Guy Perryman Interviews

A conversation with Liam Ramshaw - Executive Director of Tokyo Weekender magazine which has been part of the Tokyo international community for 55 years and in October 2025 is celebrating. Ramshaw shares his story of how he joined the Weekender, some stories from the vast archives, plus upcoming events for Tokyoites.

A conversation with Nduduzo Makhathini - South African jazz musician sharing his wisdom of not only the power of music, but the power of three, water, family, the Blue Note Records Africa jazz connection, and on visiting Japan for the first time in July 2025 noticing the water and energy of Tokyo.

A conversation with Lick-G - freestyle rapper in Japan who's first album Trainspotting released when he was 17 years old went to the top of the Japanese hip-hop charts, sharing stories about his music journey, what inspires his Japanese and English lyrics - which are memorised entirely with no notes and go a lot deeper than just partying, and celebrating the release of his second album Anything You Want.

A conversation with Zebulon Ellis – gospel singer based in Atlanta who performed live with Acid Jazz legends Incognito in Tokyo in December 2024 and sung on their music track Strangers Become Friends released in July 2025. Ellis shares his musical and spiritual journey, the joy of collaborating with Incognito's Bluey, his happiest place, enjoying all the cuisine in Japan, and more all with a hearty laugh.

A conversation with Joya Mooi - singer/songwriter from the Dutch R&B scene with a soulful voice and songs who was in Japan for the first time for live shows in September 2025. Mooi shares stories of her musical journey including her writing being inspired by historical moments and people including a pioneering doctor in South Africa and a portrait in the Netherlands.

A conversation with Bnnyhunna – musician from the Dutch R&B scene whose soulful music has West African influences and was in Japan for the first time for live shows in September 2025. Bnnyhunna shares stories about his musical journey including winning the 2025 Edison Pop Award (the Dutch equivalent of the Grammy Awards) in the Soul/R&B/Funk category.

A conversation with Kayoko Jones – Public Relations Planner at APU – Asia Pacific University in Beppu, Kyushu sharing why the campus is a unique place in Japan bringing together students from around the world into a multi-cultural multi-lingual environment of learning, not to mention the wonderful onsen environment of the location! Jones was in Tokyo in August 2025 participating in the Tokyo International Conference on African Development and came to the InterFM studio to chat.

A conversation with Zero Fes team - a bunch of really inspiring teens from Japan and around the world who created and performed at the first Zero Fes, a club music event by teens for teens held in Tokyo in July 2025 - DJ's - Elfigo, Otek, Michelle; DJ drummer Cezary; music producer Riki; rapper MC Millaray;  dancers - Mamadou & Papa; drone racer Yuki; and the teen entrepreneur who put it all together Gaito Amano. Listen to brief conversations and messages in various languages sharing thoughts on music culture, the event and first impressions of Tokyo.

A conversation with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis – legendary production duo who have collaborated, and had massive chart hits with Janet Jackson, Alexander O'Neal, The SOS Band, Mariah Carey, Vanessa Williams, Chaka Khan, The Human League, Sounds of Blackness and so many more... we only had ten minutes together backstage before their live show at Summer Sonic 2025 in Tokyo but it was an insightful and inspiring conversation with two all true gentlemen who also selected their own favourite music tracks.

A conversation with Stomp cast – from the West End and Broadway productions in Japan for shows in August 2025 talking about their journey with this spectacular explosion of a stage show, plus a spontaneous live performance with tiny drum sticks!!