XpatLoop Interview: Wi-Moto Nyoka, Japanese Pianist

  • 7 May 2013 12:00 PM
XpatLoop Interview: Wi-Moto Nyoka, Japanese Pianist
A rather unique vocalist. Wi-Moto Nyoka combines Funk, Soul, and Hip Hop music with the epic story of a would-be hero. Although many groups are combining classic soul with contemporary Hip Hop, she is set apart from the rest through the use of comic book mythology to support her musical exploration.



Ms. Nyoka is "another kind of super hero" whose lyrics swing from English to Spanish, and whose performances are often episodic and given in full super hero regalia. She combines theater and motion comics in live performance, creating news ways to experience and define a Hip Hop concert. Musically, she is backed by the Hip Hop collective Community Education. Ms. Nyoka's roots in Latin music and education in musical theater combine well with the collective’s affection for Funk, Soul, and Doo Wop.

The collective gained recognition with their debut LP The South Bronx Sessions. They are currently working on their next projects and performing regularly.

1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
We've been back and forth over the past few years. We came here while performing in Germany to simply visit and take part in a festival called Down In The 8th. We had a great time and always love visiting.

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
Yes, Germany

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
The bath houses, cafe's, and all the wonderful musicians.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
Lukacs and Kiraly bath house and any of the ruin bars. No other place has anything like that.

5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
Gulyás leves

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
Something is always missing

7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?
The few I can pronounce

8. What do you miss the most from home?
Subway musicians

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
None, only what I'm doing now.

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
Anything in an office

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
Serbia

12. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
Croatia

13. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
It depended on my mood. Like most teenagers I was very moody.

14. Apart of temptation what can't you resist?
Chocolate

15. Red wine or white?
Yes

16. Book or movie?
Yes

17. Morning person or night person?
Afternoon

18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?
It's a long list

19. Buda side or Pest side?
Pest for nightlife Buda for the view

20. What would you say is your personal motto?
Crying doesn't solve problems

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