1. Where are you from originally?
Zimbabwe – the Southern part of Africa.
2. When/why did you come to Nagoya?
I came to Nagoya 2 years ago in pursuit of a new beginning. I had only experienced the beauty of Japan through documentaries on local TV and I found the culture really fascinating and interesting.
3. Describe your music…
Most of my music is Afro-pop, Dancehall, Electro-Pop and RnB. It’s that type of music you wouldn’t want to be caught sitting down when it’s being played.
4. Who are your influences?
A lot of my inspiration comes from people like MJ The King of Pop, D Banj (Nigeria), Taio Cruz (UK) and Roki a.k.a Ba Sky (number 1 Zimbabwean artist). What inspires me most about these guys is the fact that not only are they great singers, they have amazing live performances as well.
5. Do you find it easy or difficult to get your music produced in Nagoya?
Lately it has become easier because I’m being pointed to all the right people with the right knowledge and skills. There were times whereby there would be a lot of misunderstandings and complications because i cannot communicate in Japanese, but lately that’s not a problem. I feel I got the right people around me.
6. What is your ultimate DREAM for your music?
The ultimate dream for my music is that it touches all corners, from Japan, London, New York and back to Zimbabwe. I want my music to touch people’s lives, hopefully in positive ways. People need to be free and enjoy life; life is too short.
7. Describe the life of a MUSICIAN in Nagoya…
The life of a musician in Nagoya is a bit of a “bitter pill to swallow” because in terms of up and coming singers who write and compose their own original music, there’s no recognition because the public usually prefers listening to some of those “performers” that sing cover songs. I think covers are good but they “kill” you as an artist as you become lazy to write your own stuff… Every time I perform my songs I’m always approached by people asking about the original artist of that particular song, then I have to explain to them that this is my original music. I don’t blame them for asking that because most of the artists they are exposed to only sing cover songs.
8. What is your FAVORITE thing about being a musician? What do you DISLIKE, if anything, about being a musician?
The most important thing for me is, stepping in and changing the vibe/atmosphere. If the people weren’t hyped up before i came in, I feel I’m obliged to change the mood. The other thing that I like about the music is the fact that I’m turning my thoughts and feelings into music and some people are relating those particular situations with the things happening in their own lives.
9. Tell us your favorite experience PERFORMING LIVE in Nagoya?
I will never forget the day when I was performing at a friend’s niece’s birthday bash. I was with two other awesome artists at that event, Taro and Chikayo. I thought it was just gonna be the usual birthday, a few friends and family, but this one was huge. It was Brazilian, those people throw huge parties. It was a great feeling to see people that don’t even know my songs memorizing the chorus. There were some parts I didn’t even need to sing because they had my back when the chorus came around.
10. How can people LISTEN to your music? (website, etc.)
I’m still working on an album, and releasing 2 singles before the end of the year on iTunes, but people can check out some of my demo music at http://soundcloud.com/cjtainment.
