#knack weekend

From singer Tamino to ballet dancer Wim Van Lessen: these seven look back on their special year

Elke Lahousse 21-11-2017

A philosopher, a television chef, two musicians, a film-maker, a photographer and a ballet dancer. All seven have had a punishing year. Time for a cake, champagne and a good conversation about 2017.

TAMINO (21)

He won De Nieuwe Lichting from Studio Brussel, scored hits with Habibi and Cigar, released an EP, played at Werchter, Cactus and Pukkelpop and sold out the AB.

'I remember the surreal moment when I was told I would play at Werchter. I was shooting videos with my brother and Anton Coene. The performance itself was turning off one button – realizing how important this was – and turning on another – just do it. The world got smaller for me in 2017. Things that seemed far from my bed were suddenly achievable. My mother heard a boy humming Habibi along on the tram. Then you realize: this is a hit. The mystique is a bit gone now that I'm in the middle of it, but I'm enjoying it immensely.'

What did you want to be as a child?

'Knight. And later actor and director. I made up plays and forced my brother Ramy to participate. I've always done singing, just along with the Beatles, and I've taken classical piano lessons. When I was fourteen I wrote my first song. I hadn't played the piano for a year and when I sat down again, something happened spontaneously. It was mega bad, but you have to start somewhere. When I was sixteen I stopped acting and went for music.'

Do you have a technique for staying calm before performing?

"I'm not often nervous. Maybe because I've been acting for so long, it was much scarier than performing.'

Who gave you the best career advice?

Li Sang Ong of the Conservatory in Amsterdam. When I stopped there because I wanted to focus on my music, she said I was too modest. That people in the music industry would value me more than I do and take advantage of that difference. Her advice made me realize not to be fooled.”

When do you feel happy?

"When I'm all alone, but also allowed to make music and noise. It's wonderful to crawl into my own world and make things there. It used to be Lego, now music. After that I enjoy time with friends and loved ones even more.”

What is a little daily happiness?