These people don't think much of themselves, really, and they're thankful if you respect them all the same. We should feel sorry for people who are so afraid that they turn to violence, perhaps because of a weakness on their part. I've fared well so far with that attitude. If you're positive, he would say, people will react in a positive way, too. My dad taught me not to let it affect me, not to care if people aren't crazy about me right away. Usually, you can turn the situation around. Johnny Strange: With racism? Of course - times, for instance, when we didn't feel instantly welcome. We express that on our album: "No matter what everyone else says - do your own thing! Try it out! If you don't believe in yourself, why should anyone else believe in you?" You are all very open about your backgrounds, which is something others might hide.ĭon Cali: It's important to be true to oneself. Deutsche Welle spoke with band singer Johnny Strange. That's our vision of "Candelistan": no matter what religion, skin color or sexual preference - we respect anyone who's cool.īerlin band Culcha Candela is a musical melting pot - blending reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop with lyrics in English, German, Spanish, and Patois. If we can't make things work on a small scale, we can't make them work on a large scale. We come from different perspectives, we're like a tiny world. And still, although we are by no means a homogenous mass, we work together. John Magiriba Lwanga ("Johnny Strange"): Diversity is our thing, it sets us apart: We are extremely colorful in many ways - culturally, and as individuals. What have you got that other bands don't have? It's a place filled with tolerance and respect - an attitude we'd like to spread. That's the most important rule: "Be nice!" If you can do that, you're welcome to join right away, there's no restricted access. ![]() It's a place where everyone is nice to each other. When we were looking for a title for our colorful hodgepodge of songs, "Candelistan" seemed to hit the spot. We used to have a forum by the same name on our website. Matthias Hafemann ("DJ Chino"): "Candelistan" is an imaginary land. DW: The title of your new album is "Candelistan." What does that stand for?
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