Discovering Europe
White Black
White Black: The duo AlbNegru, formed by Romanian Andrei and Franco-Guinean Kamara, is living proof that tolerance exists. A mix of Romanian pop with an oriental flavour and French hip-hop with suggestions of reggae, AlbNegru sing of love and acceptance. Their success and popularity are seen as remarkable in a country where foreigners are often regarded with suspicion.
The duo AlbNegru.
© AlbNegru
“In 2004, when we started out, few people thought we had any chance of success,” remembers Andrei, “but we have been going strong for three years now. Our image, one black and one white, has a very strong impact.” “Our message comes across well,” adds Kamara. “When they see us together, two friends and two races making the same music, people understand that an understanding between two men of different colour and culture is possible.” “Guinean and French music have always fascinated me. I was influenced by my Franco-Guinean culture enriched over time by Romanian culture,” explains the Guinean from Bucharest.
“And that makes Kamara a special person on the Romanian musical market,” adds his white companion, Andrei.
AlbNegru’s hits entitled Noi doi (We two) or Muza mea (My muse) are sung in a mixture of Romanian and French. This is taking quite a risk in a country where, despite its traditional Francophone leanings, English is seen as the modern language. “That was something new, using the French language in Romanian music. But the years have passed and we can now say that the fusion of French rap and Romanian pop has been a success,” enthuses Kamara.^
Three albums in three years, participation in Eurovision with a cosmopolitan group and a host of other projects, including a tour in Spain and possibly France emphasise that there is nothing mixed about AlbNegru’s success.
