The rap codes are the same you just adapt to its environment - Pit Baccardi

Born in Cameroon and raised in France, Guillaume N'Goumou aka Pit Bacardi is one of those rappers who have left their mark in the French rap.

He has several albums to his credit and has collaborated with the biggest names, Oxmo Puccino to Kery James, or the singer Medine US Rnb Joe. Member of the Collective Time Bomb and then respectively Sector A and First Class, he now lives in Cameroon his home country where he now produces artistes through his label.

Maleya X, Z and Duke Magasco are part of the team and Empire Company is the name.

Q: Your first album was released in 1999, 16 years ago. When you look at your career since the days until today, what do you remember?

A: What I remember of my journey is that I contributed to a new movement, a new dynamic (which was the case with Area A and First Class), gives 16 years after, credibility and respect.

Things were good but would have been better with more maturity. This is the disadvantage of being a precursor because we are confronted with situations. I am, therefore, just happy to be part of history and that Pit Bacardi still speaks to people.

Q: You are now living in Cameroon where you created your Empire Company label, through which you produce artistes. What motivated you in this choice?

A: What motivated me was to see to it that all these talents that lacked structure, vision, dynamic and funding.

For me a career can be structured in different ways: out of intensely discs or do as I do, because my business is still producing. Except that I'm on the other side of the window, so I also mature, experience and money (Laughs).

Cameroon and Africa in general need to be structured so that we can boast of a good industry.

I intend to work on Central Africa because Nigerians, South Africans, Ghanaians to name a few, have managed to create industrial dynamics. Their managers, producers, prods boxes and directors are doing well.

Q: What vision did you have of Entertainment in Africa before coming to settle there permanently?

A: As I said earlier the vision I had was that of English-speaking Africa and I thought why is it that, this side can do it and not us. It is true they are ahead but we must start at our pace. We should have a Pan-African industry regardless of the country.

Q: Do you think the gamble was worth it?

A: Like any bet it's a risk with its ups and downs. I can’t draw a conclusion because we are still under construction. We must educate, understand what works and what does not, and especially the artistes should incorporate rigor and professionalism in their operation. We are at an embryonic stage of our development. We still need some time to see if it was right or wrong.

Q: Why is it that, no rapper or rap group has been signed to your label? As a rap Emeritus one would expect it to be so, isn’t it?

A: Because Empire Company is a music label not just rap. Hence the first signatures were with people who were not it rap. But the Empire project is working on ways to develop the hip hop industry. We are thinking about a rap compilation project called Africain: "We are Empire" not just for Cameroonians and but where we can find Mali, Togo, Congo and many others. We need artistes with different music styles; they can count on Empire development. It is true that the label was created by a rapper but I'm a fan of music in general so the label is a reflection of my personality.

Q: What do you think about the challenges faced by Francophone African rappers in terms of productions and quality as compared to our English neighbors?

A: The difference will be in attitude; which means finding a personality who will make a mark. An artiste like Jovi with his song, "Cash" shows originality which is unique to him and that sets him apart. Then there is always the idea of group. Thus this music works.

Similarly, a good image is necessary. It includes impacting, what one says and self composure. In fact all the components of rap as we were able to draw the United States but fitting it in the African context. Rap codes are the same you just adapt to its environment. And finally the main thing is to say to structure and acting professional.

Q: Getting back to your business activities, how did you set up the label and how did you choose the artistes with whom you collaborate?

A: The label was done simply. I set up an LLC because it's more serious when it comes to canvass partners. I have 4 permanent employees and contractors with whom I regularly work with for my projects. The choice of artistes is by how good they are. This was the case with X-Maleya. When I signed them on, it came out great and they are their own now. The same with Magasco as well. We also have two new signings, the choreographer, King Creol and the GTB troupe.

Q: And as a rapper what’s new with you now?

A: What’s new is that I write a lot, but the business takes a lot of time. But to reassure those concerned about my long silence ... it happens ... I want to do something where I have fun and enjoy. I always love rap.

Q: What African singles or rap albums have you listened to lately?

A: "Cash" and "ep8koi" by Jovi, Nigerian Phyno I forgot the title but in the clip there is a girl bouncing her backside (Laughs), "Adonai" by Sarkodie and Malian One Magali iba my Wora Real Black Music partner introduced me to.

Q: We will end this interview by asking you what the Empire Company is working on when it comes to African rap and RnB?

A: Empire is working on Magasco’s album, compilation of a hip hop title "We are Empire", the ‘Creol’ project with King and his band, and a single by Pit Bacardi.