A Change Is Gonna Come: An Interview with Canadian Idol 2 Semi-Finalist Mohanza Kelly, by Jean-Pierre Peddle
"I remain thankful for the gifts that I've been given and I try to use them in a good way, in a positive way." - Denzel Washington
"We're constantly being told what other people think we are, and that's why it is so important to know yourself." - Sarah McLachlan
What follows is one of my favourite and most personal pieces of writing for Beavers On Idol; an Idol interview. I recently had the awesome experience of meeting up with Canadian Idol 2 semi-finalist, Mohanza Kelly, from Group 2 of the Top 32 round (wow, that's a lot of twos!). Mohanza is a very insightful, friendly, and down to earth kind of guy, and we discussed Canadian Idol. He agreed to an exclusive interview and we met up a few days later at a Toronto cafe, where we discussed various topics, ranging from his entire Idol experience, why he originally got involved in music, his prediction for the winner of the Canadian Idol crown, and so on. I even managed to take a couple of nice snapshots of Mohanza for the interview, as seen above. He also expressed a great interest in supplying Beavers On Idol with some of his personal music, so people out there can hear him and experience his amazing talent. Hopefully, we'll be in for a real treat, soon! Well, without further adieu, it is my pleasure to present you with Mohanza!
Jean-Pierre Peddle: Thank you very much for taking some time from your schedule to sit down with me for this interview, Mohanza. First off, when did you start singing and why?
Mohanza Kelly: Well, I started singing at, I think, at about age twelve, you know. And the reason, I didn't really have a choice. I used to sing in church, you know. My grandma, she used to arrange to go to church every Sunday, so, you know. Eventually, I got under a children's choir and then I started singing in the youth choir, so it was like an obligation, basically. But then, as I moved on, you know, I started to sing more and more, and then I started to love it, you know. So, after awhile, then I had a reason to sing because I loved it. So, that's basically the down low.
Jean-Pierre Peddle: What made you decide to compete for the title of Canadian Idol?
Mohanza Kelly: Well, that was actually...I got geared by my teacher. Because my gym teacher, you know, I used to be in her class and I would sing there sometimes, and she's like "why don't you give Canadian Idol a shot?", and I'm like "nah, man. I don't think I wanna do that", you know, and eventually she ended up, I went to the audition and she been there with me for like a fun time, you know. So she was like the main reason why I tried out.
Jean-Pierre Peddle: How was the Idol experience for you?
Mohanza Kelly: It was overwhelming, man. Just the fact that I met so many people and, you know, they're all there for the same reason, just to sing, you know. That's the best experience I've had so far, man. Straight up.
Jean-Pierre Peddle: What are the best and worst aspects of being an Idol?
Mohanza Kelly: Well, I don't think there's anything "worse" (laughs) than being an Idol, man. Well, the best thing for me is the exposure, you know. 'Cause that's what I need right now, to be exposed so people could see me and hear me, and they're like "this kid got some talent", you know what I'm saying? I just need to meet the right people and Canadian Idol basically brought the necessary exposure that I needed, you know what I'm saying? 'Cause right now, sometimes I'm walking on the street and it feels so good when somebody stops and like "weren't you that guy from Canadian Idol?!", you know, that feels kinda good (laughs) and I ain't gonna lie. I enjoyed a little bit of fame, you know, it's still going, you know what I'm saying? It's just like a stepping-stone, man. You give me the exposure, people start hearing me, they're gonna wanna listen to me even more, because the things I bring to the table, man, it's all original, so I can't fail, you know.
Jean-Pierre Peddle: How does it feel being one of the thirty-two best singers in the country out of the thousands who auditioned across Canada for the Idol crown?
Mohanza Kelly: (Laughs) Man, that's some status you're giving me right there! But...man, I don't even know how to feel 'cause, you know, I appreciate every talent that I heard when I was there and the fact that everybody is so unique, they got their own little style, so it's not like you could really compare anything because everybody has something different to bring, you know? So I just keep on doing my thing, man, and trying to be as real as possible.
Jean-Pierre Peddle: Where was the Top 32 shows filmed and were the people in the audience all related to the contestants, or were some from the general public as well?
Mohanza Kelly: Well, the Top 32 shows? They were filmed at a theatre, it's in a CTV building, you know what I'm saying? It's at Yonge and Davenport. And the audience was basically, yeah, the families of the contestants and whatever, you know what I'm saying? Because it was fairly small, so.
Jean-Pierre Peddle: I'm dying to know, is that big couch where the Top 32 competitors sit on, after their performance and during the results night, comfy?
Mohanza Kelly: Very (laughs). I almost fell asleep (laughs).
Jean-Pierre Peddle: (Laughs) What was it like working with vocal expert, Debra Byrd, on your song selection and vocal coaching?
Mohanza Kelly: Uh, I'm showing you, man...it's just crazy, man, you know what I'm saying? 'Cause she's the same one who coached the American Idols, you know what I'm saying? Just to be in her presence is like...I didn't even know how to react. She just knows everything; every little thing to say to you that'll just bring out the best in you, man. She is phenomenal and I never met somebody like her, you know what I'm saying? She's just...beautiful. (Laughs) End of story, she's just beautiful, man!
Jean-Pierre Peddle: You sang Sam Cooke's A Change Is Gonna Come for your Top 32 performance. Some critics have cited this as one of Mr. Cooke's lesser-known titles and couldn't understand why you decided to perform it. Why did you choose this song in particular and did it have any special significance for you?
Mohanza Kelly: It has a lot to do with me, that's why I chose it. You see, every time I perform, I try to tell a story, you know what I'm saying? And I do believe a change is gonna come, you know what I'm saying? I'm not gonna be in the situation that I'm in or I was in for too long, you know? As long as I keep my head straight, and I keep myself out of trouble, and I keep singing, you know a change will come, man. And that song, I'm pretty sure is like an anthem you could live off, you know what I'm saying? If you're in a situation and if you just hum it, you know better days are gonna come, a change is gonna come, you know what I'm saying? That's how I feel, so I just wanted to relate that to Canada.
Jean-Pierre Peddle: What did it feel like performing in front of millions of viewers during the Canadian Idol Top 32?
Mohanza Kelly: To be honest, man? When I was backstage, you know, I had the creeps. Personally, like I was nervous as hell (laughs), but as soon as I stepped on the stage, it was easy, you know what I'm saying? I was just chilling; it's my crowd, you know, that's what I do. So, it wasn't really that much intimidating to me, you know.
Jean-Pierre Peddle: Do you watch the Idol shows? What do you think of the shows? Do you think there is anything that can be improved? If so, what and how?
Mohanza Kelly: Well, to be honest, I watch the shows, like, I tape them, because I don't get to see them, like, live, you know what I'm saying? I tape them and I watch them, and sometimes...I don't know, I don't know when you say "improve", I really don't know, but everybody just brings and they do at that given point when they're performing, they just can't do any better, you know, that's the best they could've done, so whatever they do you, gotta appreciate it. It doesn't matter if they screw up or not, you know, they're still trying and everything, and I think they got some right now, they got some pretty good singers and performers up in there so, you know, just let them do their things, man.
Jean-Pierre Peddle: You hail from that special group that brought us Kalan Porter and Kaleb Simmonds. What are they like in person, and have you kept in touch with any of the Canadian Idol contestants, and/or judges? If so, which ones?
Mohanza Kelly: Well, as far as the judges are concerned, you can't really keep in touch, because usually you have no choice, you just can't deal with them, period (laughs). But the contestants, man, we all keep in touch, man. Like at the end of the Top 32 shows, we gave each other email addresses and phone numbers, and whatever, you know, it's a big family, man. It's a shame how you meet somebody in such a short time and you get so connected to them, you know what I'm saying? So, we all, sometimes, I keep in touch with Kaleb. With Kalan, when I see him, you know, it's all good, but Kaleb, man, I gotta talk about that dude for awhile, man. This dude, he literally inspired me, man. Because I hung around with him for like...throughout the whole competition. And to hear this guy, sometimes, he's just sitting there and we're chilling and he just starts humming and free-styling. I've never seen somebody free-style sing, you know what I'm saying? And it's just...if this guy doesn't make it. I dunno, man. Kaleb is just...(Laughs) I don't even know what to say, man. (Laughs) He's just different, that's what he is.
Jean-Pierre Peddle: In your view, what is more important for an Idol hopeful; the music, talent, looks, or charisma, and why?
Mohanza Kelly: Everything in one, man. Because you're trying to present something to Canada, and if you wanna sell records, you gotta have the whole package, you know? You could have the talent, but you ain't got no stage presence, you can't afford that. You need to have a little bit of everything; you know what I'm saying? So, when you step on the stage and people see you, they're gonna wanna come back and see you over, and over, and over, and over again. And you're gonna be clicking in their minds because they're gonna be like "this guy is really good. He can perform, he has a nice voice, he's got the stage presence and everything." so that just makes you up to being an Idol, man.
Jean-Pierre Peddle: Have you visited our website Beavers On Idol before or read any of our articles here?
Mohanza Kelly: (Laughs) Well, to be honest, I never visited it 'cause I didn't even know. (Laughs) Sometimes, I don't really go on the computer, because most of the times, I'm either in the studio or at work, you know? Sometimes, I hang out with my friends, so I'll be sure to check it out now, though!
Jean-Pierre Peddle: Thanks. What do you think about Kaleb Simmonds' elimination from the competition?
Mohanza Kelly: Oh, I think that was straight up bogus. (Laughs) Straight up, I ain't even gonna lie! That's the best singer they had in the competition, period! Kaleb is the man! I would say that from now until next year, and then all the years that come. He's the man, he's the real deal, and you see, he's eliminated but...give it a couple months, man. You know, when the Idol thing is done, that's when you're gonna see who could really survive, whose got the goods, you know what I'm saying? They might slap a title on you right now, but when everything is done and over with, it's for you to maintain. That's the whole thing about it; can you maintain? And I'm pretty sure Kaleb is gonna maintain, guy.
Jean-Pierre Peddle: Who is your favourite Canadian Idol competitor among the remaining finalists and why?
Mohanza Kelly: Theresa. Theresa. Well, it's kinda like a thing where you got two, where you don't really know who to pick, but Theresa, man. Theresa is just beautiful. Like, we spent a little time together when I was there, you know, and she would sing and she plays the guitar. And she's singing, you know, playing the guitar and some of her original stuff, it's so beautiful, man. She got a kinda a folk kinda singing to her voice, and it just brings her off so good. Theresa, straight up.
Jean-Pierre Peddle: What sort of encouraging advice can you give to the remaining contestants on the show who are going to be eliminated in the coming weeks?
Mohanza Kelly: Man, the only thing I could say, you know, it's a game show, you know? You can't have five or six winners. There gotta be one winner. Just because you're eliminated doesn't mean that you're gonna fail. Keep doing your thing, keep your head up, and do what you do best, man; perform. You know what I'm saying, at the end of the day, if you do your thing and you do it legit, it will pay off, man.
Jean-Pierre Peddle: Out of all the remaining competitors, who do you predict is going to win the Canadian Idol crown this year and why?
Mohanza Kelly: Kalan Porter. 'Cause, he's like the ideal; he got the image, he got a nice voice, you know, he got the charisma, he got everything going for him now. He got t-the girls (laughs), he got the crowd, he got a lot of voters on, he's definitely gonna win it, I got no doubt about that.
Jean-Pierre Peddle: What sort of helpful advice can you give to any future Idol hopefuls who are planning to audition for Canadian Idol next year, in terms of what to expect and how to stay in the game for the long run?
Mohanza Kelly: Do the damn thing and go with an open mind (laughs). If you can't take disses, this ain't a thing for you, man, 'cause it's just like that. Some of the judges and the producers are so blunt; if you can't sing, they tell you straight up, they don't try to beat there 'round the bush. And if you're gonna be messing around, if you ain't going for singing, don't even bother to try out. And if singing is something that you enjoy, you will try out, and you'll be successful, man, as long as you bring your own little uniqueness to the table, and they'll appreciate it.
Jean-Pierre Peddle: Do you have any regrets? Anything you would have done differently on the show had you a second chance?
Mohanza Kelly: Well...nah. I think everything happens for a reason, you know what I'm saying? Every performance that I did, it went that way for a reason, you know. I'm not gonna say "I wish I sang another song, so I could do more riffs" or anything. That ain't me, man. I ain't gonna try to do something that I know I'm not. Because I'm gonna feel fake. I'm real, man, you know what I'm saying? When I step on the stage, I don't pretend, you know, I do. That's what I do.
Jean-Pierre Peddle: You mentioned in your CI profile that you're a chef student. What made you decide to pursue the culinary arts and what is your favourite dish and cooking recipe?
Mohanza Kelly: Well...it's not a "chef student." It's a chef/student (laughs)! That means I used to work at a Jamaican restaurant, you know, and somebody hooked me up on the job. My favourite dish is all the Jamaican dishes possible. (Laughs) You know, there's so many of them that's so nice, that I can't even name all of them, you know. But cooking, I eat a lot, man, so if I'm gonna eat a lot, I've gotta cook. (Laughs) That's basics!
Jean-Pierre Peddle: In your view, do you see any similarities between cooking and music, and if so, how?
Mohanza Kelly: Well, yeah! If you're gonna cook a food and if you wanna taste something good, you gotta cook the food good. If you want people to feel your song, you gotta perform it good. It's as plain and as simple as that.
Jean-Pierre Peddle: Which one do you like better, singing or cooking, and why?
Mohanza Kelly: Definitely singing, man. C'mon! I could go for days without eating, but singing?! (Laughs) I can't even go for a couple of minutes! I might even start to sing a song right now, but...you know (laughs).
Jean-Pierre Peddle: (Laughs) What hobbies and interests do you like to do in your spare time, and what is your favourite website to visit?
Mohanza Kelly: Well, in my spare time, I sing, as usual. Sometimes, I hang around with my friends, hit a little PlayStation; got the NFL Street going on and everything. Football, street football, and everything, man. Well, my favourite website...well, since lately, I've been going a lot on Idol.ca, you know, 'cause I wanna see what's happening. But, I don't really got a favourite website except MSN Messenger (laughs).
Jean-Pierre Peddle: What are you up to these days and what are your plans for the future?
Mohanza Kelly: Well, right now, I'm working; I'm planning to go back to school. I go to school at Central Tech, and the reason I am repeating one more year in high school is because they have this beautiful music program, man. They got two recording studios up in the school, you know, it just gives you a chance to express; you know what I'm saying? You make your own beats, they teach you how to engineer, they teach you basically the goods that you need to become an entertainer, man, you know, and I'm going back into that 'cause I need some work. I need to learn a couple more stuff, you know. For the future...I don't know what's gonna happen in the future, man, but I got positive hopes, you know. Not even hopes, I know that things are gonna happen. Positive things are gonna happen, you know, because I'm shaping up myself right now for it, and if I'm positive now, I don't see anything negative happening down the road, you know? So the future is gonna be good, man.
Jean-Pierre Peddle: Where do you see yourself in 20 years, not only as a musician, but also as a person?
Mohanza Kelly: Well, in 20 years, I see myself as a worldwide-based artist, you know, known all over (laughs) just like that (laughs)! As a person, I see myself settling down, getting married, and having kids. That's it (laughs)!
Jean-Pierre Peddle: (Laughs) What advice would you give to young people who wish their dreams come true in music or otherwise?
Mohanza Kelly: Stop wishing. Wishing ain't gonna get you nowhere. You gotta go out and do the damn thing. Actions bring reactions, yo. If you sit and you wish, as the Bible says, "God helps those that help themselves." End of story.
Jean-Pierre Peddle: What advice would give to young people who are lost or confused?
Mohanza Kelly: Man, find yourself, bro. You know, you might be in a situation and you might think that the world's crashing onto you or anything, but I've been in worse that that. You've just gotta keep the faith, you know what I'm saying? If you think you're lost, just look at another man. You know, people living on the street, people who are worse than you. Every situation you're in, just say to yourself "it could've been worse" you know what I'm saying? And that'll just encourage you to step up; you know what I'm saying? That's what I do, and it works, so it probably could work for you, too.
Jean-Pierre Peddle: You expressed an interest in having some of your personal music up on our site so people out there can hear you. What type of your songs can our listeners look forward to hearing here on Beavers On Idol, and how would you describe your genre?
Mohanza Kelly: Well, every song that I sing, I write, you know. Except for one song, I had my close friend; she inspired and, like, started it for me. But the songs that I wrote is basically what I'm going through in my life, you know, the things I've been through, the things I've seen people close to me go through, you know. It's all about reality. It ain't no about no girls, cars, nothing like that. It's all legit stuff. So, I'm trying to put something out that people could hear and relate to, you know what I'm saying? Something different. That's my kind of music.
Jean-Pierre Peddle: Thank you very much for providing me with this interview, Mohanza. You're an amazingly talented singer with a very bright future ahead of you in the music industry. I look forward to listening to your songs. Keep in touch and good luck in your singing career.
Mohanza Kelly: Thanks a lot, man.
Originally posted on the Canadian Idol ezine, Beavers On Idol, on Friday, 20 August, 2004.