For a long time , you were and you are still one of the most requested voices by artists in Europe for backing vocals . While you could legitimately have devoted yourself to a solo career , why did you always prefer , if I may say so , to be in the shadow of others ?
Cathy Renoir : Being a researcher myself , I have always been at the service of music . It was the music which guided me until today , and which o ered me very enriching adventures . The quest for roots also goes through culture , art , history , and allows us to find the bridges that connect us . Our professions are collective , and as in the theater , all the roles are important . Singing in a choir is a wonderful feeling and for me , I always thought that I would express myself at a certain age .
Have you ever experienced a certain frustration , from simply accompanying others ? Cathy Renoir : Of course , we feel a certain frustration at not being able to interpret a complete song , but this frustration is a source of energy and desire . It can enable us to approach life situations with humility and to pursue our goals with faith and tenacity . We know that it is important , because everything is relative , and we do not necessarily access everything we dream of . Young , I discovered you in your collaboration with Henri Dikongué and Manuel Wandji in the song " c ' est la vie " I think one of your most beautiful collaborations . If you had to say something about this collaboration , what would you say ? at the start did you know that this album would be a hit ?
Cathy Renoir : Manuel Wandji , who was a friend , o ered me to come and work for the album " Wa " with Henri Dikongué and " Radio Trottoir " with Alfred Mbongo in Besançon . I found these artists magnificent , and of course it was a surprise to see the extent of Henri ' s success . But from the start , I felt the beauty of his music and his lyrics , and the possibility of success .
Photo Credit Bill Akwa Bétoté
1998 With Henri Dikongué and Manuel Wandji
32 Flashmag ! Issue 128 April 2022