Paris Match. So, what was that first time like on a movie set like?
Tamara Marthe. Like all the first times: remarkable, and then frightening because it’s the unknown, that we don’t want to disappoint, that I had to prove myself. It was a lot of work, focus and fun. I starred in two series [“Profilage” et “Cannes police criminelle”]but I’m still a baby actress! I’ve never taken lessons, I don’t have any automatisms, I come with all my faults… I only have my natural baggage and my feelings about the character. And then I find myself face to face with a sacred monster: Gérard Lanvin! When he found out I was taken, he sent me a message. I didn’t even have his number, and so I received this SMS from a 06 that I don’t know, of extraordinary kindness. He took the step of asking for my contact details and writing to me to reassure me. Beyond the immense actor we know, the man is gentle and respectful as everyone should be.
Was it you who asked your agent to find you roles or did they come looking for you?
I actually told my agent what I wanted to do and not do: no singing or dancing roles, for example. In any case, something other than a story similar to mine. If, in front of a camera, I can make the audience forget that I’m Shy’m, I’ll consider the job at least half well done.
Is this why the name of Tamara Marthe and not that of Shy’m is written on the poster and in the credits?
I make the distinction naturally. People obviously know me as Shy’m, but I wanted to leave a family mark with my real surname, my roots, me.
You have always spoken of Shy’m in the third person. As if it were a character?
Cross-dressing to go on stage gives me courage and strength. It was my way of overcoming my fear. On a daily basis, I am hypernatural, not very feminine – in the sense that I look better in sportswear than in high heels and underdressed. When I wear all these trappings, I feel like someone else and I gain confidence.
My parents don’t believe what they read about me in the newspapers. They’re waiting to get on the phone to find out the truth
Shy’m
It’s almost twenty years since you pointed out that the origin of your nickname comes from the English word “shy”, “shy” in French. But you are not today!
Your conclusion is so easy! Like people who repeat to me: “Oh! You are so sexy, smiling, generous, laughing and making jokes on stage, you don’t seem shy!” During a show or a performance, I disguise myself, I am someone else. Undressing in music videos or on stage is a way of dressing. And being fully aware of this “seductive” side helps me to assume this role and keep control: I choose what I want to wear, what I say or not, the way I smile or not smile. Afterwards, I had to fight to show that I was not just plastic. A journalist still said to me one day, at the end of an interview: “Ah! You speak well after all.” Understand: “We wouldn’t have thought you were smart.” Just because you’re a little cute and sexy, you can’t have a well-shaped face.
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How do you manage to remain so discreet about your private life? We only know of three lovers: Benoît Paire, Tanel Dérard, the father of your son, and the current one, the singer Jérémy Frérot.
I don’t want to expose my private life. For now, anyway. Already moments are being stolen from me that I don’t choose… Besides, in these cases, I attack. And for good reason: not only does the principle disgust me, but I, who am very modest, feel robbed, soiled.
Quentin Dupieux or Maïwenn.” loading=”lazy”/>
She clings to her dream: to tour under the direction of Xavier Dolan, Quentin Dupieux or Maïwenn. Paris Match / © VincentCapman
And how do your parents react when you are paparazzed?
They are used to it and don’t believe what they read about me in the newspapers. They’re waiting to get on the phone with me to find out the truth. And since I talk to them regularly, they know everything beforehand. Once again, I am very modest. So I never indulge in big outbursts with my darling outside of my home. Even in front of my friends or my family, it embarrasses me!
I don’t know many people in the end… I would like to be more sociable, but it’s not in my character
Shy’m
Whereas, excuse me for coming back to this, on stage or on screen, you seem free of all modesty!
I know, it’s inexplicable. In an episode of “Profiling”, there is a scene where, kidnapped, I am totally naked but covered in blood in the middle of a forest. On the way from the dressing room to the set, I was at my worst, very embarrassed. But as soon as I was installed, ready to shoot, I no longer thought about my nudity at all. I was someone else.
You also spend a lot of time posting on Instagram and, as a result, revealing your private life…
Much less than before, that said. I love my job, and the public has the opportunity to get to know me a little more through this medium where there is no intermediary. We can show what we feel, what makes us laugh, react on different subjects such as ecology, mistreatment or animal rights. When it comes to intimacy, again, I’m in control. It’s not because I take photos at home that I show where I live: it’s going to be a piece of wall, a corner of the sofa… It’s a way of always being present during the periods when I have no news. Furthermore, you will notice that I rarely go out, no more to clubs than to previews or gala dinners. I don’t know many people in the end and don’t develop any particular friendships within my work… I would like to be more sociable, but it’s not in my character. I mainly see my friends from high school and college. And then I love being alone at home.
<img src="https://resize-parismatch.lanmedia.fr/r/375,,forcex/img/var/pm/public/media/image/2024/10/30/19/sc_retcf076945.jpg?VersionId=4c_CcOg3Hp9Lfygezh0OyWO_tdEfiUjP" alt="The art of flexibility… Very useful for practicing karate and boxing.” loading=”lazy”/>
The art of flexibility… Very useful for practicing karate and boxing. Paris Match / © VincentCapman
You still admitted in an interview that you sometimes “piss off”!
And I love it! When I don’t have my son, I could take the opportunity to go out drinking, but I very rarely do that. I’m lazy and I don’t like to push myself. I prefer to read a book, put on a series… Do nothing!
You say you don’t develop friendships in this profession. Cyril Kamar, better known by his stage name K. Maro, who launched you, is the exception that proves the rule?
It’s true that I’ve worked with him for eighteen years. I have never been so loyal! I am incredibly lucky to have come across a loyal, visionary, talented man who has a head on his shoulders. We are very close and we tell each other everything, even when we don’t agree.
As a mother, when I think of all the dangers that await my child, the anxiety has become immeasurable
Shy’m
What kind of mom are you?
Mother hen, definitely! I know this is going to sound trivial, but I didn’t expect this child to have such a hold on me. I knew, of course, that it would take up a huge amount of space, but I found that I was much more anxious than before.
But you have always been anxious! So much so that it affects your metabolism: you burn calories constantly, even when you’re not exercising!
Yes I know. But now, as a mother, when I think of all the dangers that await my child, the anguish has become immeasurable. The slightest sadness or frustration becomes a huge thing. I also discover that I am much less patient than I thought.
On her neck, the only jewel is the first name of her 3 and a half year old son, Tahoma, which she had tattooed upside down so she can read it when looking in the mirror. Paris Match / © VincentCapman
How is that?
It’s time-consuming, a child. Especially the first years, during which the demand is constant. And we realize that humans are not made to provide a perfect education. We don’t always have the right tone, the right dialogue, the right pedagogy. As a result, we feel guilty all the time. Being a parent is a lifelong learning process. The other day I was brushing my teeth with my son nearby. We’re both facing the mirror and, I’ll tell you the whole story, I have an electric toothbrush that I usually remove the brush from to rinse it. My son also has one, but for little ones. And I notice out of the corner of my eye that he reproduces absolutely all my gestures identically and at the same time – even though I never explained to him what to do. This confirms to me that everything we say or do, good or bad, the child records and reproduces it. It is the most accurate reflection of oneself that one can have. The parent is the example. Suffice to say that we must not miss it.
For every appearance, I ask my stylists to choose something for me that no one else will wear
Shy’m
Before my son was born, I did boxing, karate, gym, horse riding. I started very young
Shy’m
So, are we going to see Shy’m again?
Yes, I’m working on a new album, but the pace is slow because I’m taking care of my son and I have difficulty delegating.
You mean you don’t have a nanny?
Yes, but I make sure to take my son to school, to pick him up. And since I have it at three-quarter time…
And what about sport in all this?
I returned home a month ago. Sheathing, muscle strengthening, abs, skipping rope… I love skipping rope! Before my son was born, I did boxing, karate, gym, horse riding. I started very young. The body retains the memory of the sport, but I have to return to physical training gradually. I also need to pay attention to my diet. Eat well, yes, but eat well in order to nourish the muscle. I have to be monitored for that, because I tend not to pay attention to myself. I wait until the last moment to see if I am sick, I don’t always take my medication when I am prescribed…
And what does your son do when you play sports?
Either he climbs on my back, or he imitates me, or he shouts: “Mom! Mom ! Can you help me draw?”… Or maybe he’s at school and that’s the best time
