VINO-5

By Charlie R. Braxton

Translated by Francois Raogo

1. Let’s start this interview with you introducing yourself. Who is Vino-5?

Vino_5 is a Burkinabe artist who has been passionate about music since childhood and is fighting for his country’s music to be recognized and exported beyond its borders, especially Burkinabe and African rap.

2. What was life like growing up in your neighborhood or village?

My childhood wasn’t always easy, but I grew up in a fairly quiet neighborhood with my brothers, my sister, and parents who fought hard to give us a better future.

3. I saw your video on Dr Jolivette Anderson-Douoning’s page, and I was really impressed with your skill level. How long have you been rapping?

Thank you very much for your kind words. I really appreciate it. To answer your question, I started rapping in 2014. So I’ve been rapping for 11 years now.

4. How did you get involved in hip hop?

At first, I listened to music a lot just for fun. And being shy by nature, I talked a lot with my mother about everything and nothing. Unfortunately, she passed away, and suddenly I had no one to talk to, so to speak. Since then, I started expressing myself by writing in a little notebook, and little by little I discovered my passion for music in general and rap in particular.

5. Who are some of your major influences? Do you incorporate traditional musical and cultural influences in your music?

My main musical influences are legends such as TUPAC SHAKUR, N.W.A, and LEFA. Yes, I often incorporate traditional and cultural influences into my music, such as Mooré, which is my mother and father’s first language.

6. Tell us something about the hip hop scene in Burkina Faso? How big is it? Is it popular, or is it still underground?

Unfortunately, hip-hop in Burkina Faso is not yet at the peak of its art. It lacks scale and is still relatively unknown. That’s why I decided to take on this burden and rise to the challenge.

7. How is hip hop viewed in Burkina Faso?

Here in Burkina Faso, hip-hop didn’t attract much attention or anything. But for the past two or three years, it has been experiencing some growth, which isn’t bad.

8. Is it difficult for rappers to get recognition in your country?

Yes, indeed, as you know, music is universal and therefore has almost the same realities throughout the world. It is very difficult for a rapper to make a name for themselves in Burkina Faso at the beginning of their career. However, with determination and hard work, it can be done.

9. What’s the recording scene like in your area? Is it difficult to get to studios?

The recordings are going great, we have arrangers who really know their stuff. I would say that yes, it is generally difficult to access because of the cost of services. The prices are quite high. There are some who do it at low prices, but if you want good quality, it’s a bit expensive.

10. What about radio does radio support local hip hop?

Yes, of course. We have radio stations, such as OUAGA FM, Radio Jam and Radio OMEGA, that broadcast hip-hop shows and do their best to promote Burkinabe rap.

11. What about videos? Do you have any? If so, where can we see them?

Yes, I have freestyle videos on YouTube, and there’s my very first music video, which came out just two weeks ago, that you can watch. Just type in VINO5 FIVE to access it.

12. Have you recorded an album yet or a single? If so, what are they?

I don’t have an album yet, but I have singles available on YouTube. FAUT ABOYER and J’VAIS T’ÉPOUSER.

13. How would you describe your style? What do you like to rap about?

I would describe my style as simply rap. I like to bring joy and smiles to those who listen to me. In short, I’m an artist and I’m also funny.

14. Lastly, what message would you like to convey to hip hop fans around the world about Burkina Faso and its hip hop scene?

The message I want to convey to the world is just to tell them to think about visiting Burkina Faso because it’s a very beautiful country with diverse and interesting cultures, and above all to get ready because very soon Burkinabe hip-hop will be at its peak and will take over the world.

15. What’s going on in Burkina Faso?

Now, Burkina Faso is going through a somewhat difficult period due to terrorist attacks in certain areas. However, things are generally better now because the current authorities declared war on those terrorists three years ago. People are safe and able to go about their daily activities and everything.
We hope that very soon things will return to normal, the country will regain complete peace, and our president and his government will be able to continue their development programs even better!