Introduction
Fatou, the talented rapper and dancer from the international K-pop girl group BLACKSWAN. Known for her powerful performances and unique style, Fatou has quickly become a fan favorite. In this exclusive interview, we delve into her journey, experiences, and what lies ahead for BLACKSWAN.
Q: How has your background of growing up in two different countries influenced you musically?
Fatou has shared that in Senegal, she was exposed to genres like Soukous, Afrobeats, and old-school hip-hop, which were integral parts of her early musical environment. When she moved to Belgium, she encountered European pop, R&B, and rap, which broadened her musical horizons and made her more open to exploring different genres. This multicultural background has played a significant role in shaping her unique musical perspective and style.
Q: What has your experience been like so far as a Black K-pop idol? Have you ever gelt limited or experienced any forms of discrimination/microaggressions?
Fatou has discussed the challenges she faces in the K-pop industry as its first African idol. She mentioned feeling out of place initially and facing scrutiny due to her unique position. She shared that she doesn't focus on being the only Black K-pop idol, as it could drive her crazy, and instead tries to perform just like any other idol in the industry. Fatou emphasized the importance of support from her bandmates in enduring these hardships and highlighted the need for idols to be seen as human beings with feelings, rather than just figures on a screen.
Q: You’ve had quite a unique journey to becoming a K-pop idol. Can you share some of the challenges you faced along the way?
Fatou has shared insights about her unique journey to becoming a K-pop idol, highlighting the significant challenges she faced. She discussed the cultural and language barriers she had to overcome when transitioning from Senegal to the K-pop industry. Initially working at an airport, Fatou decided to pursue her passion for music, which required learning Korean and adapting to the K-pop training system. Despite these hurdles, her passion for music and support from fans and bandmates kept her motivated. Her journey underscores the importance of resilience and determination in the face of obstacles.
The Journey to BLACKSWAN
Q: What was the biggest challenge you faced during your trainee days?
Fatou, in discussing her journey to BLACKSWAN, shared that moving from Senegal to Belgium and then to South Korea was challenging. She mentioned starting by posting dance covers on social media, which led to being scouted by DR Music. Moving to South Korea involved overcoming significant cultural and language barriers, but her passion for music and the support from her fans kept her motivated.
Life as a BLACKSWAN Member
Q: Can you describe a typical day in your life as a BLACKSWAN member?
Fatou has discussed the busy and rigorous schedules typical of K-pop idols, which include extensive practice sessions, recordings, and promotional activities. Fatou has also mentioned the support she receives from her bandmates and the rewarding nature of seeing fans' reactions to their performances.
Cultural Diversity and Identity
Q: BLACKSWAN is known for its cultural diversity. How do you feel this influences your music and performances?
Fatou has spoken about the group's cultural diversity and how it influences their music and performances. She has emphasized that the different cultural backgrounds of each member contribute significantly to their unique sound and stage presence. Fatou believes that this diversity is one of their greatest strengths, as it allows them to incorporate various styles and elements into their work, making it more relatable to a global audience.
Q: How do you stay connected to your roots while living and working in South Korea?
Fatou has expressed the importance of her cultural background and heritage. She talks about maintaining connections with her family and friends back home and celebrating her cultural traditions. Additionally, she shares her cultural experiences with her group members and fans, emphasizing the beauty of cultural exchange and staying grounded through her heritage.
Looking Ahead
Q: What can fans expect from BLACKSWAN in the coming months?
Fatou of BLACKSWAN has shared some insights on what fans can expect from the group in the coming months. They are currently preparing for a comeback with new music that promises to be special. Additionally, the group plans to engage more with their international fans through various platforms, and they hope to resume concerts and fan meetings as conditions allow.
Q: Any message for the LUMINA who have been supporting you?
Fatou expressed her gratitude to LUMINA, thanking them for their unwavering support and love. She mentioned that their support inspires the group, and they work hard to make their fans proud. She encouraged fans to stay tuned for amazing things and to always follow their dreams.
Conclusion
Fatou’s journey from Senegal to the stages of South Korea is truly inspiring. Her dedication, talent, and unique perspective enrich BLACKSWAN’s music and message. We’re excited to see what the future holds for Fatou and BLACKSWAN, and we’ll be cheering them on every step of the way.
Image credits:
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