Interview with Phantom Ranks, reggae musician from Tanzania
First, tell us something about you, how old you are, where you come from, your real name, educations and those "formal" things:
My real name is Amos Augustine Mutasingwa, I am a Tanzanian citizen. Tanzania lies between Kenya and Moçambique in East Africa. I was born on the 22nd June 1979 in Moshi, in the Kilimanjaro region and northern parts of the country. I have a big family, I’m the fourth of seven children. When I was five years old my family moved to Mwanza at Lake Victoria because my father got a new job in an oil company.I went to primary and secondary school in Mwanza city. I became involved into music (composing and singing) at a very young age, at about the age of 12 years. First I used to sing in the school choir but soon I got the opportunity to sing solo at many festivities in school and elsewhere. I moved south to Dar es Salaam on my own at the age of 22 years. This biggest city of Tanzania lies directly at the Indian ocean and offers more opportunities for artists and musicians.
So before the musical questions, one thing next to reggae music. Do you play football, another sport or something else:
I used to play football and basketball back in Mwanza, but since I´m in Dar es Salaam I have too much on my mind, so that I simply run from time to time.
Do you believe in Jah Rastafari or do you have an other religion:
I have my own religion. I´m raised with the believes of the Lutheran church, but I believe in Jah and his message of peace, love and togetherness. I think that Jah and the God of the Lutheran church are in essence the same.
What is your favourite reggae singer and/or player of instrument:
I favour Sly and Roby from Jamaica.
Why did you decide to play reggae, instead of playing local music:
I play reggae because it is very strong music, it touches the core of things and the messages are meant to give the people some new thoughts about the important things in daily life.
How did you get your artist name Phantom Ranks:
Phantom Ranks is the name I got from the people. When I started to sing I was a very skinny man. So when I went to perform in shows in Mwanza, the place where I’ve grown up, my voice was very rough and powerful it didn’t really suit my thin body. Then the audience would joyfully cry “phantom, phantom, phantom”.... the second part of my name Ranks comes from my childhood. When we were kids my younger brother used to call me Ranks, it means leader in Jamaican language.... People started to call me Ghetto Ambassador too. I sing a lot about the life in the ghetto, I try to defend the peace in the ghetto with love and respect so that´s why they say I’m their ambassador.
From whom do you take reggae music influences and from where the text inspiration.... from the street, poor people, international situation, or other examples:
my music is influenced by my mama because my mother was the solo singer in the church choir when I was a child. I´ve got my reggae influences from the great Bob Marley. Already as a little boy i was really in love with his songs and the messages he gives us through them. The text inspirations come from my daily experiences. When I’m with people and something happens that interests or moves me I start composing and writing the lyrics.
Do you think reggae music is the best music to talk about the reality of life:
I can express my feelings and thoughts best with reggae music, there is a wide spread of love songs and also political issues in reggae. We talk about war, fights and battles, pain, death, torture, kids in the streets, but also about love, family life and honour. We reggae musicians are the messengers for what touches peoples hearts and minds, we sing about their unspeakable emotions.
Do you compose your songs alone:
yes, usually i compose them alone. But special combinations like UNITE we did write and sing it in teamwork with Mosad, the guy from Rwanda.
How do you create or write a melody:
I don´t create melodies. it´s more that they invade my mind while am walking in the street or while am talking to people. I can hear the tunes in my head and then i start thinking about the words. The phrases fit into the music naturally.
Do you take music only from your country, from Jamaica or elsewhere:
I´m playing Afrobeat, Dancehall, Reggae, Ragga, Ska Rock, Reggaeton. So the big influence comes from my African background.
Do you take music musicians only from your country, from Jamaica or elsewhere:
i use to sing with other musician from tanzania and other countries, like uganda and rwanda.and other places too.
Are you preparing an album:
Yes, I´m preparing two albums right now. The first album is called UNITE and contains many of my recent songs like “Like you”, “Show dem de sign”, “Give me a chance”, “Unaogopa”, “Utaweza”, “Unite”, “Street bwoy”. These are a few of them. The CD will be out for sale soon. The second album is still in the making and there is no title yet. The songs will tell a personal story about the lives of African people.
So after the album do you want to make a tour:
Yes, sure. I want to do a tour to promote these two albums and to get out to sing for the people.
Finally, do you want to make an international career...if yes, in which country would you like to sing at first:
Yes, I would like to do that. Therefore I use the English language beside Kiswahili to reach out to people in other countries.I would like to sing in any country that invites me to perform. I like to travel and to see the world so any place would be interesting to go to.
Thank you for your time and your disponibility. Hope to see you soon in Europe. Take care.
Realised by Sister Queen Barbara and Herspear on march 2009