Culture of Wednesday, 24 December 2014

Source: culturebene.com

My strength is dancing, not singing - Toucouleur

The tubes were shaken as emotions ripped the entire generation. With the birth and growth of television in Cameroon, they grew up with his image lining their day.

His name sounds like a rainbow sky besides his music sounds which raises its rays on the foundations of the Cameroonian culture. Toucouleur is an artiste who combined his unique dance moves to his songs.

However, he has been absent from the scene for a long time due to an unfortunate circumstance he found himself in. Toucouleur was nominated this Sunday, December 21 by the Loft Club Bastos manager, Bobby Le Cheval Blanc to compliment the evening of those incredible songs of his. The singer spoke to us here.

Q: Good evening Toucouleur, you just gave a great performance at the Loft Club of Bobby Le Cheval through the concept of Veterans Bal in the presence of Old Glories of the Cameroonian music including yourself. We have not seen much of you lately and your health deteriorated. But tell us how do you feel?

A: Hi first of all to the family; the whole population of Cameroon and Yaoundé following this website. Uh I do not feel entirely weakened as compared to how it started. I came here with the support of Bobby, Stéphane Feeling and many others.

Q: Tell us exactly what’s wrong with your health Toucouleur?

I do not know what to say. However, my strength comes from the dance, not the song itself. If you liked my songs it is from the dance. But suddenly, two years in 2012 I went to play Mvomeka at the home of the President of the Republic that was when it started. Just when I got back to Douala, three months later, I do not know if it's family or if it's the ‘bad guys’ who caused it but I gave everything to God.

If you look back from 2012 till date many artistes have died. I 'm still here even though I had problems with walking. It is through the support of people like Raymond Tchengang, Bobby Le Cheval Blanc, Stéphane Feeling and others that I cannot not mention.

Interestingly, this is my first performance since I came to and people were excited about it. Even I could not believe it and standing for almost 17 minutes was not easy. But thanks to be to God for strength because when God puts his hand then there is improvement.

Q: What do you say to Bobby Le Cheval Blanc who is behind this initiative and your performance tonight?

A: What I can tell Bobby that God give him the strength to continue to work for the artistes and many others as he does. He paid my ticket to Yaoundé, because travelling by bus was a bit difficult for me.

Performing in the cabaret took all the stress away especially as I performed all night yesterday. I want you to keep it up Bobby as you help artistes because currently you see how artistes live. It is through partnerships like this that help us to pay for our medications. I am really grateful to Bobby Blanc, him and all his management team.