Kamini Zantoko is a multifaceted artist, excelling as both a musician and a screenwriter, with a unique background that has shaped his creative endeavors.
Born in Zaire, Kamini's family, including his father Seyolo Zantoko, relocated to Marly-Gomont, France in 1975. The transition was not without its challenges, as the family faced difficulties assimilating into the community, being the first Black people in town. This experience had a profound impact on Kamini's upbringing and would later influence his artistic expression.
As Kamini grew older, he developed a passion for nursing, working part-time in the field by the summer of 2006. Tragedy struck when his father passed away sometime prior to 2012.
Kamini's creative aspirations led him to pursue a career in hip-hop music. In 2006, he wrote and recorded the song "Marly-Gomont," which tells the story of his childhood in the French countryside. The music video, shot on a budget of €100, features Kamini rapping about everyday life in Marly-Gomont, including farming and games with his friends and fellow villagers.
The video's unexpected success came when a t-shirt retailer shared the link online, and by the end of the day, "Marly-Gomont" had gone viral. This amateur production caught the attention of record labels, and Kamini signed with RCA Records on November 2, 2006, to release "Marly-Gomont" and two additional albums.
In 2012, Kamini wrote and narrated the autobiographical film "The African Doctor" (French: "Bienvenue à Marly-Gomont," or "Welcome to Marly-Gomont"),a tribute to his father. The film, directed by Julien Rambaldi, was released in 2016.
Kamini's story is a testament to the power of creativity and perseverance, as he overcame the challenges of his childhood to pursue his passions and share his unique perspective with the world.
