel good – it will be a reason to remember Vietnam.
CAMA: Did you go to gigs when you were younger? How did you get enough money to go?
Jude: HAHAH! Yeah I went to a lot. Most of them are free and the ones that you have to pay for are really cheap – maybe two dollars each. Festivals at home don’t fly in acts ‘cause there are a bunch of bands at home, which is kinda different from Vietnam.
Check out some cool videos from Zamina on CAMA Festival Website.
