KIBWE'S NEWS INTERVEW
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ABOUT KIBWE
Kibwe is an artist musician,Entrepreneur,politician,Business man and eclectic...oh, and he has a story or two to share"If you miss somebody, sing this song," supplicates Kibwe on his newest album Listen to Me. The musician, born in The Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire), is all too familiar with the sentiment of grief. His native country is rampant with violence and dire poverty, Through his music, Kibwe hopes to raise awareness about such problems in Africa, a goal that he has become all the more passionate helping his native country. "When you are affected in your own house, it changes the way you see the world," explains Kibwe.
Despite the young singer's experience with tragedy, his music is decidedly upbeat. The opening track on his third & fourth album, also entitled "LISTEN TO ME & BLACK MORMON," commands listeners to "free Africa" while simultaneously enticing them to get up and dance through the use of intricate rhythms and sounds. As a whole, the album is remarkably celebratory considering the serious nature of its subject matter. When asked about this apparent oxymoron, Kibwe replies that he's "about educating [people] by having fun."
And fun it is. Listen to Me infuses tones of reggae, hip hop, and rock, and the collection seems both modern and traditional at the same time. The unique sounds on Kibwe's album are perhaps in part a result of his international background. Kibwe was adopted by a family in France and he spent the rest of his childhood and adolescence in Europe. Although he was separated from his family, he was able to keep in touch with his biological parents. He even cites his birth mother playing traditional African songs as an early musical influence that he's carried with him throughout his life. Kibwe is now a nationalized Australian and a resident of Canada & the Usa
Kibwe is truly an artist with a mission. His demeanor is humble, but his eyes shine when he speaks about Africa. He passionately describes playing concerts in the Congo during the time of President Laurent Kabila, remembering crowds following him through the streets in admiration.Kibwe was signed to Sony music after being discovered busking on the streets of Paris as a teenager.
Though he is currently in the midst of a world tour that will showcase songs from Listen to Me, over the past few years Kibwe has been asked to play at numerous benefit concerts in Canada and around the world, supporting such causes as the Canadian Red Cross, War Child, and efforts in Darfur. The present tour, entitled the "YAMINA TOUR," stretches across five continents. Kibwe hopes it will help him to "set an example for other artists to follow," in terms of using art and celebrity to promote the need for changes in our world. In addition to raising funds and awareness about poverty in Africa, 50 per cent of revenue gained through the sale of concert tickets and Kibwe's personal clothing line goes directly to the Kibwe Fund, which contributes to improvements in health care and education all over Africa. The remaining money helps to cover the costs of touring and running a production studio in Whistler, British Columbia.
Evidently, Kibwe's bravery stretches beyond the realm of musical experimentation -- he is a determined advocate for global change. "I'm just a little person giving my contribution [by] promoting peace in Africa and around the world," says Kibwe. Whatever your musical preferences, his cause is certainly worth supporting.
Kibwe has created his own clothing line company:
KIBWE CLOTHING COMPANY & KIBWE TRADEMARK to help fight against poverty in Africa.
