In the first of a new series of interviews with Multi-Story’s Young Creatives, we check in with Moustapha Doumbia. A talented performer, drummer and now a trainee involved in the day-to-day running of Multi-Story, there’s not much Moustapha hasn’t been involved in over the years!
Moustapha, thanks for chatting to us. Can you tell us a bit about what it’s like to be a Young Creative with The Multi-Story Orchestra?
It has been a good journey as I like working with the other Young Creatives and hearing what they want to do and come up with. Every performance has always been a great time with them and has given me unforgettable moments.
For those that don’t know, could you tell us a bit more about the orchestra?
I would say that the orchestra is versatile. We have plenty of people from different backgrounds and different experiences in music. Furthermore, in a show like The Endz for example there is a great mixture of rapping and singing from the Young Creatives and choir. It shows the audience that the orchestra isn’t just stuck to classical music, but it can take that type of sound and mix it with something else.
You’ve also joined the Multi-Story team full-time as a trainee. What’s it like working on the project day-to-day?
The experience has been eye-opening as seeing the work that is put in place for shows to happen has made me realise how hard the team works. Ever since working for the team it’s made me a lot more organised and prepared for shows and rehearsals.
What has been your favourite project to work on throughout all your time at Multi-Story?
It would have to be The Endz as so much hard work and dedication went into the show. This project always holds a special place amongst the others as it gave out a positive and meaningful message to the audience and towards ourselves.
What would you like to see the orchestra do in the future?
I would like to the more shows that have meaningful messages behind them. As long as the orchestra is able to spread a positive message in every way.
When you’re working on new performances, what’s the process like between the Young Creatives?
I would say that it is really fun as everyone is involved. We all come together as a group with the Young Creatives and hear out our new ideas and play around with them. That’s why I like working with the Young Creatives and everyone else that contributes to the creative process, not one person is left out.
So, a little bit about you…what would you say is your favourite type of music?
I have two favourite genres of music I like listening to and those are rap music and soul/jazz music.
Has classical music always impacted you from the start of your musical journey?
I wouldn’t say always as it wasn’t the first thing that drew me towards music, but I would say that it has made me more open to different genres to try out and not made me limited in just playing a single genre.
Thanks for the chat, Moustapha! One last question, what does Multi-Story mean to you?
To me, the Multi-Story Orchestra has always meant a hub for people who have experience with classical music to come together and create something for the audience and themselves to enjoy.
You can catch Moustapha, the other Young Creatives and the rest of The Multi-Story Orchestra performing ‘Awake!’ this Saturday at the Southbank Centre.
Tickets available via the link below.
