BOY TAG

ZINZIN MAGAZINE : hello Boy Tag, thank you for giving us this interview on behalf of our 6th edition special music festival. Can you introduce yourself quickly?

BOY TAG : My real name is Tongwa Njopmu Felganie Belta. I was born in SandSand Quarter Muyuka. My mother is from Bangante (West region). And my father is from Lebialem (South West region). Growing up in Muyuka, I attended Worldwide Mission Nursery School. During my primary school days, I attended Presbyterian Primary School then also attended Anglo-Arabic Primary School.We later moved to Buea after the death of my mother. There I attended Marthlo Comprehensive Bilingual College (MACBICOL) and later studied Accounting at the University of Buea.

Z.M. : You are a Cameroonian rapper who really differs from the other 237 rappers with your own style, a mix of rap, tribal, rhyme in your music, can you tell us where you got this inspiration or the idea of this style of association?

B.T.: firstly my inspiration comes from God, then my passion to always show how diversely blessed we are in terms of culture has put me in a position to relate my music with our culture. Using my dialect in my songs. Also showing the world we speak many languages. That way, anyone who listens to any of my songs will find themselves in any of the languages.

Z.M.: why did you adopt the name Boy Tag, what is its meaning?

B.T.: the “TAG” in Boy TAG means The Albino Guy. I decided to adopt the name because I could no longer allow my happiness to be decided by others. Being an Albino in a place full of stereotypical mindsets, I was mocked and ridiculed as if being an albino was a Taboo. Growing up, it greatly affected my self-confidence but when I fell in love with Music, I decided to accept that identity, love myself more and use my gift to let the world know that our right live and enjoy life should not be limited by the way we look.

Z.M.: it is true that we have never seen you play a musical instrument in your videos, but do you have a musical instrument that you are passionate about? Do you play this instrument? B.T.: yes. I love playing the Conga drum. Growing up, I used buckets as Congas. Playing it was my own way of distracting myself from the mental trauma I was going through.

Z.M.: we all know that being albino is not easy, what was your difficulty as an albino growing up?

B.T.: Growing up, I didn’t have much friends. Most people around me would rather insult or make fun my albinism. It was hard because I was constantly hurt. It made me stay mostly indoors, away from the rest of world where I know I won’t be judged. Few friends also encouraged me to love myself.

Z.M.: signed under the label Steven’s Music, you always had feat with Daphne, why not the others like Shura who sings as well? Is it because Daphne’s musical style rolls or matches more with you or is it because of another motivation?

B.T.:musically, she’s very passionate.

Meaning she connects with music straight from the heart. Also she has that touch that only she can add to a particular song.

My collaboration with her on Hallelujah (her song) was because she knows a little about my real life story and how it was truly a blessing survive it. She needed me to thank God through her project which was an honor to me.

Z.M.: “GRANDMA” a calm and sweet rap to pay tribute to your mami who left without return, to hear you sing, we can tell that it was written with heart and deserves a B.T.: growing up, my grandmother was like the only remaining pillar I had in my life since my mother was sick. Especially after my father abandoned me and my grandfather didn’t have much. She went through stress just to provide for me and ensure that I was happy no matter what the circumstances were. Losing her was a huge blow to my heart.

Z.M.: and if we talk about “POTO POTO” your new single, it is a little different from what we are used to listen from you, the rap is calmer and the beat in a Makossa and Rumba style, is it the new version of Boy Tag future?

B.T.: the story of a guy who leaves his girlfriend at home and spends more time outside with other girls instead. The girl supported his bad habits and after some advice from his friends, he then realized he truly had a treasure at home that deserved his full attention. Poto-poto is a song that talks about appreciating the one who truly loves you. I’m a messenger who doesn’t want to limit himself to just one way of delivering his messages.

Z.M.: why such a desire to go on this different path in “POTO POTO”?

B.T.: understanding that I cannot be different if I think like everyone else, I decided to dive deeper and bring a song that not only the message will be relatable, the beat too will bring some originality and nostalgia (through the famous guitar notes from Franco’s Mario Song).

Z.M.: this originality that you have in your music is a pure killer, what is your news for your fans? Are there any projects in the works?

B.T.: I am presently working on some great songs with some wonderful artists. My EP is on the way. Also my album is in the pipeline. Let’s just I’m coming back better and stronger this time. I want to use this opportunity to thank all those who have always been supporting my music from day one.

Z.M.: and the people appreciate this new style a little bit calm in “POTO POTO”. Seeing the reactions of the fans on YouTube, from the feedback you had from your fans, will you continue in this style of music? wants me to deliver the message in a particular way, I will.

Z.M.: we know that the Boy Tag has probably other solo projects; can you tell us about them and describe them in a few words?

B.T.: apart from music, I’m also trying to invest in other areas like farming, starting clothing brand, etc. So far, I can say I’m on the right track because it will go a long way to secure my financial freedom as I keep thriving in the entertainment field.

Z.M.: today you are one of the most loved and respected Cameroonian rappers with this touch of originality that you send back, how did you find your beginnings as an artist? What is your dream as an artist?

B.T.: my beginnings were not that beautiful. Facing insults whenever I would get on stage to perform played negatively on my confidence. It was only after I had grown to love and accept myself that everything started to change.

Z.M.: soon it’s the feast of music what are your impressions? A wish for your colleagues?

B.T.: yes, in commemoration of the big day for the artists, I’d only pray that we all get the strength to keep letting our voices heard. It’s a field full of frustration. So it is only right to wish that we all maintain the passion we have for the art. Not just money motivation.

Z.M.: a word for the end

B.T.: to everyone supporting my music and also that of others, I say thank you. Believe in yourself, trust in God and put in the work. The rest will naturally follow.