Getting busy with Sean Paul

Renee Kamau

Meeting Sean Paul is an opportunity that has previously escaped me. Courtesy of Big Brother Africa All Star competition, I finally got the once-in-a lifetime opportunity to chill with the acclaimed dancehall king.

Back in 2004, when Sean Paul came to perform in Kenya I was stuck in boarding school. I could not believe that the acclaimed singer was rocking Nairobi while I was stuck with dog-eared textbooks in school. Out of desperation I removed a filling in my tooth so that I could get seek medical attention elsewhere — obviously out of school. Yeah… I know that’s crazy but what’s a girl to do? To cut a long story short, I ended up with a swollen jaw and I couldn’t attend the concert.

With my plan having backfired, my dreams of ever getting to see my superstar live were cut short. Then, years later Big Brother hooks me up with an exclusive interview with the dance hall artiste just before his performance. Was I star struck? Damn right, I was, but I had to maintain my composure — a very difficult thing indeed.

Pulse: Is this your first time in South Africa?

Sean Paul and the writer Renee Kamau. [Photo: Courtesy/Standard]

SP: No, actually I was here a year ago. I got to tour Durban and Cape Town. I think South Africa is an amazing place and I like the way they have managed to make a mark in the global affairs in terms of development and the use of their natural resources.

P: Are you planning any collabo with an African artiste?

SP: I really like the whole West African rhythm. I can’t say that I have made any solid plans to work with any particular artiste but definitely looking forward to adding some sound to my upcoming album. It will be something different that I’m sure fans will appreciate.

P: Any chances of performing again in Kenya?

SP: I have very fond memories of Kenya. I’ve been there twice, first time for my concert and the second time on transit during Mr Vegas concert. Kenyans received me well and I will never forget their energy during my performance. I have no solid plans but if a good offer comes along to perform in Kenya I will definitely put it into consideration.

P: What should your fans expect in your upcoming album?

SP: Over the years I’ve been getting into the production of my own tracks a lot. So this time my brother and I will probably be producing the whole album. You can expect my dance hall club hits and a few love songs.

P: Everybody is getting on the David Guetta train, any plans of working with him?

SP: Well… I recently recorded a track with Bobby Sinclair who is in the same genre of music. I’m too picky with whom I work with as long as I like the track. So I am keeping my options open.

P: Any special woman in your life?

SP: My mother and grandmother raised me. They mean the world to me and I guess that’s why I think women are really special. I did a song about my mom in my last album and most of my songs are about women.

P: So you’re single?

SP: Not exactly. Ever since I was young I’ve been in and out of love affairs. For now all I can say is that I won’t give any name but that special girl out there knows where I stand in regards to her.

P: Did you get to watch any of the World Cup matches live in South Africa?

SP: Sadly no. My crew and I have been on tour. Recently we were in Morocco then Dubai so we were watching the games on the road. I was really looking forward to coming to watch the matches live. I am here now courtesy of Big Brother… a little late for the party but you know the parties don’t stop.

P: So what teams were you gunning for?

SP: Naturally being from Jamaica I was hoping Brazil would take the Cup. I guess it is something to do with their colours. Ghana was a team that I really hoped would go far being the only African team that impressed. In general this was just an unpredictable World Cup and that Octopus called Paul kept messing things up.

P: Would you ever consider being on big brother show?

SP: I’m a very social person and I used to be in the polo team back home. So I know what it takes to work as a team and spend lots of time with random strangers. At the same time I am that guy who loves his privacy, 24/7 cameras watching my every move… I think not.