Anggun's interview on Showbiz Magazine, France



The translation:
Showbiz: You’ve done the opening part of Johnny Hallyday this summer? How did the meeting go?
Anggun: Great! We’ve toured all over stadiums in France and I’ve had that great lucky to be able to perform in front of a few thousand people. I was hypnotized. I discovered a Johnny who is close with people
S: And you’re coming back with a duet with David Hallyday. Is it a coincidence?
A: Actually, the coincidence happens to be the fact I played with Johnny! I’ve known David for a while now and I’ve always liked what he does. I think he doesn’t have the carrier he deserves. I thought about him, for the second edition of my album. And he came up with the song “Garde-moi” (only the French version has a duet with David, the English version “A crime” is a solo)
S: You’ve also made a duet with Diam’s. Why did you choose her?
A: She was very surprised I contacted her because our fields are so different one from another. And it was precisely the interesting side of it.
S: Have you implied personally in the writing of songs and music in your album?
A: Since I’m not feeling comfortable enough with French yet, I write my songs in English or Indonesian. Then I ask for author’s help who help me adapting the text into French, in order to respect the meaning I want to have.
S: Where do you take your inspiration?
A: Songs are like mirrors of what is going on within my life and around it. My father was a writer and would always explain me that you steal moments of life, when you write. So my songs don’t exactly tell my story but they are part of me.
S: What kind of show do you offer on stage, when you’re touring?
A: It’s quite rock. When I’m on stage, I interpret my songs slightly differently from the album version, more like a change of scenery, without disorientating the audience.
S: In 2006, you’ve been honored with the “Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres” title by the Ministry of French Culture. Is it an important reward for you?
A: I was deeply moved and also very surprised. I would have never imagined getting this gift. France is my second home, the one I chose. This reward is like a confirmation. I’m officially a member of this country.
S: You’re Muslim yet you’re always very sexy and glamour. Is it important for you to prove that being Muslim doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t be sexy?
A: Indonesia is the biggest Muslim country in the world, and women do not all wear the veil (jilbab). Religion is a personal matter. I’m proud to be Muslim but I’m also proud to be a woman. I assume my femininity.
S: Is it important for you to care for your image?
A: I do that for myself. There are days like anybody I don’t feel like wearing anything special. But for the sake of the audience respect, I have to be as good looking as possible. It’s all-in-deal !
S: What do you think about Lebanon’s crisis?
A: I was in Beirut a few weeks before the bombings. I know people there. I felt heart-broken. It’s a beautiful country that still hasn’t overcome 16 years of war. Lebanese have an incredible strength. We’re in 2006 and people are still talking about “noble war”. I think it is tragic. World needs more women in power, because they think differently.
S: Do you think it would be a good thing if Segolène Royal was elected president? (Segolène Royal is one of the rare women in France having a political carrier and the first running for presidency)
A: I am very surprised that anybody has never imagined before that a woman could be running the country. France is a developed and very civilized country where the right of vote has been established for years. This is not the case in many other countries and yet there have been women in power in these other places, like for example, in Indonesia which is a Muslim country on top of that.
S: How did you become the official spokesman of the United Nations in 2004?
A: I was contacted for a new program called “Micro credit” whose aim is to eradicate world poverty. It gives a financial opening to people who lack of resources and don’t have access to banks. France included!
S: What would you take on a desert island?
A: My lover and my Ipod.
S: What could we hear on your MP3 player?
A: Well, it goes from Billie Holyday to Nine Inch Nails, a metal-industrial pop American group that I adore. You would also find Jack Johnson, Martin Rappeneau or Aston Villa.
S: What is your favorite dish?
A: I eat rice every day and I never eat vegetables. A side of this, I’m very fond of meet too! I’m far from being a dietetics example!
S: How do you keep your figure?
A: I’m listening to my body. When I’m hungry I will eat anything, but in small portions.
S: Maybe some sport?
A: Don’t! I hate sweating.
S: What is the best love declaration you’ve ever gotten?
A: Marry me! I got married in Bali in 2004.
S: What are your three main qualities?
A: Generous, patient and affectionate. My astrological sign is Taurus, so I like tribes. I’m protective and I would do anything for those I love. I can’t stand knowing somebody in my circle is lacking of something.
S: What was your greatest professional meeting?
A: Peter Gabriel. We made a duet together last year. I felt like a kid, thanking him every five minutes and not being able to remember the lyrics! He had a great laugh with that.
S: What is your motto?
A: Never have regrets. You have to listen to your heart and always assume your decisions.
S: Which famous person, dead or alive, would you like to invite?
A: Trent Reznor, the leader singer of Nine Inch Nails (laughs)! He’s a genius, the bets producer in the world. He’s the one who started Marilyn Manson’s carrier. I would like to invite Boris Vian too. “L’écume des jours” was the first book I read in French. I was stunned. I would have never imagined it was possible to write with such subtlety and craziness. The last one would be Madonna, just because she’s Madonna and for all she’s done. I have a deep respect for that artist.
S: Are you interested in fashion?
A: I prefer Italian designers like Dolce Gabanna or Roberto Cavalli who dress me up on stage and for TV. Right now I have a soft sport for Louboutin. When I’m in his boutique, I would try everything, just for the fun of it! It’s so nice to be a woman.
S: What would have you done if you hadn’t been a singer?
A: I couldn’t draw a strawberry but I have a great admiration for painters. Caravaggio and Botero’s works touch me a lot.
S: What about maternity? Do you think about it?
A: Yes, and it’s becoming an obsession! I can’t wait for this moment. Without a child, I don’t feel complete as a woman. I even hope I will be able to adopt too.
*Merci pour Ayla n Sylona
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