American bassist, singer and multi-instrumentalist Richards Bona, born in Cameroon, will perform in the “Art of Riga Jazz” autumn concert series at the VEF Palace of Culture on November 16. In collaboration with the great Cuban pianist Alfredo Rodríguez, Bona’s acoustic palette has acquired new colors and vigor.
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It is the meeting of two generations in an ocean, the one in which the most passionate music in the world floats. Thus a new trio was born together with the great Cuban drummer Michael Oliveira.
We present a small online conversation with the currently very busy international jazz star Richard Bohn who indicated the historical joy of this project, the never-ending feeling of studying music and the remembrance of peace in everyday life.
What’s the most exciting thing about the relatively new collaboration with Cuban musicians Alfredo Rodríguez and Michael Oliveira?
The interesting thing about this collaboration is that we have a lot in common both historically and musically. By that I mean the fact that this music is actually over five hundred years old and was created by a mix of African slaves and Spanish conquistadors. And also the natives. People forget the natives, in fact people already lived on these islands. Hence Afro-Cuban music is one of the oldest musical forms. It is important for all three. This is the main thing I can say about this project.
What can the Riga audience expect from such a promising trio of musicians?
Riga audiences should expect something elegant, something interesting, something wonderful. As well as all audiences around the world where we had the opportunity to perform. There was a real musical explosion everywhere. So we can’t wait to play again.
Do you look further back or forward in the music?
I look back to the time when I was in myself. If I didn’t look back, I wouldn’t be able to connect with my music. We are transforming my music and I have to look back as I shape my future. And in the future I will have to look to the future again. I am a music student. Once you are a music student, you are a life-long music student! It forces you to look at the entire cycle of before, now and after.
What do you constantly look for in music, what else do you want to touch with it?
As a lifelong music student, I am always looking for new things around me and never want to feel like I know anything. I want to feel like a student to be able to continue. However, the more I know, the less I know. I like to learn more and more.
You were born in Cameroon. When was the last time you were there and what does this country mean to you?
I will no longer go to Cameroon because the government has made me persona non grata. A country called Cameroon is ruled by a dictator. Unless you kneel down and recognize the dictator, you will not be accepted there. I never really want to talk about it. In fact, I was born in the ugliest place in the world you can imagine. That place is so ugly and mentally ill that I am really happy not to live there anymore. And I’m just glad I don’t have to go there anymore. I am happy with where I am. I go where I am recognized. I’m not going where I could be tolerated.
You are often called the sting of Africa. What do you say?
To the people who call me the Sting of Africa, I remember that Sting is actually of English descent. This is all I can say about it.
On October 28, you will celebrate your 55th anniversary. Will there be any special anniversary concerts?
On my birthday I will teach in South America. I will teach young musicians. It is also a way to celebrate. I don’t celebrate birthdays. I celebrate life. And I will do it with young musicians and I will try to share my experience.
What’s the best thing to wish yourself and listeners in general on your anniversary?
The best thing I can wish for my listeners and fans is to take care of yourself. And take care of each other. And accept peace. It is one of the keys to this life. Accepting peace means embracing the difference. When you accept the difference, you create tolerance. This is the main thing I can wish for people. Much love to everyone in Latvia and we can’t wait to meet listeners to create fun again!
