I Came Here Because…
I previously wrote an article about Jonnie Hawkins and his band Funky Monkey, and said that I would interview him as soon as possible. Today, I’m featuring the interview I did with him.
Jonnie Hawkins, who knows no boundaries on stage and gives the songs he performs a different feel, is incredibly energetic. He was born and raised in Wales, took part in competitions in England, and decided to settle in the TRNC. Here is my short interview with Jonnie Hawkins, who performs with Funky Monkey at Old Tunnel every Friday… I’d also like to thank Ulaş, a dear member of Funky Monkey, for helping me with the interview.
Cem KAR: When did you come to Cyprus?
Jonnie Hawkins: My sister lives here… I came to visit her three months ago and stayed.
C.K: So, what made you decide to stay here?
J.H: We formed Funky Monkey, and I decided to stay here. If it weren’t for the band, I wouldn’t have stayed here. We’re also thinking of taking the band to events abroad in the future. So right now, the only thing that matters to me is Funky Monkey…
C.K: As far as I know, you placed quite well in a music competition in England. What’s the story behind that?
J.H: I made it into the top 25 in a competition with about 6,500 participants and won a cash prize, but it wasn’t enough money to make an album in England. I also took part in the competition under Sharon Osborne’s coaching.
C.K: You said you have plans to go abroad with Funky Monkey. Are you working on them?
J.H: I have some great plans for Funky Monkey. I’m also still connected with the music scene in England. I already have my own studio there. It’s too early to go abroad at the moment; at least until the summer, we’ll keep working with the band. We plan to perform at concerts in Turkey first, and then branch out to other countries.
C.K: Most people leave here to go abroad to make something of themselves, so why did you come here from there?
J.H: I came here because I want to grow and achieve things here. In England, you need a lot of money to make music these days; if you don’t have money, you can’t do anything. Everyone in England goes to America, but I like being different, so I came here. Many people here speak English, and that’s one reason why so many people come here from England to settle. Taking all these factors together, I didn’t find it difficult to choose. I also really like Cyprus’s climate.
C.K: Finally, what would you like to say?
J.H: Where I was born, in Wales, we also experienced the difficulties people here are facing, and we overcame them. That’s why I understand the difficulties faced by people living in this country and feel close to them. I believe that the pressure being applied to the TRNC will not achieve its aims and will one day come to an end.
C.K: Thank you for this lovely conversation.
J.H: Thank you.