BY PANKHURI BHUTANI
PHOTO COURTESY OF KARL WINE
Hailing from French Guinea, Karl Sanna was just 16 when he shifted to the Netherlands. He started his career as a rapper in 2006. Making Pest One his street name, after years of dedication for his discovery and growth, Karl released the track “Ik Steel Van Die” which further on went to become a huge success receiving more than three million views.
Karl Wine has collaborated with renowned artists such as Puri, Tribal Kush, Leftside, Kybba and had the honor of working alongside many talented producers. Receiving more than 1.5 Million streams, his song “Voila” went on to grab the 5th position in the German Charts. His other songs “Nu Nu Nu” and “Dale” have transformed into successful club hits which are played across Europe.
His wildly popular song “Bam DIGI Bam” went viral in more than 15 countries. The song, which received almost 4 million views on YouTube, is still being played hugely across the globe. His song “Dale” went on to become a huge hit in Latin America.
When was the first time you decide to set your foot in the music industry?
Karl: “I started my career in 2006, but at that time I was not really serious with music. I was more into discovering things, learning how to sing on a beat and writing lyrics, but in 2012 I had my first hit in the Netherlands with a Dutch song (Ik steel van die rijke tatas).”
You have recently released your new single “Oh Na Na” with the talented singer John Roa. How was the experience like?
K: “Working with John Roa was great! Two years ago, I decided to sing in French/Spanish because I wanted to do something unique. After my songs like Fuego, Dale, Bam digi Bam, I realized that this was a good choice, then I started to think more on an international level. From that moment I told myself that music is a universal language so I can work with every artist in the world with my style. That’s why the collaboration with John Roa is very special for me.”
What can the fans expect from your work in five years from now?
K: “I believe that in 5 years God will give me more than I ever expect of him!”
If you could perform in one country that you haven’t yet, which one might it be?
K: “If I could perform in one country that I haven’t yet, I would definitely choose Philippines!”
What advice would you like to give to the 10-year-old Karl as well as the Karl 10 years from now?
PHOTO COURTESY OF KARL WINE
K: “Keep doing what you are doing but put God always first in everything that you do. That’s the key.”
Were there any challenges that you faced on this journey and how did you cope up with them?
K: “I believe that everything that happens in life has a reason. Every journey is full of temptations but as long as you have your faith in God, everything will be fine at the end of the day.”
What message would you like to give to your fans?
K: “Put God first in everything that you are doing and don’t listen much to people that criticize you. Follow the voice of your heart. Be confident in yourself and don’t let people tell you what you got to do. Believe in your creativity!”