Photography © Alexis VassivieÌ€re
Photography © Alexis VassivieÌ€re
"Rap is the way I found to fight
my demons, like a therapy."
G.A.N - from his real name Trésor Georges Mundende Mbengani - the Belgian rapper from Kinshasa with a pretty difficult past to handle is rising from the ashes to achieve his dreams. This single dad with an impressive career who took his first steps alongside famous artists such as Sexion D’Assaut, Kery James and Youssoupha is now back with his new single ‘Toi Ou Personne’ released last January.
With deep and authentic honesty, the artist has agreed to give us his precious time between studio time and the promo. The rapper, full of kindness, told us with emotion what he felt and also the best moments he had ever had in his career.
How did you become the rapper you are today: a recognised Belgian rapper with thousands of views and streams?
As I always say, I didn’t truly realize when everything started... Basically, I "started", and it was a long way to end up here finally. From small venues to the legendary one of L’Ancienne Belgique, from small mixtapes to a first album ranked number one in the Top Belgium. I've been lucky to build a fanbase that grew as projects progressed. I did the music, and the fans did the rest.
Indeed, L’Ancienne Belgique is a prestigious concert hall in Brussels. It was the first time a Hip-Hop artist signed with an independent label played there. You must felt so proud to meet your fans in this venue. How did it go?
For example, my first gig in Kinshasa was among my best memories of being on stage. Actually, I felt a lot of pride because it’s my label, Pafff Music, which led this project to this historical moment for Belgian Rap. But I’m not only making Hip-Hop music so it has brought together people from different music cultures. It was my first solo show in my city, and it was pretty cool to meet my own audience for the first time finally.
It’s unusual to be a 30-year-old single dad in the Rap game. Is that where your strength comes from?
I think that what an artist is living besides his career can be felt in his work. It gives strength, inspiration, etc.
You often talk about your difficult childhood as in ‘6 Minutes Pour Comprendre’. Did writing and music allow you to get rid of this heavy past?
I can’t feel free from it, but it helped me appreciate what I have now. Especially to fight more for what I want. I often sing about things which I can’t talk about. Writing is a therapy for me. It’s also a way to leave something behind me.
How did you end up being the support act of Sexion D’Assaut in Kinshasa? It must have been such an inspiring experience for your career...
Let’s say I was at the right place at the right time... Thanks to it, I’ve seen that people from my native country - R.D.C. - enjoyed my music too. As I said earlier, this was one of my most significant experiences on stage.
There are lots of emotions that come from your music. How do you find the perfect balance between love songs like ‘4 Saisons’ and heart-touching songs like ‘Appelle-moi G.A.N’?
I have to admit that sometimes, the balance is hard to find. The thing is that I write and sing what I feel, and like any human being, sometimes I’m in a good mood, in love, and everything’s pink and enjoyable, but sometimes I’m pretty in a dark mood and fatalistic. As I heard recently, people say that the thing that gathers my songs to each other is just me: my voice, my way of writing, my artistic way of seeing things etc. So I guess it’s a good point.
Who do you like to collaborate with for your video clips?
It depends on the song, my mood, etc. At the moment, I like working with Ashby Vermeirre, he made my video clip ‘La Muerte’ and we’re already working on another one.
You filmed your video clip ‘Toi Ou Personne’ in Maputo - Mozambique - in Africa. Why did you choose this destination? It’s really unusual.
Here again, it’s just destiny. One of my best friends - who's also the one with whom we launched our record label together, Pafff Music label - was getting married there last summer. We just combined pleasure and work. We met some wonderful local artists, including one called Glazdow. The clip was shot by Behind Your Vizion.
"If I have to remember only one collaboration it would be the one with Kery James."
"If I have to remember
only one collaboration it would be
the one with Kery James."
You made some feats with artists such as Youssoupha, Kery James, Imani... it’s impressive! How did these collaborations happen?
Lino (Arsenik), Despo Rutti, Sir Samuel (Saïan Supa Crew)... All of them were very special, and these artists gave me time and respect. If I had to talk about only one, it would be Kery James for sure! One of my dreams came true with this king of French Rap. We met in Brussels while he was on tour. My manager then convinced him to come to the studio to listen to my music. I remember we set up the meeting at 1 pm, and he arrived at 12.59 am. (laugh) We talked for a few minutes, and then he said ‘‘Okay, let’s put some music on’’. We played ‘Effet Boule De Neige’, and after he heard some punchlines from the song, he was dancing, holding his head. (laugh) I was sitting in the corner and hardly dared to raise my head as I was too impressed. At the song's end, he asked ‘‘How did you do that?’’. Then he asked for another song, and we played ’Excuse Du Peu’, and he did the same. A year later, we recorded our song together in Paris.
Is it hard to break into music nowadays?
I'd say that it depends. You could be lucky enough to be published in a famous media outlet, and then you hit the jackpot! But on the other hand, I'd say it’s difficult because there are so many artists... It’s hard to make "the" difference.
In ‘Le Point G’, you say, ‘‘The more I suffer, the more I rap’’. What does Rap represent for you?
Rap is the way I found to fight my demons, like therapy.
You’re often described as ‘The rapper who knows how to write punchlines’. Have you always known how to play with words since your beginning?
I wish I could say it’s easy, but actually it’s not! (laughs) Let’s say I have my own little tips to do my job easier. I have a way of thinking that helps me when I’m in a creative process. Punchlines are very important to me; they accentuate the essential things I want to share in my songs.
Can you tell me a bit more about your musical inspirations?
Koffi Olomidé, Les Sages Poètes De La Rue, Mc Solaar, Kery James, Booba, Le Rat Luciano... All these artists influenced me. They’re so inspiring! I used to listen to them all the time!
Your single ‘J'ai 13 Ans’ have a deep meaning and talks about dramatic things, especially child soldiers in Africa or pedophilia tourism in Thailand. Is it essential for you to get socially involved?
At my level, that’s all I can do for now... Talk about it, sing it, share it, raise awareness. I try to do it as much as possible.
What’s next?
My new album is gonna be released in September 2018!
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