Youth Village Interview With Tresor Riziki

Tresor Riziki is not new to the music industry and so far, he has proven that he is here to stay. After Tresor released the song “Mount Everest” on which he collaborated with Hip Hop artist AKA, it is without any doubt that this talented musician will be great. The SA music scene just keeps continuing to grow as a whole and having artists like Tresor makes it even better.

In this interview, we had the opportunity to know Tresor personally and he tells us more about his music, future plans and journey on Idols SA (Season 6).

YV: Who is Tresor?

I am DRC born singer-songwriter and producer based in South Africa. Passionate about people ,life and music.

YV: How were you like as a child?

As a child, I was very shy and introvert but also very intrigued about music in general. I joined a local choir and started to learn how to play drums since I was 8 years old.

YV: Did you always dream of becoming a musician?

I’ve always wanted to be a professional musician since I got my first guitar – a gift from my mother.

YV: What were some of the challenges you faced before getting into the music industry?

I think with everything in life you gotta pay your dues. I couldn’t speak English when I arrived in SA 7 years ago. I worked as a car guard and security in my early days in Durban, recording was a challenge but thankfully I met some amazing people along the road who shared my vision “Perseverance is key”… I faced rejection from labels, promoters, journalists, agents, radio and TV stations for many years and I never gave up and today I am working with the same people and we laugh about it now.

YV: Please tell us about your journey on Idols SA Season 6, you were part of the Top 30 finalist. What did you learn from the experience?

Idols 6 was an incredible experience. I got to meet remarkably talented individuals from all over SA and in -fact I shared rooms with Elvis blue and L’lyod Cele who became the winner and runner-up of that season. I recently wrote a song for the resent idols winner, Vincent Bones, which is symbolic for me considering 4 years I was in a queue with other hopefuls.

Idols helped me recognize my own dream which is to be a globally recognized African artist. It’s a super exciting journey.

YV: You were the winner of the 2012 Holiday Inn Express Songwriting Challenge by Rolling Stone Magazine and Intercontinental Hotel Group, how did you feel about this achievement?

I was proud and humbled. It was grateful to win. This for me was a milestone for me as a songwriter because the prize allowed me an opportunity to work with an established PR team – I got a lot of publicity around my music.

I was later called again in 2013 to be the main judge of the same competition but this time they included new regions (United Arab emirates ,Indonesia and India…. ) The most rewarding part though is that I got to stay in IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) hotels around South Africa for free for 2 years.

YV: We listened to your first single Mount Everest featuring AKA and we think it’s a really COOL song! What inspired you when you were recording it?…. And how was it like working with AKA?

Thank you. The song was inspired by love. I wanted to translate the idea of True -Love in the sound and melody of the song. We fused together catchy African guitars and expressive lyrical content to create an amazing experience in song. I hear couples are getting married to it. That’s humbling to see.

Working with AKA was great. He’s super talented and his work ethic really inspires me. We actually had the most fun on set shooting the video of the song and we are both happy with the reception of the song.

YV: You are recognized as one of the best songwriters in South Africa, how was the experience like writing for Zahara?

Thank you very much, I’m honored to be seen as such. Working with Zahara is one of the best memories of my music career. I was introduced to her by producer Mjakes Thebe whom together with Robbie Malinga heard the songs and said “ son…we got to have you on this record” …. and the rest is history.

Writing 2 songs on Zahara’s sophomore album was a dream come true. One of the songs is in ‘Limbisa ‘, which is my home language. I them toured with her through that period.

YV: Please tell us about your experience working with Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Vusi Mahlasela.

I’ve had the honor of sharing stages with both these legends many times and every time I’m in their presence they share so much wisdom. I hope to follow their path of taking African music to the world.

YV: Which other South African musician would you like to collaborate with in the future?

I’d like to collaborate with Lira or Toya delazy .

 YV: Who do you look up to for inspiration?

I look up to everyday people and everyday life stories for inspiration but I’m also musically influenced by Bob Marley , Sting , Ladysmith Black Mambazo , Ray Charles , Johnny Clegg and Fela Kuti just to name a few .

YV: What do you do for fun?

I’m big on Pizza and friends but I’m also an outdoor guy. I love the local comedy scene.

YV: What can we expect from you in the future?

More great songs and an album soon.

What advice do you have for young people aspiring to get into the music industry?

Fine-tune your craft to be ready to fly when opportunities come knocking .While working hard on your skills, keep knocking on as many doors as possible because all you ever need is one door to be open and then everything follows.

This is my little secret to success: hard work ,perseverance , faith and constant practice.

If you believe it, you can achieve it.