25 ans de reggae : Dread Maxim se confie sans filtre
In an interview with L'Observateur, Dread Maxim Amar reflects on his 25-year career, marked by precious memories, challenges, and ambitious projects. The most striking memory of these 25 years, according to him, is "the day [he] saw [his] name printed on a cassette for the first time." This moment was an "intense emotion" and the validation of several years of perseverance and passion, symbolizing the realization of his dream. Another memorable encounter was with Jamaican artist Jahman Levi, a source of inspiration since his childhood. Sharing the stage with him in Dakar was an "incredible" moment and proved to him that it is possible to dedicate a lifetime to reggae.
The collaboration that almost broke him
The most difficult and painful experience remains his collaboration with Tiken Jah Fakoly on the "African Reggae Festival" project in 2006. After a demanding tour, including a concert in France, returning to Dakar was "the lowest point of [his] life." He confides that he came back "completely drained physically, morally, and even financially," without receiving a decent fee. Faced with this shock, the reggae artist felt "a profound injustice" after so much investment and commitment. He ended this bitter collaboration and turned to painting, not to become a painter, but to "find another means of expression" and free himself.
Accusations of insanity
During his periods of doubt and media absence, rumors circulated that he had "gone mad" or was "in prison." The artist reacted philosophically: "If I'm crazy, then I'm not the only one. Because everyone carries a bit of madness within them." He even transformed these rumors into music, notably in his song "Kan Moye Dof," to show that this "madness" can become a creative force. As long as his art carries meaning, he affirms, "I'll continue, leaving the rest behind me."
Future projects
Dread Maxim Amar is preparing two new singles: "Boko Dul Boko," a song about truth and authenticity, and "Rise Up Again," slated for release in January, symbolizing his rebirth. He also announced a concert celebrating his 25-year career, scheduled for February 14th at the Esplanade of the Grand Théâtre in Dakar.
Commentaires (4)
AKIBOULANE ! !! !
Dread j'écoutais bcp tes chansons pendant la période difficile de ma vie dans les années 2011 à la suite de ma déportation au Sénégal. J'étais en Europe a peine 1 an et javais pas les papiers et le destin a fait que la police de l'immigration m'a attrapé et jai ete renvoyé au bercail. Un retour difficile. Seule ma vieille mere etait a mes côtés. Toute la société m'avait abandonné. Wolay kenn dou yay. Je errais dans la vieille ville (rufisque) sans aucune perspective. J'allais a la plage de bata javais un endroit calme où je m'asseyais et regarder l'immensité de la mer tout en écoutant "africa mbolo" l'une des chansons de dread maxim que j'aimais le plus. Aujourd'hui alhamdoulilah tout ca est derrière moi. Je vis aux US depuis 12ans maintenant. Et ma vieille mere qu'allah lacceuille au Paradis céleste n'est plus de ce monde.
Le sénegal une société Matérialiste. Les gens sont mauvais et ne croient qu'en l'argent.
Big up dread Max.
Meilleur Reggae Man du Sénégal avec des textes inspirés, mais pas connu comme il se doit du grand public.
Il me fait penser à Souleymane faye, meilleur talent les autres, mais oeu connu du grand public.
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