Kelis is celebrating the 20th anniversary of her breakthrough album "Kaleidoscope" with her tour. The singer told us what music has to do with cooking.
event: 20 years ago, you became famous overnight with your album "Kaleidoscope". How did you experience the time back then?
Kelis: I was still very young and just went into it with enthusiasm. In the sense of: Just do it! But I knew exactly what was happening around me.
How has your life changed since then?
I've grown inside. I have children, I'm married. I'm currently converting a farm in Southern California so that I can grow my own vegetables. I trained as a chef and am planning a restaurant. In the meantime, I've also launched a line of sauces. I've really started to expand my creative activities and live out my love of food and cooking.
So cooking is now more important to you than music?
I wouldn't say that. Both are very important to me. Ever since I was a child. My father was a jazz musician, my mother a cook. However, I started with music first. Cooking came later. When I took a break from making music, I took my love of food to a new level.
You also have your own cooking show.
Exactly! I wanted to share my love of cooking with the world, so I started a pilot project. Fortunately, I was able to convince a TV station of my idea.
Your latest album is called "Food". What do cooking and music have in common?
Food and music are two things you can't say no to. As soon as you hear a song, you're already involved. It's the same when you smell good food. Both trigger a craving in me.
Which would you rather give up: cooking or making music?
I can't answer that. It would be like having to decide which of my children I like best.
When you look back: What are you proud of as a musician?
That I've always done my own thing. Kaleidoscope was about the art. I didn't care whether I sold three million or just three albums. I wanted to show that it is possible for a dark-skinned girl to look and sound different. I also got all my other records through despite critical voices, as
I wanted to. What I would do differently today: I would stand up for the rights to my music right from the start.
Now you're celebrating "Kaleidoscope" once again. Why?
Because of the cultural significance of this album. Especially in this day and age, it's important that we honor this milestone that we reached 20 years ago.
How does it feel for you to perform the old songs again? Maybe a little nostalgic?
But definitely good. It will be fun to play some of the songs from the album that I don't usually play on a regular basis.
You're coming to Zurich. What connects you to Switzerland?
Skiing! I had a bad accident in the Swiss Alps last time. So it's an unforgettable memory.
What can your Swiss fans expect at your concert?
They will have a good time. But just let yourselves be surprised.
What musical plans do you have for the future?
I'm working on new music. I'm always writing and have been in the studio with a few producers. Now we're trying to find the right moment to release the new music.
What is your personal goal?
Since I moved to the farm, I spend so much time renovating, gardening, moving. Probably my personal goal has to do with finishing the farm (laughs).