Sara James: African rhythms flow in my blood [interview]

Sara Egwu-James is 13 years old and comes from Słubice.The young artist can boast of Polish and Nigerian roots.Her passion for music was born in her family home.Dad Sara is a musician whose wider audience can associate with the programs "X Factor" or "Battle for Voices".

The singer can boast of not only the victory in "Chance for success.Eurovision Junior 2021 ", but also winning in 4.edition of "The Voice Kids", where she left competitors far behind.

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Bartosz Sąder: I would like to congratulate you on great success in "Chance for success".Now Eurovision Junior.Ready to conquer the international scene?

Sara James: First of all, I still can't believe that I won the program, and soon I will stand on the Eurovision stage.Until recently, I talked to my mother that this is my big dream, and today I fulfill them.I know that participation in the competition is a great responsibility, but fortunately I have great support from my family and friends.I can handle!

Do you know that now people will accost you on the street?

I love people, especially my fans who have been with me since the first episode "The Voice Kids".I'm not terrified (laughs).I am glad that I will be able to meet them soon.

Have you seen the first reactions of the listeners after the premiere of "Somebody"?

I was watching a little.The emotions, however, were so strong, so I had to rest above all.

I can tell you that foreign comments show that you will be at the forefront, and some even bother you to win.

Let's not.This is of course extremely nice and I am very happy about it.The most beautiful for me is that people chose this piece to represent Poland in the competition.That means they liked it.I would like to thank everyone.

Now you will probably start preparing hard for the competition.Will you reconcile your duties with school?

I know that I am waiting for a lot of work now, but I will admit that I can't wait.For now, everything is okay at school.I am lucky that my teachers and the great director are very understanding.I hope they will forgive me these few days of absence.I promise to make up for everything.

Hejt also appears with success.Will you be able to face offensive comments?

Hate is really something bad.Unfortunately, the social media is still flooded with a lot of unflattering comments.I can cut myself off and focus on my work.In addition to online malicious people, there are also those who want to listen to me and they like what I do.I prefer to devote my attention to them.Hej should not be worried, but you have to fight it, because it can do real harm to people.

Yesterday you won "Chance for success", today you give an interview.And what does Sara James do when she can drop a "rising star" coat?

First of all, he must sleep (laughs).I love spending time with my friends and I just devote every free moment to them.Then we watch movies, series, we record thickets, fooling around.Now we will definitely celebrate, so we will probably go to eat something together.

What have you recently watched?

I am ashamed to admit, but for the first time I watched "Titanica" with them.I know it's a cult movie for many.Charmed with a screening, I also fell in love with the song "My Heart Will Go on" Celine Dion, which I sang in "Chance for Success".

Roksana Węgiel and Viki Gabor have already congratulated your success?

Of course!Roxie was a juror, so she came to me immediately after the program and said a few really nice words.I must admit that it was a great honor for me because I think she is a great artist.Viki also spoke to me on social media.I will say quietly that I am a fan of both girls.I admired them from the very beginning.

Who persuaded you to participate in "The Voice Kids"?

It was above all my decision, but I finally made her after talking to my mother.We sent the application and as you can see, it was a very good decision (laughs).Of course, my parents set for me one condition that I would continue to focus on learning.After all, the school is very important.I am also very lucky that they absolutely support me in making my dreams come true.

Do you remember your first performance in front of the camera?

My parents recorded me since I was little.I remember that I gave my first concert at the age of five for my mother and stuffed animals.I played a small plastic piano then.Later I started to perform in cultural centers.At the age of six, I won the first vocal competition in Szczecinek.Then I realized that I was binding my future with music.

You probably performed at every appeal at school?

Not on everyone, but on most of them (laughs).I even took part in the school "I have talent!".I love this adrenaline that accompanies performances on stage.This moment when someone listens to your performance.It's a really nice feeling.

You say you bind your future with music.You have been attending music school for several years.

Yes.I recently finished the first degree of piano game.Of course, I want to continue learning because I love this instrument.

Who would you like to perform on stage with?Do you already have your dream artist or artist?

I recently appeared in Opole on one stage with really great artists.It was a huge honor for me, especially since I'm just starting my adventure with the stage.At the moment I would not like to reveal my dream duets, because it is too early for it.If, however, it was possible to cooperate with Viki or Roxie, I would be Assumed.

Then tell me to walk what music I would find on your phone.

I love r'n'b and jazz, which is why it is difficult for me to replace it specifically at this point, because there is a lot of it.I also listen to African music because these rhythms flow in my blood.Dad infected me with these rhythms many years ago and today it would be difficult for me to forget about them.

Your roots seem to be very important to you.

Yes of course.I can't describe it with words, but I feel great attachment to African culture or local music.It will always be part of me and I will remember that for the rest of my life.

At Eurovision Junior you will perform with the song "Somebody".What did the work on the song look like?

The piece was written for me by Jan Buczkowski-Wojtaszek, Jan Bielecki, Patryk Kumór and Tom Martin.Really talented creators.I remember that when I heard this piece for the first time, I immediately felt that he was close to my heart."Somebody" has a very important message.Through Pandemia, we all felt alone, which is why it is so important that our loved ones are next to us.We have to stick together.

So when do you go to Paris?

First of all, I still can't believe that I will go there soon!It has always been my great dream.City of love, beautiful.Eurovision Junior takes place this year in December, which is why I hope that the snow will fall.It will be a great experience for me.I can't wait for me to go for a walk along Parisian streets.When do I set off?For now, we have to prepare here on the spot, and then a few days before the competition we will go to France.