LOUISNUMBERZ

For the release of his last track, Wu-Tang, we had a conversation with LOUISNUMBERZ. He told us about himself, how he works with his team, which he is very close to, and his aspirations. We met a very special artist, with a unique character that creates authentic and powerful music. One foot back in its roots, the past that made him and shaped its vision, another directed towards the future. From Ivory Coast to Paris, here is the discussion we had together.

What does your artist name mean?

First of all, my real name is Louis. And why numberz? Cuz my group name is Numberzkingz. So it’s like Louis of Numberzkingz (NBKZ). It refers to the fact that we all have an ID number. We all have a passport number. In this life, the society wants us to be a number. So some of us refuse and try to be themselves.

Is it like some kind of rebellion against the system?

Not really a rebellion but like "don't cut your wings to live in someone else's dream."

And who are the members of this group?

We are 2 singers as core of the group. But there are many people affiliated: Like graphic designers, clothes designers, beat makers, etc. And when I work with them, I want us to get the best out of everyone. It’s like mutual trust.

Your latest project is called Wu-Tang, what does it mean to you?

When I heard the song—the instrumental I mean—I knew I wanted this chorus. When I finished the song I knew what I wanted for the video clip. The atmosphere of the street, like a bridge between the 90's and today. I knew exactly what I wanted to wear. For the rest I let Kroko and Afronicks do the art direction.

Wu-Tang is like the first thing I really listened to when I was 10. I really liked how they put a special atmosphere in their video clips and how the sonority was different. So for my first EP, I wanted to pay a tribute.

Is that what made you want to have your own clan?

Not really. But Wu-Tang taught me that with joined strength we are stronger. It's a bit like Taylorism. Each person needs to specialise in what they're good at, so we can create something bigger. And I don't have the ego to do everything by myself. Sharing and trust in people's work is really important for me.

Is there a bigger goal than music in your work? Do you have any intentions beyond creation, anything political, a message?

That's the key of everything. I want to create something intemporal and useful for people. I don't know what to say and how, but I know what I don't like. For now, I want to create as a singer.

In Wu-Tang, you talk about your childhood and Africa. Tell us a little more about it.

I was born in Ivory Coast and I moved to France when I was like 11. My parents still live there. I just got my sister in Paris and my brother lives in the US.

When I was in Ivory Coast people were more influenced by US rappers than French rappers. So when I was 7 or 8 I used to wear du-rag. And when I arrived in France, people were always laughing at me cuz my fashion was really inspired by this New York swag. But now I see a lot of people wearing du-rag coming back to the early 2000 swag. The Sean John stuff, the shirts with the dragon... So I guess I was lit lol.

What memories do you have of your childhood in Ivory Coast? And what influence does that have on you today?

I grew up surrounded by a lot of different nationalities. So it helps me to always be curious and open-minded. I don't like boxes. I don't want people to put me in a box. I do many different things. I’m not scared to experience things.

What was your dream at that time?

To have my own label and create what I feel with no limits.

Your dreams haven't changed today, always the same fight?

This is my dream in the short term. My goal is to create something useful for the next generation. To help someone. So I won't have regrets when I will die.

Thank you Louis, we wish you all the best for the future.

Thanks, you the same.