Interview with Junior Fellow Thierry Boudjekeu

The name is probably well known among Bayreuth students: Thierry Boudjekeu. Born in Cameroon, he came to Bayreuth in spring 2015 for his master’s degree in “Etudes Francophones” and has been a BIGSAS Junior Fellow since December 2019. In addition to many other interests, such as his involvement as president of the Model African Union e.V., classical music and the associated enthusiasm for European composers play a particularly important role in his life.

Especially because of this last point, actress and presenter Corinna Binzer, who is known from the movie “Wer früher stirbt ist länger tot” (“Grave Decisions”), as well as numerous other television productions, became aware of him and decided to portray Thierry in her television format “Hinter den Kulissen” (Behind the Scenes). In this TV format of the Bavarian broadcasting organisation (Bayerischer Rundfunk), Corinna Binzer travels to places in Bavaria in search of interesting people and exciting stories. While there cannot be too much revealed yet, in addition to Thierry’s professional and personal career, his passion for classical music naturally became one of the predominant subjects during the interview. During the filming, Corinna Binzer was even able to make a lifelong dream of Thierry possible.

So what is it all about? That remains a secret for now. We probably have to be patient until autumn 2022 for the official broadcast.

For a first impression of what the episode might be about, I conducted a little interview with Thierry. Of course, we talked about Thierry’s passion for classical music, but also about his career plans and the relationship between Europe and the African continent.

Dear Thierry, as far as I understood, besides your interest in foreign languages and the history and cultural development of the African continent, classical music plays a big role in your life. Where does your interest for classical music come from?

TB: I first came into contact with classical music through our local church. In general, we always have had a lot of music in church. Especially, regional rhythms, but there are also choirs that sing exclusively classical works. I can’t say exactly where it comes from, but choir music has fascinated me since I was a child and simply made me happy. I felt the desire to become part of this group. Therefore, I started singing in choirs and listening to recordings on YouTube. And finally, I just started singing classical music.

In Germany, some parents want to actively foster their children’s musical interest at an early age, depending of course on the financial means available. In addition to a participation in choirs, they especially support the learning of musical instruments. Is there a similar situation in Cameroon?

TB: There are no music schools and, as already been mentioned, it is a question of financial means to attend lessons. For me, that was not an option, as my mother could not have afforded it. Music is much more practised in church, where you can play music yourself or attend concerts for free. Through a choir in my parish, I learned to read music and to sing my first classical works, such as Händel, Bach, Mozart and Beethoven – European classical music. Through so-called church music, I got in touch with other musical genres as well.

What does classical music mean to you?

TB: As I told you, I do not really know why I enjoy classical music so much. Music is one of the reasons that had a big impact on my decision of coming to Europe. Europe is a place which is known for its music and where classical music is very important. One gets the opportunity to meet (international) singers and share the passion for music together. When I came to Europe, I definitely had it in the back of my mind that I would be doing a lot of music. In the end, it was a bit different than I thought since studying was quite time-consuming.

I also notice during the conversation that music is already a passion of yours, have you ever considered taking this path professionally?

TB: I dreamed of it, but I did not really consider it. If I successfully embarked on the career, of course I would have chosen it.

Would you have preferred to be a singer or a pianist if you had to choose?

TB: Singer – why not? However, I have to say that I have many other goals besides music. I would like to talk more about the development of Africa, and I am currently doing a lot of work with young people and entrepreneurship in Africa. I think now is the time to pass on the experience I have gained here to the younger generation. I want the people in Africa to get something out of my experiences and I want to learn from them as well. I am no longer just the Cameroonian, who grew up in Yaoundé, but I have travelled a lot and a lot has changed in my life since I left. I would like to facilitate a lively exchange.

What is the focus of the entrepreneurship?

TB: I am a studied translator and would like to promote the learning of foreign languages. Moreover, we also want to go in the direction of agriculture as well as computer science. For instance, we want to get into app development. There are so many talents in Cameroon, and we are trying to create an incubator where all these talents come together. We have already started projects, but at present, I am still doing my PhD. Consequently, my time is limited. In the near future, however, I would like to devote more time to the projects. My base will remain in Germany, but I would like to commute more between Europe and Africa. I consider the connection between the two continents to be very important- for me, for my family and of course for the general development of Africa. It is necessary to transform and develop the relationship between these two continents, which already have a shared past.

Last but not least: What was the most beautiful situation or the most beautiful experience you have had in Bayreuth with regard to your passion for classical music?

TB: I studied at the Hochschule für Musik for two semesters and this was a great time. I had a wonderful teacher who invited me to his master class for a week in Helmbrechts where I was able to get to know other singers. It was a wonderful week that I remember fondly.