Georges MINKOUL, a senior student from Cameroon majoring in Chemical Engineering, recently held his first solo concert. He is also the first international student to give a solo concert at Tianjin University. As a member of the Peiyang Art Troupe, Georges has performed alongside other singers in various places besides Tianjin University, like Nankai University, the Beijing University of Aeronautic Astronautics, etc. “But holding a concert in my own university is totally different and it means a lot to me. It is a kind of beginning to my career as a singer.” Georges said he was emotional and had mixed feelings at the end of the concert. “I’m proud as I see people enjoy my performance, but deep down in my heart, I feel the pressure to become a better singer, and a better musician. “
Georges performed 14 songs in the concert, including some Italian songs which he had taken great pains to learn. He confessed that he was under a lot of pressure before the concert. “You need to feel the pressure, because pressure motivates you to reach a higher level”. To prepare for the concert as well as to keep his voice in a good condition, he hasn’t drunk any alcohol for six months, and has kept a self-disciplined way of life to be ready for any invitation to perform at any time. “I love singing and dancing and stuff like that, it’s in my blood, a genuine thing. “ He started to learn singing ten years ago and kept practicing on his own while he was studying at Tianjin University. “I may have a talent for singing, but I’m fully aware that talk-of talent will lead me nowhere, only hard work and perseverance help.” His aim is to become an excellent tenor like his role model Pavarotti. He hoped to hold more concerts in the future, maybe one in the Tianjin Grand Theater.
Georges came to China about three years ago. Being in China was all new to him, with classmates from different countries and all the great teachers he met here. Before he came to China, he thought every Chinese could do Kungfu and wore traditional clothes, which proved to be quite wrong. He admires China’s role on the world stage and how the government manages the country efficiently. “I am enjoying my stay here. It is quite a remarkable experience.” Georges said.
By Zhou Sha
Editors: Eva Yin & Doris Harrington
