Exclusive interview with Jon Germain.On New album coming up(ENIGMA) and More.
I believe if I ask you this question its gonna sound silly but just for the sake of those who may probably not know. Who is Jon Germain?
Am the last born of my mom and dad, I have half brothers and sister. My dad is the late Prof John St Germain, my mom Madam Hannah Owusu Ansah, , I have 3 older sisters same mom and dad. Finished Harvard College Ghana ( secondary school) A level, 20 years ago,
How did you start in Radio?
I was introduced to radio by radio legend Tommy annan forson, in 1996′ he thought i had a good voice for radio, he gave me my own show on choice fm
How long have you been on television?
Started TV 11 years ago,
So radio and television, which one do you love most?
I love radio, it’s fun, I love music and I get to play songs I love on radio.. I get to be my self on radio.. I really love radio
which one is difficult to you?
Television is far more difficult , you can do a 3 hour radio show with a single mp3 cd that has a lot of songs, or you could just load songs onto your laptop and play for hours without talking, it’s almost impossible to have a 3 hour tv show. Ha ha , I can sit in a radio studio alone and do my show, tv I need , 4 camera men, light men, sound men, floor men , vision mixer, director , editor, animator ha ha , I love radio. I can be on radio in my boxers, no one can know . Ha ha
Funny, Didn’t know about that side of you.
haha
You are one of the most celebrated TV and Radio personality in Ghana , How does it feel to be popular or a celebrity?
It’s cool, very few tv presenters get so famous , it’s been fun, i have been on so magazine covers in Ghana , Nigeria, South Africa. And usually its only big singers and movie stars , but I have that, and am grateful to God. And any one who likes what I do . It has some bad sides though.
Do you get use to the popularity?
hmmmm, I forget am popular or famous sometimes , but some times something happen that stuns you, a very bad rumor or a big fan wakes you up, to the reality that you are famous.
Just about two/three year ago, people only knew you as a television and radio presenter then Bam, YOU bring an album and it become a straight hit. How did you do that how?
In 1992 p&p wrote an article about a guy in a group MG KK 4 who sings like boyz to men (R&B group) that was me, azigiza jnr played my music video on his tv show in 1993. I have been singing all my life. I was also the lead singer for UK rock band Van Greene.
Have you always been a singer?
Yes I started singing in the church choir at the age of 9 years
When are you bringing a new album because your fans have been asking this?
My second album ENiGMA is due out before match, the first single from the album IN HER ARMS will be out in a few days.
Why is the album Titled Enigma
Check the meaning of Enigma in dictionary. I think it describes me. and a very big singer called me an enigma
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone from MTN Ghana
You are the lover boy in Ghana. I mean the ladies love you and the guys love your style. Do you work hard in keeping up this appearance or it is just you?
its just me my brother, I just wear what i feel like wearing.. And it turns out people like it, am so honored they do.
How do you cope with the pressure i mean from the ladies?
I don’t call it pressure, it’s an honor to have a lot of women as my fans. Its the best thing about my job.
Celebrities date other celebrities Mr. Germain, have you dated any of the celebrity before?
Am sure if i did, you already know about it… Ha ha ha. Old news
I think the ladies are gonna love this question. Are yo married?
Am single
Do you have kids.
Yes I have 3 children, 2 sons and a daughter
what other project do you do apart from your music career and presenting.
I own I CONTACT GH we into , advertising , music and Movies.
And what have been your greatest achievement?
music wise, am proud to be the first African artist living in africa to be sign by a big record company EMI (even though deal is no more, due to the fact that EMI closed down) , nominated for Africa music awards in new york, channel o awards, sound city awards Africa , 4 syte awards, Ghana music awards etc, for my first album. And success even in china.
For tv, I think being on tv for over 10 years and still have a top show.
As a celebrity what was your worst moment?
My worse moments are always when you hear people tell lies about you, and bad rumors , really sad…
Do you have anything to tell your fans and people who admire you?
God bless you, please when you see me , say hi, am not as arrogant as people claim I am, am very cool, thanks for support.
You are welcome Brother
1ON1: Exclusive Upclose and Personal Interview with BraKevinBeat!
XclusiveGh.tk : So Who actually is Bra kevin?
Bra Kevin Beat, Ghanaian based rapper, Hiplfe/hippop artist.
XclusiveGh.tk: What really inspired you to do music?
The fans.
XclusiveGh.tk: How do you go about your daily activities?
I wake up very late around 11am or 12pm, be at the studio. At night, i never sleep early, watch T.V, i mean i make some beats because i produce as well. Night life, just party all night and come back to the studio.
XclusiveGh.tk: How did the name Bra Kevin Beats and his music and also Ebuzu come about?
Ok ummmm, let me start with Ebuzu before my music. Ebuzu is a studio name that i was at when i signed to skillions. The name Bra Kevin Beats Started way back in J.S.S where we formed a group, when we used to rap.
XclusiveGh.tk: Talking of Ebuzu, It looks like Bra Kevin and the skillion are no more?
I used to be on Skillions Records but i moved to Cryme Records.
XclusiveGh.tk: What is your take on Ghana music?
Talk of people seeing you on the streets and taking pictures of you, i think it's going on well and even the shows are paying well.
XclusiveGh.tk: Do you think the free download music websites really helps the artists in any way, and what should the Ghana Music industry do about it?
I don't know, i don't think it's a good thing, because we are to be blamed as well. We give them the links and i don't think it's gonna help any artist. You go to the studio and you pay for studio time and then you put your music out for free downloads. What if there is no show, how do you get paid? GHRAPPERZ: Have you stayed in Ghana all your life because fans out there, especially the ladies say, "Bra Kevin has got swag and has this cool accent". Tell us about it?
I've traveled a few times but i've been In Ghana my whole life.
XclusiveGh.tk: What kind of music do you do?
I don't want to disrespect what Reggie created, you can call it hiplife fine, any how you call it.
v: What should fans expect from Bra Kevin in five years to come and probably cryme records?
I hope cryme rercords becomes the biggest record label in Africa. Well, i am going to be big, hope to be signed by the Jay-Zs and Lil Waynes (laughing) some day soon. I am not going to stop music in five years or years to come, just going to do music till i die. XclusiveGh.tk: What makes your music stand out uniquely, as in this is Bra Kevin's music?
I'll say, its the humor in it, because someone saw me in town and was like whenever he listens to my music he laughs
XclusiveGh.tk: Why the music "Riddle Riddle", and whose voice was it?
About the voice, that is my little secret i mean. With "Riddle Riddle", i listen to politics, and its an everyday thing because in Ghana we eat politics and i wanted to gain attention. And about the voice, it's my littele secret, (in twi) se ofiri he oo, eno de enfa wo ho!
XclusiveGh.tk: Have you ever been criticized for what you do, and which one really hurts?
I get criticized all the time but for hurt, i don't get hurt, because its their opinion and i don't really care because anytime i do music, people tend to like it.
XclusiveGh.tk: Whenever you make a song, you mention "FYCK", what is that all about?
Its actually, "Friends You Can Keep" and its a song.
XclusiveGh.tk: Do you have any album out yet?
No, just mixtapes
XclusiveGh.tk: Are you "Nike or Adidas"?
Adidas, but i'm a "Nike"on Sundays.
XclusiveGh.tk: Why the song, "Nike or Adidas"?
Why not? Give the girls options, i mean, girls like "Nike" you know, i just wanted to do something.
XclusiveGh.tk: What do you aside music?
I have other businesses on the side, but right now, no school but music full-ime.
I have made beats for kwaw kese, ummm, i forget most of the times but my favourite was with kwaw kesse's, "Ecomini" because it became controversial and was banned. I don't know how but it was!
XclusiveGh.tk: How do you promote yourself in Ghana Music?
Ummm, i mean we started this internet revolution thing, because Djs weren't ready to play our music so we thought we could rebel again them by doing this internet free music download. We actually started this whole free thing.
XclusiveGh.tk: Who would you ever want to work with, Ghana and outside?
In Ghana, i think R2bees because i really like their kind of music and outside, Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga. (laughs) Why not?
XclusiveGh.tk: What's your say on free masonry, do you really think there is anything like that?
Yea, I think its there, but i like Gaga, because there's no one like Gaga in the world like now. Just checkout the way she performs. I like her art and everything. And if she's free mason, it will really hurt me?
XclusiveGh.tk: Is there competition in Ghana Music?
Yea, if you are not hot, you won't be on the bill not even make money.
XclusiveGh.tk: What should we expext from Bra Kevin?
The best, what can i say, i live for them, i do what i do for them.
XclusiveGh.tk: :Can you do a little freestyle for us?
<RAPPING><< "you like my skills eerh, i'm the owner, i learn am from watching Chelsea and Barcelona. If you wan do me John Terry, if i catch your girl i go take my hands score, Maradona.
1ON1:Time with Dadie Opanka on his Birthday Bash!
v: can u tell us about your feeling and your entire mood since today is your birthday?
Ok, i'll say its great, you experienced it yourself i must say. it was successful too, its going on and its crazy up in here, its a boom!
XclusiveGh.tk: Everyone out there wants to know how old you are now, can you make it publicly known to us your age?
As at now, i can just disclose my football age which is Ten years of age, and my real age will come out soon.
v: Can you tell us who directed your "Obiaa ne ne taste" video and how much did it cost you?
Ummm, for the cost and directing, i don't really know about it because my management took care of everything.
XclusiveGh.tk: Talking about your video premiering, we got the chance to see a video you did with kwaw kesse, titled "poppin'", how did you guys come together to make a song like that, strictly hip-hop, and also shoot a video of such quality?
Ummmm, i would say, great minds think alike. i have a great and he has it too and we just got hooked up and do what we have to do then all of a sudden boom! And Steve Gyamfi shot the video.
v: What the "poppin" video shot here in Ghana or outside Ghana?
Oh ok, we are Ghanaians so we decided to shoot the video here in Ghana. Some of the locations were, Agona Swedru, ummm, 2 Tuffs studio and also at Reggie's office.
XclusiveGh.tk: What music do you do, how would you describe your genre of music?
u knw,I don't do any particular genre, i just do music all round.
XclusiveGh.tk:What really inspired you to do music?
I just developed it, you know i was born with it and as i grew up i think the environment encouraged me in whatever happened.
XclusiveGh.tk:Did you express your interest in music to anyone, your friends, your parents or anyone in general, and how was their reaction towards that?
Well, i never expressed my interest to anyone, i just started music like rapping and why would i have to tell somebody because no one can choose or determine what have to do. I just realized i was doing music.
XclusiveGh.tk:As at now, are you signed on to any record label, or you still under the name "underground music or mixtape music"
As you know, "Obia ne ne taste" is a mixtape and my first single and after my birthday we will air the video. I have a new single coming out and an album will follow in a month or two. Right now, i am signed on to "Bills Entertainment and All time Multimedia"
XclusiveGh.tk:Aside you doing music, do you do anything else like going to school or doing business?
I am a musician, so i am doing music for now, I'm just concentrating on that for now.
XclusiveGh.tk:Did you have any childhood dream career like becoming a doctor or lawyer?
Nobody knows the future and i am a real person and i didn't have any dream at that time, i just knew by God's grace I'd grow up and do what i have to do.
XclusiveGh.tk: How do you see Ghana music as at now?
Yea , its improving and we are in now. I really think its improving.
XclusiveGh.tk: Do you really support the free download music websites, do you think it helps the artists in any way?
Ok to me, that is why i do the mixtapes so that it will be free for my fans. And for the mixtapes i don't pay for the beats, its someone's so i think it should be free for mixtapes but i don't think it really helps in some way on the part of mastered tracks. But we get paid through the shows and stuff so well ...
XclusiveGh.tk: Who has your all time best musician being, both Ghana and outside Ghana?
Well, any good musician, but i would say Lil Wayne is my favorite outside Ghana and in Ghana, any good musician.
XclusiveGh.tk:Any last words to your fans and everyone out there?
Ok, respect to everybody who showed up to this event, Big thanks to God Almighty, my family and friends, my management, Ghana, Tema, worldwide you know, for showing me much love and thank everybody for making it possible.
You should just expect some more from me Dadie Opanka! "wuram biam"!
ATTRIBUTIONS & CREDITS TO GHANATRENDS.tk
Wanlov Kubolor: “The more your music is pirated, the more you can charge for shows”
XclusiveGh.tk: Ok great : ) Let me start by saying that I, Like many of your fans have gravitated and took notice of you and your music because of your unique individuality – in fashion and in writing style. Can you share how your personal sense of creativity first came about?
Wanlov: I’m just following fashion…it used to be cool to fit in, but now it’s cool to be different…so this is my difference.
XclusiveGh.tk : Ahh I know what you mean. And its cool to define yourself uniquely while still following fashion. What first got you interested in a music career Wanlov?Wanlov: Women’s reaction to musicians and getting paid for something I love doing. XclusiveGh.tk : Lol, I hear that : ) those are perks of entertainment that most people love… Attention and especially the money! But your passionate about your music too? And as a lover of music, who is your first love? Who do u enjoy listening to and what artists are you personally a fan of?
Wanlov: Busta Rhymes, Macho Rapper, Kwabena Jones, FOKN Bois, Yaa Pono, Lil Wayne, Dirty Goodz, Talib Kweli, Sizzla, Lauryn Hill, Jeane Grae, Flight Of The Choncords……Asa, Sena, Ty, Thirsty Fish, Lil Shaker… XclusiveGh.tk: Lauryn hill is definitely one of my favorites as well! A lot of good artists you got listed there : ) okay, so tell me now, What do u think are some of the pros + cons of the ghanaian music market? What would you like to see improved?
Wanlov: Pros: Artists like Ambolley, Ebo Taylor, Amakye Dede, Hewale Sounds, Local Dimension, FOKN Bois, M3nsa… Are still making legit impact at home and abroad despite the cons which can be affected by stopping payola and playback performances, encourage live music and enforce standard royalty systems so artists can make a living from their craft. XclusiveGh.tk : Oh yes. I can imagine how hard it is to enforce those systems in Ghana, let alone here in the USA for a lot of underground artists as well. How are ghanaian artists like yourself dealing with the piracy issues of music today? Seems to me that everyone always looks for the free things first nowadays and is ignorant to realize how it hurts the artists they claim to support…
Wanlov: Piracy helps the artist all over the world…only hurts the label…the more your music is pirated, the more you can charge for shows XclusiveGh.tk : Ooh I never looked it it ‘that’ way! Ok then, how do you think the influx of nigerian music in Ghana is affecting/challenging ghanaian music today?
Wanlov: Same as American music influx…most Ghanaian artists have started copying Nigerian artists’ speech, mannerisms, sounds and fashion…their aggressiveness is making Ghanaian s step up productivity and presentation even though mostly in an alien direction. XclusiveGh.tk : I’ve noticed that as well, smh. Hmm, back to something a bit more positive, can you tell me some of your upcoming projects, what will you be working on next?
Wanlov: Wow…FOKN Bois + Irie Maffia – A FOKN Dunaquest in Budapest…out now on Akwaaba Music || Wanlov The Kubolor – Brown Card – African Gypsy…out soon on Pidgen Music/Sheer Sound || African Gypsy – Equation Musique Tour…Jun 3 Germany, Jun 5 Italy, Jun 7 UK, Jun 10 Romania, Jun 12 France || FOKN Bois/Irie Maffia – Dunaquest in Budapest Tour…Jul 10-15 Hungary. Mali The Maestro Wasty: Working on Wanlov The Kubolor – Red n Blue Card (Double Album) || FOKN Bois – FOKN Wit U (Album) || FOKN Bois – Coz Ov Moni 2 (Musical) XclusiveGh.tk : Wow indeed. You are gonna be a busy man, but on your grind! Definitely like now before I let you go, I have to ask for the female stans out there, care to share your relationship status? lol
Wanlov: I hav 4 children with 4 different mothers and many other mothers to be… XclusiveGh.tk : Wow, many more to be eh? Lol. And with that said I want to thank you for being so candid with me Wanlov, its really been my pleasure
Wanlov: I dey 4 u…tnx
Wow, nice interview : ) Again, please don’t forget guys to support Wanlov during the Equation Musique Tour he spoke of above! Lets show love for all our own no matter where we are………
