Interview with Mikano.
Interviewed by: Laury Verdoux
Parisian rapper MIKANO recently unveiled a music video for his song “Tell a Lie”, a modern poem about honesty and human relationships. The track is taken from the artist’s EP AKWA II - a raw and explosive record.
Laurent Segretier
Hi Mikano! Can you introduce yourself to our readers?
I’m a Paris-based rapper, but not only. I love to explore new sounds and aesthetics, and I’ve just released my 4th project.
What was the starting point in your (music) career?
I started writing rhymes at a young age, back in Cameroon, but it wasn’t that serious until I met through one of my friends in Paris a beat maker who allowed me to record at his place.
You are French/Cameroonian and yet your songs are in English. Was that an obvious choice for you? Do you intend to release music in French at some point?
Yes it was obvious for me since I was bilingual around the age of 10 thanks to the different countries I lived in as a child. Also my big brothers were only playing English speaking music so when it was time for me to express myself the only references I had were English. I personally don’t think I’ll release any music in French since it’s not my way of artistic expression.
You've just released “Tell a Lie'“- Can you tell us more about the creative process behind that song?
I wanted to have an honest song that everybody could sing not only because of the melody but also because they could relate to the lyrics. Everybody lies at some point and everybody knows what’s good or bad for them and the person they’re lying to. It’s a balance of honesty and fear at the same time. The purpose of this song was to question the listeners on the outcomes of telling a lie to a loved one.
What's coming next?
Well my project AKWA 2 just dropped a month ago so you can still enjoy that, it’s pretty recent haha. Got a couple more things coming but I’d rather keep them as a surprise.