ISSUE NO.2 // March 2019
A Rap & A Cup Of Tea
WAWAD // GEORGIO // WAFIA
Contents 1
Interviews
3 • Nadjee 7 • Wawad 17 • Georgio 23 • Wafia 27 • Jay Rico 31 • Hôtel Paradisio 35 • Morgan iB
2 • Publisher's Speech 13 • Reviews 25 • Playlist 26 • Who's Lolo Zouaï? 37 • The Magazine's team
Photography Cover © Odieux Boby
Hip-Hop lover? This message is for you! I do not want to do an editorial of 40 lines that would repeat one thing over and over: please take the time to read the entire magazine, it's full of surprises. This magazine is a bit of an unexpected project of my life, one that has arrived without warning and has had no choice but to take flight and to reveal itself in a big way. After a long time trying to prove my abilities and my talent through my pen, and my passion for Urban Music, I decided to stop. Stop this circle that has forced me to have to change my style of writing to fit in according to the publications where my interviews were published. It was not a rejection, only a weariness of this present society which forces us to always prove to others what we are capable of at the expense of the other and above all to our own detriment. Raffaele Lovino – an Italian author – once said: « I love people who shine, do not extinguish others.» This inspired me immensely and I decided to create this magazine, with its point of view, its style of writings, its authors and contributors, and with above all, its own freedom. Freedom expressed through Rap, Grime culture and Afrobeats sonorities. ‘A Rap & A Cup Of Tea‘ is primarily a magazine that has broken the clichés and contradictions a priori in Hip-Hop music. Between lightness, writing force, and a conquering spirit, this magazine is above all, the place that brought together the greatest artists and those in search of recognition. We went to meet the artists with a real love of Hip-Hop – and all its variations – ready to share their passion and thus to expand on their journey, their expectations, and especially their dreams. To you, my wonderful and dazzling Mum, I say thank you. Thank you for bearing the world on your shoulders for my happiness and my success. Thank you for supporting me and my ambition, at arm’s-end, in all my projects. Nothing would have ever been possible without your strength, your support and especially your love. Thank you for being the most amazing Mum, thank you for being my rock. And to you, those who have supported me from the beginning – in your words or in your gestures – I also say thank you. Thank you very much for helping ‘A Rap & A Cup Of Tea‘ to be born. This success is ours. Thanks to you, I hope that French and International Hip-Hop will really have its place in the eyes of this Anglophone community that is so dear to me. With all my love, Fanny Hill Scott
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NadJee
A Rap & A Cup Of Tea had the chance to meet Nadjee, this artist who captivates the French public thanks to his hosted titles made of R’n’B and Afro sounds. This young man, with a voice as seductive as his songs, straight from the north of Paris, has come here with great ease on his journey, as his desires for success and to go even further have grown with him. The young man, who made a hymn to Kylian Mbappé during the football World Cup this summer, was very comfortable to answer our questions with a lot of spontaneity and humour. This 24-year-old artist was able to remain himself, with much honesty present in his personal ife as well as in this interview, where he agreed to reveal many things about his playful and surprising personality. Tell us about you Nadjee... I come from a family of musicians. Everyone makes music at home, whether it’s my sister, my parents, or my cousins. For as long as I can remember, I have had a fused relationship with music. I am borderline a born singer. (laughs). And when I arrived in college, I decided to choose the musical route, which means that in the morning, I went to school like the other students, and in the afternoon, I went to the Conservatory of Romainville near Paris where I played different instruments. And the beatmaking – this art in which you excel – it arrived later? I was still a teenager when my dad gave me his old drum machine, and that’s when it all started. Then I tested the software of beatmaking and I never stopped creating. Nothing has changed since then? Not really, I’m still the same person who does what he likes and tries to change things. (laughs). You have always bathed in the world of music, between musical theory, trumpet, drums, stage expression, etc. Have you always known from childhood that you wanted to stay in the world of music or at the time you saw things as a hobby? I’ve always enjoyed making music and I’ve never had any doubts about it. Music is my whole life and there’s nothing else I like to do as much. Music is an unlimited mission in my eyes - that’s what makes me the happiest.
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I saw that you started making videos of beatmaking in 2015, then in 2016, you posted ‘Voyager’ that was an immediate success. How comes you want to move from composition to interpretation? I have always composed since adolescence and my problem is that I always kept my compositions for me without ever releasing them. And one day, a friend of mine decided to film me, but at the core it was just to release my work on social networks, so I started with ‘ORBEAT’. My entourage who always knew I was singing then really encouraged me to put my songs online to show what I was really capable of. It’s hard for an artist in 2018 to succeed in placing themselves in the music industry without going through a record company. You make a reference about that in your last release ‘Zumba’ sound when you say ‘‘I want views’’. I think it’s like anything in life: yes it’s hard. (laughs). No matter what you do, if you want to prove that you are the best in your field, you have to hang on and always stay persevering. It’s important to do what you love in life.
'’ Things have changed today. We all make songs on the internet trying to show what we are capable of.’’ How would you describe your music? Wow, that’s an impossible question! (laughs). Some people say I sing, others will say I rap. In urban music there is so much variety - nothing that Hip-Hop is as a musical style from different genres can describe my music. Let’s say that my music has a great Hip-Hop influence, mixed with Afro and Latin sounds for the rest, I let the listeners judge by themselves. (laughs). Do the labels seek to change you as an artist? It is true that often we have this idea received,
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but in my case, it is not that. The truth is that young people today do not pay enough attention to what is written on the contract, they are not businessmen enough in their souls. (laughs). It is every kid’s dream to make money whilst making music. It’s easy money. So, the day the industry ask him to change some things, he’s a little lost and he doesn’t understand what’s going on. A contract is something to negotiate and we should not let someone want to change our image. But I think things have changed today. We all make songs on the internet trying to show what we are capable of and I think the labels are now there to give us the financial support we lacked. How did you come up with the idea of making a song about Mbappé – a football player who won the 2018 football World Cup? On Instagram, I have launched a small series of video called ‘Inspiration of the Day’, where I show the evolution of a song: from its beginning until the moment I put my voice on it and it starts from there. In all honesty I don’t really know what made me do it. (laughs). I always do theme songs where I tell stories, and there I felt inspired by the person. It is as if I had found myself in him, in his perseverance and his mastery in what he likes to do. He has football and I have music. You often talk about women in your songs... The question that all the girls ask themselves and to which none of the rappers ever really answer is: When you write a song that speaks to a love of seduction, do you have a woman or women in mind? It depends on the artist, I guess. (laughs). Personally, I am not a false storyteller, so when I talk about a woman, I really speak of her and not of another. When I write a text, I often put myself in the shoes of another so often it has nothing to do with my own story as well. (laughs). Are you preparing an album at the moment? At the moment I focus on ‘Universe’, the project I launched a few months ago which featured my latest songs like ‘Kamikaze’ and ‘Dans 100 ans’ The album will come after I think.
'’ Music is an unlimited mission in my eyes that’s what makes me the happiest. '’
Words © Fanny Hill Scott Photography © Estelle Mithra
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wawad
It is with joy that Wawad, one of the leaders of the Beatbox group BERYWAM – created in 2015 and originally composed by Beatness, Rythmind, Wawad and MB14 before being joined by Beasty hence the name Be-Ry-Wa-M – agreed to tell us about his career and his projects. Indeed, the faithful sidekick of the most famous brothers of France BigFlo & Oli is above all a full-fledged artist and it is thanks to Hip-Hop that he met the two rappers of Toulouse almost 10 years ago. Wawad has indulged himself in his debut in music, this new dream life that is offered to him, not forgetting the things that are dear to him such as his family and friends. It is with great sincerity and humour that the young artist of 28 years has agreed to answer our questions. Many of your fans have met you through BigFlo & Oli, can you tell me how you got to know them? It was about ten years ago in a small village near Toulouse, near where all three are from. A rap contest was organized, I was there to Beatbox and I simply met them on this occasion. I saw that you learned Beatbox in a self-taught way... it must be super difficult! Since I was a child, I always enjoyed trying to reproduce the sounds I heard around me, whether it was a ringtone or an instrument. And it quickly became a passion. At first, I did not know that this practice had a name and that it was Beatbox, I thought I was the only one who did that. (laughs). And then one day, I saw people doing it on TV, I was 13 years old... Biggest slap I've taken in my life! Since then, I haven’t stopped doing it.
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How did you "get into Beatbox" because I imagine that there is no course and that at the time you did not watch YouTube tutorials? Haha and no, I learned alone. (laughs). I do not really know how to explain, but when I started to Beatbox, I was trying to learn techniques in order to try to reproduce the sound I heard. Over time, I have gotten to know my mouth, my nose and my throat perfectly so that I can reproduce the sounds I want to do, exactly the same as I hear them.
When you started in Hip-Hop, I know you gave yourself a year to succeed... At the very beginning, I was only doing concerts in my town and around locally, and my name started to turn heads. I thought I should try the adventure and try to do something with that skill that I had: to do Beatboxing. And what did you do with this Gap Year? I tried to develop my skills and I integrated into an art school in Toulouse called DSH. It's a six-month training program that helps young people develop a Hip-Hop project. It has helped me immensely to find solutions to be able to live my passion for Beatbox.
'' I feel like I live a dream. I still can't believe it's happening.'' Tell me about your band BERYWAM, which you are in for the first part of the Zenith at the concerts of BigFlo & Oli. How would you describe what you're doing? We are a group of Beatbox A Capella and I think that is what differentiates us from the other groups: we have integrated the song into our compositions. We do everything with our mouths without ever using any instruments. We are also very eclectic - we touch all the styles of reggae to electro, always remaining in the universe of Hip-Hop. Can you tell me about the Beatbox championships? How's it going? We pass with a free creation. It means we have the choice to show them what we want. Then, we are evaluated on different criteria such as the originality of the sounds that are reproduced, the cleanliness of the sounds, the rhythm, the gestures and performance on stage... We are in a battle against other candidates and it is just the one who gets the best grades that is selected for the final.
From thread to needle, after the creation of your group you pass on the Italian TV for the show 'Tu Si Che Vales'? In fact, just over a year ago – September 2017 – we received an email from the show that said they wanted to see us join the casting. At the time we did not really believe it, and in the end we decided to do research on the Internet and it was discovered that this program actually existed and that it highlighted quality numbers with artists from all over the world. We thought that it was a good experience to have and that it would also promote BERYWAM in Italy, so we embarked on the adventure. You are also on M6 – one of the leading channels of French television – in the show 'France's Got Talent'. You want to tell me more? Once again, it was the show that contacted us. It has been three years that they have asked us to get involved with the casting, and at the beginning we did not feel ready. And this year
'' We're always there to support each other and that makes all the difference.'' was the perfect time. MB14 had left the band and Beasty had just joined us. We saw the perfect opportunity to present our 'new' group to the public and thus be able to talk about our upcoming tour in support of our album coming soon. Tell me about this album planned for 2019 precisely... It's an album made up only of our own compositions, no more covers and remixes as we used to do, but only new titles! We've been working on this project for a long time, and it’s finally going to see the current day in 2019.
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Wow! It looks like a massive project's coming... It's unprecedented to release a Beatbox album with only personal compositions. Our goal is to democratize our art and to make our discipline known to a larger audience while keeping our authenticity. We would like people to be able to listen to our music without suspecting that it is actually Beatbox. It would be a victory for us.
This human warmth fits perfectly with this mentality of the southwest of France - where you come from - often described as a very hospitable region... Exactly, we are "good living". We're not really taking the lead. When we started, we did it out of passion but also to have fun. BigFlo and Oli rapped and I was beatboxing. It hasn't really changed.
'' When we started, we did it out of passion but also to have fun. BigFlo and Oli rapped and I was beatboxing. It hasn't really changed.''
Do you have solo projects? I often have to travel the world for the Beatbox Championships and I’ve become a juror in London – I also love to go on stage there. I also went to China, Japan, Portugal, etc. I'm really committed to meeting the Beatbox community around the world.
You still seem to be in always on the move Wawad... Often on the side of BigFlo and Oli whether on stage or in their video, but you also have your own group to manage. Is there a time when you want to slow down and say "I need a break"? Honestly? No, never. (laughs). My whole life revolves around Beatboxing - I'm really passionate and since I started, I feel like I live a dream. It is, above all, a human adventure that we live with friends too. The biggest highlight of our group with BERYWAM is that we pull up each other whenever on of us is feeling low. We're always there to support each other and that makes all the difference.
Thinking of continuing your international tour? That's our goal! (laughs). We started to be called around the world to get on stage and I think it's our most beautiful and proudest moment: being able to travel through our music. We have the chance to go to Vietnam, Thailand, China... Everything in life is amazing!
Words © Fanny Hill Scott Photography 1 © Baudouin Straetmans Photography 2 © Odieux Boby Photography 3 © Koria
I imagine that with your media coverage we recognize you in the streets... Don't you miss your anonymity? Frankly, I'm always so surprised when I'm recognized on the street. I haven't changed, I've always stayed the same as before. If someone asks me to do a photo with them, I will take the time to talk with him and exchange words - the taste for human encounters is part of the person I am.
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Reviews
Song
‘Dégueulasse’ JEANJASS & CABALLERO 28/11/2018 Double Hélice - Polydor France I really wanted to talk to you about a piece of music that troubled me a lot. This is a new song called ‘Dégueulasse’ (which means ‘disgusting’ in French) by Caballero and JeanJass – the Belgian duet rappers. The lyrics draw our attention towards problems in society that we are being ignorant of, such as welcoming immigrants into our countries or the airstrikes in Syria, and talk about our daily concerns in a falsely innocent tone and with disconcerting accuracy. Continuing on into a chorus that simply reminds us that ‘‘Life is really beautiful’’. We can also recognize the melodic sounds and style of Stromae – the legendary Belgian artist know in Europe thanks to ‘Papaoutai’, ‘Alors On Danse’ and ‘Formidable’ – which makes me very happy. Indeed, Stromae co-produced and co-wrote this masterpiece. It’s also important to watch the video clip and recognise the irony in it - it’s really not disgusting as the song name implies. It’s quite the contrary actually: it’s really beautiful.
© Anna Jégo
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s t r e Conc
MHD
BIGFLO & OLI
O2 Forum Kentish Town London 14/11/18
Zénith of Lille France 18/10/18
‘‘The little Prince has become King’’
Ohlala it was crazy! Everything was amazing from top to bottom! Whether it is the typical and familiar scenery; made of a house and building through to a grandiose set of lights - everything was incredible.The energy released on stage by the two young rapper brothers of 25 and 22 years of age from Toulouse in the south of France was unbelievable. They knew exactly how to ignite this Zénith in Lille crowd of more than 8,000 people.
That’s what MHD - whose real name is Mohammed - says in his song ‘Bravo’, and in seeing the atmosphere he created in London, the energy provided, and all that love for Afro Trap music that he made us feel, I would say that the artist was right in saying that the little prince has become king. I’ve rarely seen such an excited audience at a concert. In fact, Iʼve never seen a gig like that at a gig either. It was half concert, and half tempo of Afro music. What is certain is that the English public and the French people present in the room is that they were united as one that evening. MHD has made a name for himself in France thanks to the tracks he posted on YouTube in 2015 and it has come a long way since then. Heʼs become one of the pillars of Afro music in France.
Their raw talent gives them no need to prove anything to other rappers, or even to the French-speaking public, who continue to support Florian and Olivio - their real names - still, for almost two years at the Top of French Charts since the release of their second album La Vraie Vie. They also let us in on part of their history with an animated film broadcast at the beginning of the concert which retraced their career so far.
The atmosphere is already electric and it goes up a notch when Wizkid appears on stage for the track ‘Bella’, that was eagerly anticipated by the public. I would say that MHD has given a very warm feeling to his audience that makes him appeal well. I sincerely think that the English public, having discovered this artist from Paris on that night, is not ready to forget this artist who blew them away during this powerful and euphoric live experience.
This concert took on a playful appearance when they played humorous scenes alongside their faithful friend and world champion Beatbox Wawad. There was a lot of emotion to and during this live performance when they performed their biggest successes, such as ‘Dommage’, ‘Daddy’ or ‘Alors Alors’. It was a truly amazing concert that created the feeling of family for us and gave us many memories to remember.
© Fanny Hill Scott
© Fanny Hill Scott
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s m u Alb
Nuit
Enfant Lune
07//2018 3.14 Production
02/11/2018 7th M8gnitude - Wagram Music
Two years after P-Town, his last album, Jazzy Bazz returns with Nuit, the amazing work of a long evening of twilight at 5:00 a.m.
Wow! I would say that the surprise element is really there with this album! Many of you will have been reluctant to hear a Gringe solo album without his eternal accomplice at his side, Orelsan - who has won three awards at the 2018 Victory Awards. But think again because this album is really good! Really excellent, I would say!
JAZZY BAZZ
Throughout this journey, Jazzy Bazz keeps us awake with incredible instrumentals that perfectly reflect the feelings of the author between melancholy, drunkenness and onirism, particularly in ‘Sentiments’, ‘Minuit’ or ‘Rue Du Soleil’. Through rhymes always more sought and sophisticated, he delivers his worries and reflections on the world and the people that surround him, such as the insomnia that is meant to be a real wandering introspective in the streets of Paris. This sound in featuring with Alpha Wann proves his attachment to the members of The Entourage - a Rap Collectif - of which he makes himself part, along with other guests of this collective, such as Nekfeu in ‘Eternité’. With this new album, Jazzy Bazz proves once again his talent as a poet, who wants to satisfy all the dreamers in search of new dreams.
© Léa Savin
GRINGE
There are lots of emotions on display, especially in songs like ‘Pieces Détachés’ and ‘Scanner’, where the 38-year-old rapper from Poitiers in the West of France gets lyrically naked without restraint. From the first song of the album ‘Memo’, where Gringe does a review of his career, we already know what quality music and lyrical content can be expected. There is also some excellent production work done on songs such as ‘On Danse Pas’ and ‘Déchiré’, in duo with Orelsan, who makes two appearances on this opus and brings the revival of the beloved group Casseurs Flowters that we also saw in the movie Comment C’est Loin. I really recommend this album, itʼs full of surprises like this duet with Nemir - that you must have heard in the song ‘Princess’ featuring Nekfeu - ‘Jusqu’où Elle M’aime’. In short, it’s a very nice musical discovery for 2018.
© Fanny Hill Scott
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Jeannine
XX5
LOMEPAL
GEORGIO
07/12/2018 Pineale Prod - Grand Musique Management
23/11/2018 Panenka Music
Wow, it was crazy! We had missed Lomepal and his return was a great pleasure! Always the king of the egotrip in French Rap, Lomepal - real name Antoine - once again manages to captivate us with his stories. More introspective than his latest first studio album, Flip released in June 2017, seems to be a real outlet for the 27-year-old artist.
It was phenomenal! This new album is, in my eyes, one of the most beautiful albums of Rap to end the year 2018 with. It had everything: emotion, energy, sincere and sharp lyrics. The charisma of Georgio - he knows how to be genuine on his tracks, still as sincere as in his latest album Hera.
He talks about his eccentric family and this crazy grandmother called Jeannine - where the title of the album comes from. It also evokes his sorrows and the feeling of being finally where he feels best: under the spotlight. The young rapper from Paris speaks several times of the feeling of having finally fulfilled his dreams of glory and he’s now between fire and ice. This new album, is full of musical treasures like ‘Plus De Larmes’, ‘Evidemment’ or ‘Trop Beau’. There are also great featured artists including the song with Roméo Elvis - the Belgian rapper - on the title ‘1000°’ which had announced thelong-awaited return of Lomepal. We can also find the rapper’s impressive collaboration with the French artist Philippe Katherine. There is a lot of emotion in the album and it’s a very beautiful opus with sincerity that brings this musical year of 2018 to a close.
Often nicknamed the ‘'Poet of the French Rap'’, it seems that this nickname sticks to him and is truthful, especially when listening to songs like ‘Prisonniers’ and ‘Aujourd'hui’. Always devoted and melancholy, there are beautiful pieces in which the young rapper of 25-years-old is naked as ‘Akira’ and ‘31 Janvier’, which is a magnificent declaration of love that he makes to the one who he shares his life with.We also recognize the signature melodic sound of the beatmaker Elite - known as Nekfeu, and S-Crew’s friend and DJ during their concert and his BlackBird label on some tracks. As usual, the rapper from Paris isn’t afraid to put forward social truths like in ‘Coup Pour Coup’ and ‘Monnaie’. I strongly advise you to listen to this album as it stands out from others thanks to the communication of emotion and the haunting and remarkable production. This album is a big favourite of mine!
© Fanny Hill Scott
© Fanny Hill Scott
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GeorGio 17
We went to meet this highly acclaimed rapper in France when he came to London, in the district of Hackney, for the first date of his tour on January 31st. He is often described as the leader of 'Poetic Rap', expressing his open heart before going on stage. The French expatriates living in London, are greatly excited to see Georgio on stage for the launch of XX5 Tour. It was in the warm and cosy lodges of Olso Venue that the 25-year-old rapper from Paris took the time to answer our questions with a great nature and a lot of kindness. The rapper who was nominated at the 2019 Victory Awards did not hesitate to express himself openly about his beginnings or difficult life and the evolution of his journey whilst speaking very sweetly with his words about his past. Can you describe your Rap to an English audience discovering you? It's complicated... (laughs). I would say that it is a rap bent towards writing because I pay attention to all my lyrics by aiming above all to be pure and sincere. It is also melodious as melancholic. It forms a completely different mixture of energies. The image that often emerges of you in France is that you are considered "a Poet Rapper of the 21st century"... Is this an image that you want to put forward? Not especially. I'm not trying to claim it or deny it. It's hard to see yourself as a poet but it's super rewarding to be named as such. If people think that my rap looks like poetry, it's great, and I really take it as a compliment. You started to rap at 14 years old. In your new album, you take a lot of hindsight I find, as if you are taking stock of what has happened since your debut. At the time you thought you had made it? It's huge what happened to you! In 10 years you became a muse for Givenchy, you filled a Zenith... No, I didn't have that vision there, it seemed at the time to be the end of the world and be unreachable... But paradoxically, I always knew that I would make it in the sense that success was my only option. It was rap or nothing.
'' If people think that my rap looks like poetry I take it as a compliment.'' I heard that you often spoke of this special bond that binds you to London? You even made a sound in the deluxe edition of your last album Hera which is called 'Paris-London'. Can you tell me more? London is a city that has always attracted me for its energy. I often went back and forth between Paris and London, and last year I spent two and a half months here and I have lots of memories that are related to this city. I was also able to meet a London artist named Murkage Dave who had made the piece 'O.D' with Nekfeu – e.d: One of the leaders of French Rap since the release of his album Feu en 2015 – It also allowed me to meet an artist named Petite Noir. He lives between London and South Africa. We made a song together for XX5. In hindsight, I wonder why I did not keep it for the final selection. (laughs).
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Are you thinking of adding it to the reissue of the album if there is one? In all honesty, I do not know at all what the future holds for me and if I will release a reissue of XX5. For the moment, I continue to write and make new songs but I do not know what will happen to these pieces precisely. Should I keep them for a new project? A reissue? Do I throw them away? It’s a big question. Your inspiration seems to be constant you actually refer to it in some of your texts... You are someone who writes constantly? There are times when I lack inspiration, but I try to always write. It's important not to lose the rhythm: it's a kind of cerebral gymnastics. The more you write, the less you lose the form. If I stop writing for a while, it's hard to get back to it afterwards.
In what state of mind did you write XX5 your new album? For a long time after Hera – e.d: his second studio album – I wondered what I wanted to write about and I thought I should just do what I wanted to do. That’s why we find lots of different energies on this album, such as with 'Mirroir' or 'Dans Mon Elements' which are more melancholic pieces than 'Barbara' or 'J'en Sais Rien' that are much more energetic. I also speak of Love as in the song '31 Janvier'. How do you find the perfect balance between all these different energies? You want the truth? I did not ask myself that question precisely. (laughs). I mostly followed my desires and made the pieces as I wanted to, without asking too many questions. You also make huge reference to your mates – loyalty is something that seems to be important to you. It is the opposite of the image that we sometimes have about rap that it seems to be an environment where there is a lot of competition... It is true that what matters me most is to be surrounded by people who want to propagate messages of love. I'm not really interested in hanging out with hateful and bitter people.
'' I always knew that I would make it in the sense that success was my only option. It was rap or nothing.''
In a recent interview you said that the younger you went through a great period of melancholy that was a vicious circle and that you were even afraid to come out for fear of no longer knowing what to write. But I think this new album is filled with hope, with songs like 'Coup Pour Coup' for example. Do you find that your way of writing had to change? Yes, I felt it in my music. At the beginning with the album Hera and now with XX5, which is completely different. Instinctively my way of writing has changed for sure, but on the other hand, I get the impression that the lexical feel and the melancholic theme remains unchanged. The stories are different, the pieces are different, but there is still a vocabulary that remains particular to my person.
'' I try to always write. It's important not to lose the rhythm: it's a kind of cerebral gymnastics.'' Last September, you gave seven free concerts that you named the 'Shadow Tour'. How did you come up with the idea of coming back to the source in this way? I have always existed on the Internet and liked its sharing system. I always had this recognition for my audience who has supported me from the beginning and I always try to thank them in one way or another. For Hera, I had created a special group on Facebook and I sent stickers to those who wanted it. I always try to maintain the link with them and say thank you. It's also a way for me to say, "Okay, my career continues, but I don't forget where I come from and who I am here for". It's important to me.
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You are also super close to your audience, you share a lot with them and yet on one side you remain mysterious. Is it important for you to give yourself to your audience while staying in the shadows? Yes, that's it. I remain aware of what I show and especially what I want to show but there is another, more intimate part that I keep for myself. I sincerely believe that if I didn't have rap, I wouldn't have social networks. Or I would just be a stalker of what interest me and the artists I like to follow up with them. (laughs).
this anymore". It's a motivation to always go further.
Would you like to be able to pass social networks without having to do a daily promo for your music? Yes, absolutely. What I like most is the music. I don't care about being popular and being recognized as a man - I wish I could exist only through my music. If tomorrow, I could do away with all the social networks because the people who follow me are interested only in my music, even without a video clip to make their own idea of the songs up without a visual that accompanies it, it would be paradise.
Words © Fanny Hill Scott Photography © Romain Rigal
''I have a desire to climb even bigger and stronger.'' There is a phrase that leaves a lot of thought in the piece 'Hier' where you say "Nothing is ever too healthy when you are afraid to choke. If you knew where I came from, you would understand where I'm going"... Can you tell me more? I grew up in an affluent middle-class family, and overnight with my parents’ divorce, I found myself leaving the house where I had grown up to live in a home where three of us lived in a tiny room. That's what I'm saying in this piece: I was very quickly confronted with the problems of adulthood. It made me want to shout to the world and say "I don't want to
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In your piece 'Aujourd'hui' you say "I have not finished writing my Dreams"... What do you still have to do? In music I have a desire to climb even bigger and stronger. I want to hit even more people. I have lots of other dreams, like to go around the world. Every morning I have new goals, new desires that I put in a corner of my head while waiting to realize them.
wAfia
The 25-years-old multi talented artist Wafia told us about the different step that marked her career. Indeed, this young woman with many facets was able to express herself with honesty in this interview where she tells us everything about her origins, the choices that led her to music and especially her incredible collaboration with the famous artist Ta-ku. The one who collects nearly 2.5 million listeners on Spotify answered our questions with a lot of kindness and sincerity. Can you tell me more about you? I’m Iraqi-Syrian, born in the Netherlands and living in Australia. When did you realise you wanted to be a singer and nothing else? I always thought music wasn’t a realistic dream until I was about 17 and my dad really encouraged me to go for it, all in. Did you struggle to find your way when you were younger? Yes, in many regards. The biggest was being comfortable with myself the way I am, I think I was always wishing I was someone else and it took years to stop myself from doing that. You’ve performed at a lot of different cities... Where were some of your best memories? I had a show in Paris in November and it was the last stop on the Europe tour. It was the best show and we walked around Paris late at night in the rain searching for crepes to satisfy my cravings. (laughs) How was the gig? Such great energy and I love hearing them sing back my songs to me in the French accent. It’s the most beautiful thing! You’re a multi-dimensional artist with music that can seemingly live in multiple genres... How do you find balance with these different music styles? I try and give each song the room to be the song it deserves to be. I don’t see the point in trying to force a particular genre or direction with a song because it’ll just end up sounding wrong anyway.
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'' It definitely feels like therapy to express my feelings through music'' Can you tell me more about what inspired you while writing some of your favourite songs? When we were in the studio writing ‘I’m Good’, I could sense the person I loved was about to break my heart in the worse way and I kinda just let them. I guess I knew I was going into a rough patch really soon and I wanted to write a song for how I’d hope to feel after it all went by. Do you have any dream features or collaborators? So many, I’d love to work with SZA, Tyler The Creator or Kacey Musgraves.
How did you start working with Ta-Ku? I met him randomly on some basketball courts, it was pure chance. (laughs) He ended up hitting me up on my Instagram asking if we could work together. I kinda died because he’s such a legend! We ended up sending voice notes back and forth from there until we covered 'American Girl' and that was really the start of it all. What are you 3 dreams festivals or venues? I got to play Coachella and Red Rocks last year with Louis The Child but I’d love to go back someday and play them in my own right. Otherwise, Glastonbury would be amazing too or Pitchfork Music Festival! Something to say to your French fans? Thank you so much for all the support! I cannot wait to come back with new music and more shows in your beautiful country! Words © Fanny Hill Scott Photography © Zoe Lawrence
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Playlist Nadjee
Georgio
"Aujourd'hui"
Jazzy Bazz / Nekfeu
"Dans 100 Ans"
"Stalker"
BigFlo et Oli
PLK
"Maman"
"Bunkoeur"
Doxx
Orelsan
"Colère"
"Fantômes"
Lolo Zouaï
"For The Crowd"
Gringe
Lomepal
"Pièces Détachées"
"Plus De Larmes"
Drawings © Gabriel Dominiak
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Lolo Zouaï The new year of 2019 is now started, and we can’t avoid talking about Lolo Zouaï, the treasure of the year in 2018. This 23-year-old Franco-American artist has made herself known with her single ‘High Highs to Low Lows’ which has nearly 600,000 views on YouTube. It is also this single in which she expresses the difficulty of promoting herself with her own non-standard musical influences in the American music industry. When she was younger, she was moving from job to job; working in catering and as a saleswoman, hoping that one day, she would be able to make a living from her art. We can now say that she has successfully achieved her dream. She is now recognized as a successful R’n’B singer with Pop Soul elements mixed into her music. She is proud of her origins: both the French and Algerian side of the family. She doesn’t hesitate to try to stand out by displaying the different influences from Maghreb and France in her music. Especially in the videoclip ‘Austin Power’ in collaboration with the rapper Myth Syzer, who achieved huge success in France with the release of his album: Bisous. In this effective duo, Lolo Zouaï sings in French despite the many references to the fact she grew up in the United States. The video clip has a very American influence to it. This single will allow her to become known to the French audience and marks a turning point in her career. After co-writing ‘Still Down’ with the collective H.E.R and the release of several titles and collaboration during the last years, the young artist seems to want to be successful in the French R’n’B genre.
Words © Gloria Dominiak
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Jay Rico 27
We went to Brighton to meet Jay Rico, this young 20-year-old rapper from Spain who grew up in the south of England. It is with a lot of maturity and kindness that he told us about everything about his background and especially the projects he wants to see happen. Between sincerity and a heart full of hope for the future, Jay gives us a real testimony here about what has led him to become the young artist he is today, and who has been able to live a daydream by going to MTV Award in Bilbao. Can you tell me a bit more about you? What’s your background? I started doing music when I was around 13. I was just putting out little videos with my friends. I wasnʼt really doing much. And then last year – e.d 2017 – I started taking music seriously and trying to make a career out of it. When you were a bit younger, was it obvious for you that you wanted to be rapper or did you struggle to find your way? To be honest, I wanted to be rapper, but I didnʼt expect it to be. I didnʼt think it could happen because of my resources as I didnʼt really know anyone in this industry. I didnʼt know how everything was working so it never saw it like a possibility. Do you think that it’s difficult to get into the music industry and to make connections? I think itʼs easier for the people who are London based because obviously it’s the capital and where everything goes on. Do you want to move to London? Not really... There are lots of things going on in Brighton and Iʼve recently opened a recording studio down here. To be honest, I’m not a big fan of busy places. Why did you decide to open this record label? I wanted to do anything involving music in my career. So Iʼm just trying to work with everything possible such as running a recording studio and working with others.
'' My manager called me and he was like 'You’re going to the MTV Awards’' How is it going? Did you already sign new artists? For now itʼs going well. Iʼve been in touch with a few labels and Iʼve signed few things. Right now, Iʼm under All Blessed Records. Itʼs difficult at some point as a record label as you have a goal and you always try to reach it but for some reason, you might not hit it. You went to Bilbao in Spain for the MTV Award 2018... Can you tell me more about this dazzling experience? I went there through my booking agent. I met some really good people from Capitol Extra, so we got in touch with them, it was really great. Weʼre now talking, as networking. Iʼve never
ever seen anything like that before... Going to MTV Awards for a first time was overwhelming. In one interview you said ‘I promise my family that I’m gonna be nominated one day’... I guess your family is really supportive in your career? Yeah they are. Theyʼre from Bilbao as well! So it was just a mad coincidence! I remember like a year ago, my mum told me "Oh this year the MTV Awards is in Bilbao". I didnʼt think much of it, I never thought I will ever have the chance to go so... And then a month before the ceremony, my manager called me and he was like "Yo, what you doing on this day? Youʼre going to the MTV Awards". I was a massive surprise for me.
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What do you love the most as being an artist ? I love making music. It’s a way for me to express what I’m going through. Whenever I make music, my close people and my family learn more about me. I just enjoy making music. Itʼs a good way to get things off your chest. Is it easy for you to talk about your feelings? Kind of. I donʼt really talk about me to be honest. Itʼs weird, because Iʼd never ever talk about my feelings, ever. Iʼd never sit somewhere and be like "I feel like this, I feel like that". But in music, thatʼs what youʼre supposed to do. I like to keep it a bit mysterious, not to give everything away. Can you tell me more about your writing process? Sometimes, I might be sitting in the car with my friend, and I might hear a beat and be like "I wanna write on that". Other times, it will just come to me freely and Iʼll take out my phone and Iʼll write it down and then I’ll start developing a song.
' I just enjoy making music. It’s a good way to get things off your chest. ’ ‘Clouds In The Sky’ your last release reached 23k in 3 days...it’s huge! Did you expected that? Not really, because all the other songs released before this one were a little bit more commercial so they appealed to a wider audience. This one is different, so it wasn’t expected. With ‘Clouds In The Sky’, Iʼve had less views but more positive feedback which is great in some ways.
Is there any artist youʼd like to do a featuring with? Yeah, thereʼs few artists. I mean, thereʼs a few things in the pipeline at the moment that weʼre working on, like few featurings that we want to keep secret for now. Do you have any influences in your music? Yes, a lot. You know what? Iʼm inspired by lots of people around my age from the U.K. Many people would be like "I donʼt listen to anyone from here" because it’s like a competition. But people like me — other rappers, singers or whatever — who came from nothing and now are making something out of themselves are the kind of people that truly inspire me. Are social network important to help you build your career? Yeah, it’s very important. I should use it more because everything is online nowadays. Before when I was 13, I used to walk around my school and tell everyone "I’ve got this new song" and bluetooth it to people. No-one does that anymore, everything is sharing on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook... Can your fans expect an EP or an album soon? I’ve got like 170-something songs recorded and ready to be released. But every time I go to the studio I feel like I can get better. I’m still improving on everything and I want to release something close to perfect. I can’t say too much just yet, but there is a plan in place, I’ll release a project in 2019. Where do you see yourself in five years? I donʼt know... Hopefully I’ll be performing at Glastonbury and Reading festival. If Iʼm not there, then Iʼll definitely still be working towards it. So, it depends on how my luck is. Words © Fanny Hill Scott
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HOTEL PARadisio We met the mysterious artist hiding under the nickname of 'Hotel Paradisio'. Indeed, this young artist who remains very secretive about the person he is and also his private life, agreed to grant us this interview where he answeredwith a great sincerity. The one who reach nearly 1.5 million views on YouTube and often described as a master of 'Cloud Rap' in France, tells us about his projects, his debut in music and especially what inspires him. Under this desire of remains lowkey we discovered - above all - a passionate and conquering young man who decided to dedicate his life to the thing he loves the most in the world: Music. Where did you get the nickname for Paradisio Hotel? At the start, I was looking for a pseudonym, and I wanted something original that came out of the common language. I liked the idea of taking the name of a place instead of a first name or character. 'Hotel Paradisio' came naturally to me. When I started the music I was talking about a lot of travel in my songs and I thought it was good for me. Can you describe yourself and your music to an English audience who wants to know you?
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I'm a rapper, that's for sure, but otherwise I do not really know how people perceive me. (laughts). I make the music for the dreamer that pushes to travel. Introspection and reflection also are close to my heart in my songs. In truth, I tried to change the idea of myself with my last EP, where I made songs with more rhythmic parts. I'm often described as a chill rapper who makes sweet music and I wanted to prove that I'm not just that. It's true that we often talk about you as a rapper from the Cloud Rap. Is that a picture you want to change? Yes, in a way. But the problem is that people like to categorize others and put them in a box. It's always the same chorus - they associate you with a musical genre as well as others artists. For example, at the beginning I was very much associated with Ash Kidd because we had made a piece together called 'REV', now things have changed because my world evolves constantly, although in particular on Amityville, my last project. Since Ash Kidd, you've never done any featuring. Is that a wish for you? In real I would love, but for the moment I have never met anyone with whom I had a good feeling to do a feature. But I'm not opposed to that idea.
Which artists would you dream about doing a feature with? There is a lot of American artists with whom I would like to make songs... It's a long list. (laughs). If I were to pick one, I would say Post Malone. He’s testing a lot of new things in rap and I admire him very much for that. You were 14 when you turned to music... what pushed you towards this passion? I started playing piano when I was younger, but it didn't really impassion me. And my cousins who were older than me started making me listen to American songs, and even though at first I was struggling to get into the vibe, I got used to it and some time after that, I bought my first album of US Rap. It was by Eminem. And of course, it started to fascinate me and I began to write.
'' I'm often described as a chill rapper who makes sweet music and I wanted to prove that I'm not just that.'' From now on, you’re an independent artist who accumulates more than 1.4 million views on YouTube. Can you tell me more about that? It is true that I am attached to my independence and dependence on people. But I mostly worked hard to get to this point. It's been almost three years that I’ve constantly worked on prouction, models, songs, etc. and now I get to live this and it changed everything. I think my next project would contain only sounds that I made myself. End of July 2018 you were talking about creating your own label... Can you tell me more? Later, I would like to be able to produce artists, make video clips, make records. All this
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in having my own studio. I'm still thinking about the name for now... You are as strong on your production as with the visuals on your videos. It must take you a lot of time... Do you devote all your time to music? Yes, all my time. (laughs). From morning to night, I'm still working on ideas. Sometimes, I don't even see the time spent as I’m so much I'm invested in what I do. Without limit, I'm "too" into it. (laughs). It's not easy every day to share my time between music, friends, and family. But you have to go through it if you want to succeed, there are sacrifices to make. It's essential. The most important thing is to believe in yourself. Can you tell me what inspires you? It comes naturally to me with the music. Often, it is the melody that reminds me of emotions and I let my inspiration do the rest. I always try to adapt my words to the beat. In your title 'Moto', You say "Work my pen to turn it into a missile"... Is rap also a way to fix your troubles with others? Yes and No. (laughs). Often I put punchlines in, but it is mostly to show an emotion. I'm also trying to put myself in the shoes of others. All that I evoke in my songs I have already lived, but I also try to speak for others. But it's true that I also make subliminal messages about what I can't say in a verbal voice. You have a lot of skill in expressing what you think and how you feel. Is it hard to make it open this way or is it something natural and simple for you? I do it naturally but when I post the sound, I try not to think too much, otherwise it would stop me from publishing. It's like throwing yourself into the void somehow. Once it's done, it’s done.
'' There are sacrifices to make if you want to succeed. The most important thing is to believe in yourself.'' In your song 'Nectar' You say "I don't want my head in the press"… The media world is something that makes me rather afraid in truth. I remain a fairly reserved person who does not necessarily like to show too much. Can you tell me about your future plans? After the release of Amityville on 28th December, I kept going with a new project that will soon be done I think. I'll let you find out more soon. Words © Fanny Hill Scott Photography © Thanushan Skandarajah
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Morgan IB 35
It is difficult to summarize an artist with so many strings to her bow in a few lines. What about Morgan, this young artist with an honesty and a musical culture to make the other rappers pale, who became known to the general public during her stint on the new ''Talent Show'' of M6 the French TV Channel : Secret Audition. The one who likes to listen to metal as much as to music from the world, is engaged here with an open heart, and shares the values that are hers. It is with all her sincerity that Morgan reveals her debut in music and her personal aspirations, not forgetting her first time on television. Tell us about you, Morgan. Who are you? I am a student in Graphic Design in Annecy. But first of all, I'm passionate about music. I listen to all kinds of music, from classical to Reggae, but especially a lot of Hip-Hop. What is your musical background? I started the music through the Sound System Reggae because, I liked this notion of sharing, one where my voice is only an instrument in addition to the melody. The instrumental is the basis of the Sound System, and little by little, I started to find my style. I integrated a crew called La Mante Religieuz, and we had a recording studio where we were practicing pretty hard. It started from there basically. What happened next? I signed up very early on the site Keakr – e.d: Application that highlights young rappers, artists, beatmakers, etc. who record freestyles on the application – I think I was one of the few girls to use this application that's what allowed me to stand out. Very quickly, Axiom, the rapper who launched this app, contacted me and said, "You're a girl and you do rap. We need someone like you!". It's silly to say, but it gave me a lot of motivation. From there, I went up to Paris to meet him and his team, I was able to exchange ideas with them and it was really beneficial. You have become a real personality that generates thousands of views and likes on the networks, how did you come to want to post your first videos? It's really nothing. To make it simple, last year, I went camping with friends, and that afternoon, I didn't really want to go out and I decided to stay in my tent, and I tried Keakr. At first it was out of curiosity, but I finally posted my first freestyle. When I returned to the site a few days later, I was really excited when I saw that the video had really worked well, I did not expect at all. Same with 'Sorry' my first single.
'' I wish I could live with my music while keeping my freedom.''
something I need to live. I have hundreds of songs that sleep in my computer that I would not necessarily publish, but I need to write as certain people need to read a book.
Is it hard, right now, to get into the hiphop world while being a woman? On the one hand, it is difficult, because if you are a girl in Rap - we will inevitably compare you to Diam's – a female pioneer in the French rap – and respect you less. But on the other hand, you'll always be more atypical. At the grassroots, rap is a committed movement, it's a street cry, even though it has evolved tremendously, people will always be surprised to see a woman in HipHop.
Fame is not something that seduces you? Not at all. I wish I could live with my music while keeping my freedom. If notoriety ever became a burden too heavy for me, I would have no trouble returning to making music in my room.
Is it a life that amazes you to be always on stage and on the road? I would not say that it amazes me as much as having been on the stage of M6 where I was able to realize a dream from being a kid, but music is
What's next? I've start a 'Kiss Kiss Bank Bank' which is a kitty online to help me finance the release of my first EP studio due to September 2019.
Words © Fanny Hill Scott Photography © Wise Photography
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The team 37
Anna Jégo Hi ! I’m Anna, I’m 22 years old. I couldn’t tell you what my dream job was - I really have no idea! I’m somewhat interested by lots of different things at the moment. I am intrigued by everything related to digital media and social networks, which I spend a lot of my free time on. I’d like to learn what the websites, social networks or applications that I use are made of, and how they were made. This curiosity has lead me to another interest: learning how computer coding works in order to understand the different steps involved in creating a website. My main focuses in life are definitely art and aesthetics. I live for artistic creation; through drawing, painting or photography. Art is not only a passion of mine, but I feel it is inside me, and it allows me to express my feelings and observations about my life genuinely. Whenever I first discover an app, website or anything alike, I have an overalll look, before my eye looks for the details - to dissect the graphic composition and to understand the creative process of the artist behind it.
anna35760
annajegopro
Gabriel Dominiak
LĂŠa Savin
I am Gabriel. I am 23 years old. I am passionate about art and especially visual art. I drew from an early age, I always communicated by drawing. Over time I have tried all of the different graphic techniques like oil painting, or digital tablet designs, for example. I have also been practicing for some years in another form of art: martial arts. My two passions are complete and nourish each other since the sport will bring a rigour and serenity to my drawings, while I attach great importance to the beauty of the gesture and movement when I am on the tatami.
My name is Lea, I am 22 years old and I’d say that I am passionate about life. I am always smiling and up to have a laught and also always in a positive mood! I am passionate about art in every form. Whether it's architectural, musical, visual, etc. All these passions for the arts have led me to take film lessons, to go to Rome to learn everything about its architecture and its artistic and antique history, and now I am working at the Louvre Museum in Paris where my artistic thirst is even stronger found. I love life, what it teaches me and especially all the beautiful things it brings me.
dominiakgabriel
savinlea
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Gloria Dominiak My name’s Gloria and I am 18 years old. I was born in France but I’m really proud of my Polish origins, coming from both of my parents. I’m also from a huge family, with an artistic dad, so we all grew up with art around us. That’s why I’m really into art and creation. What I like the most in my life is Music. Indeed, I write songs and I love singing. For me, Daniel Caesar and Marco McKinnis are my main inspirations. I’m a big fan of Mariah Carey and Sik-k too. I also really like Asian culture, like Korean Rap mangas, animated movies - it’s all quite fascinating for me. I wish I could travel to Asia – that is one of my dreams.
naughty_minsik
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Omar Zaki Hi! My name is Omar, and I’m a teacher in training at BIMM Brighton in the UK. I’m really into music, and aim to be a music teacher one day! I play the guitar, which I love more than anything. Listening to music never gets boring - so much variety! I really like pop music. I love Bruno Mars, Charlie Puth, and a lot of other artists too. I’ll listen to just about anything, but that’s the stuff that particularly gets me. I also really like psychology, and so one day I hope to qualify in that to some degree! So that’s me. It’d be really cool to be able to use psychology in teaching, and maybe one day I’ll even try teaching it! My dream is to work under the NHS as a Clinical Psychologist - all in good time! I love music, I love psychology, and that’s me.
Jade Remeur Hello everyone ! I’m Jade and I’m 21 years old. I am currently student in Paris to study Communication and I realy enjoy it. I am passionate about History and Music and always curious to know and discover new things. I am always up to have a laugh and enjoying life. I’ve spend few month in London for work project recently and I had a wonderful time down here. I wish I could stay longer! I have decided to join Fanny’s team because I truly believe in her passion and the way she is determinated.
Wanna join the team ? Apply to fanny.hillscott@gmail. com, tell me who you are, what kind of music you’re into, send me examples of your previous work, etc... Everyone’s welcome, whether you’re journalist or just someone fancy to write about music. If you like design, editing or even advertising, hit me up!
fanny_hillscott
ja2rem
Drawings © Anna Jego
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Credits
Founded by : Fanny Hill Scott
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Publisher : Fanny Hill Scott Advertising :
Adélaïde Dominiak
Design : Fanny Hill Scott
Gabriel Dominiak Anna Jego
Social Network : Adélaïde Dominiak
Translator / Corrector : Omar Zaki Contributors : Valerie Bouvet
Nadjee Wawad Georgio Laura Bris Jay Rico Mass Ndow-Njie Sarah Kebbab Tiffany Oger Hotel Paradisio Morgan iB Wafia Natasha Batby
