Artist profile - Darren Bonnelame: ‘Constructive criticisms help you grow stronger’ |19 October 2017

Every week the Entertainment page will try to bring you a short profile on a Seychellois artist, be it in the performing, visual or other forms of arts.

This week, readers will learn more about the talented music instructor Darren Bonnelame.

Darren is a married 42-year-old father of five kids; he is a music instructor, musician, entertainer, musical arranger, video and music producer.

He is currently working on new albums by famous local singers Joe Samy and Sonny Morgan.

Q: When did you start your career as a music instructor?

A:  At first I was doing part-time at the conservatoire at Mont Fleuri, and then I started my own school of music early this year.

Q: Since you started your career in the music industry, can you describe your adventure?

A: It all started in 1991; I was performing as a keyboardist in Sokwe Band, Sky Band, Kazoo band and many other small bands for shows. Currently I am performing as a professional drummer.

Q:  What’s your motto or the advice you live by?

A: If you decide to do something, do it good, otherwise do not embark on the ship.

Q: How do you overcome negative comments among the society?

A:  In Seychelles negative comments have never been easy for ambitious artists. Criticisms help you to fix and grow stronger, but negative comments are made by jealous and negative people who always try to pull you down.

Q:  Who inspired you to go into the music industry business?

A: It was my grandfather James Bonnelame who inspired me; I always wanted to be better than him. I am also doing this for my children and grandchild.

Q: So, what other hidden talents do you have?

A: I have multiple talents; I can draw, stage manage, film and edit videos. I also produce TV documentaries and am a great cook.

Q: What have you accomplished so far?

A: I have my own Entertainment Production Label called Kooolshell Entertainment Production. I have worked with many artists such as on Jahna’s album (Me Myself and I) and Fade album, Joseph Sinon, Marathon, Christophe Philoe, among others.

Q: Do you think Seychellois artists can match up with other international artists?

A: Only a few Seychellois artists can match up with other international artists, we are not well educated as musicians or singers. We have many skills but we need to learn more to make it abroad. To be a good musician you need to be specialised in your field, practice often and jam with others. For me music is not a competition and I always open my mind and heart to any humble musician.

Q: How will you describe our young local musicians?

A: Some of them are good musicians, and some are trying to be good, but they all need more support from mature musicians.

Q: Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as an artist? 

A: I choose what artists I want to work with and I give the best in what I do and I practice a lot to deliver a good result.

Q: Do you have many students willing to follow in your foot step?

A:  I teach music at the Bel Air DA’s Office, and I will start teaching music at Cascade very soon. Currently I have 27 students; they are all my fans, trying to follow me everywhere I go to perform. I am sure that they will all become successful musicians.

Compiled by U. J.

Darren’s students attending a theory session

Darren Bonnelame