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U.S. Claims to Have Shot Down Iranian Drone; Inferno at Kyoto Animation Studio Killed 33 People; President Trump Says Not my Words, it's Theirs; New Tech Craze on Lawmaker's Watch; African Voices, The Top International DJ's. Aired 3-4a ET
Aired July 19, 2019 - 03:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[03:00:00] (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NATALIE ALLEN, CNN ANCHOR: Contradictory claims in the Persian Gulf. The, U.S. says one of its navy ships shot down an Iranians drone, but Iran says it notes nothing about losing one.
Police in Japan investigate why a man torched a famous animation studio killing dozens of people. We have a live report about it from Kyoto.
And later, new concerns over digital privacy, lawmakers raising alarms about the viral app and its origin.
Hello and welcome to our viewers all around the world. We appreciate you joining us. I'm Natalie Allen CNN Newsroom starts right now.
With tensions in the Persian Gulf already high, the U.S. says it has destroyed an Iranian drone, but Tehran contradicts that, not only does Iran deny losing a drone. The deputy foreign minister suggested the U.S. might have shot down its own unmanned aircraft.
It's reported to have happened in the same area where Iran shot down an American drone one month ago. U.S. official say the drone was threatening a U.S. warship by coming within 1,000 meters of the U.S. boxer in the Strait of Hormuz.
The crew used sophisticated electronic jamming to destroy the approaching drone after it ignored commands to stand down.
U.S. warships have been patrolling the Gulf because of recent attacks on shipping.
CNN's Sam Kiley recently spent some time on the USS Boxer, he asked the task force commander about the risk of miscalculation as tensions keep rising.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SAM KILEY, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: When these sorts of operations are going on, I mean, there is a potential for a strategic effect from a small error. MATTHEW TROLLINGER, COMMANDER, TASK FORCE 51/5TH: That's absolutely
accurate. And all the training that we do, all the education that we do is the expressed purpose of getting after that.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ALLEN: CNN's Frederik Pleitgen has reportedly extensively from inside Iran, he joins us now from Berlin. Hello to you, Fred. First her, another incursion with Iran. What could this signal?
FREDERIK PLEITGEN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, I think it certainly signals, Natalie, that the tensions are extremely high in that area specifically in the Strait of Hormuz, in an area that of course at any time has pretty high tensions, and especially if a large U.S. warship, a large U.S. helicopter carrier goes through it, then of course that is something that adds even more fuel to that simmering fire, if you will.
It's quite interesting to see the Iranian reaction, as you said, on the one hand the Iranian are saying they're not aware of having lost any sorts of drones, they say that that's not what happened.
I think those reactions that we were just talking about before of the deputy foreign minister on Twitter, they were more meant to mock the United States. Afterwards, him actually saying that the Iranians said that they have not lost a drone, that the U.S. may have shot that drone down by a mistake. I think that is something that is to be taken a large bag of salt, if you will.
However, of course, the situation there is quite serious. If you look at Iranian foreign minister, Javad Zarif, he flatly came out and said that the Iranians know nothing about having lost a drone in this incident, then you've talked about the incident itself. Let's listen in to what he had to say.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What do you make of the drone is being struck? Any reaction?
MOHAMMAD JAVAD ZARIF, IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER: We have no information about losing a drone.
(CROSSTALK)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Mr. Foreign Minister, if a drone is shot down, what do you say?
ZARIF: That's what I said, we have no information about having lost a drone today.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PLEITGEN: So, the Iranian foreign minister there saying no information as to a drone being lost by the Iranians. He then later took to Twitter and posted a picture of a map of the United State, a map of Iran on the global map, and then a dot which seems to indicate where this might have taken place.
Obviously, the Iranians they are saying that they believe that is the U.S. that has no business of being in that region of the Persian Gulf.
However, there is also some pretty bellicose rhetoric coming out. The senior deputy of Iran's Revolutionary Guard corps has said that the U.S., every time it enters the Persian Gulf comes under immense psychological pressure, and in the end he says he says that when the U.S. leaves the Persian Gulf, U.S. vessels, U.S. ships, that they believe that they are coming out of hell, Natalie.
ALLEN: Fred Pleitgen for us from berlin. Fred, thank you.
David Rohde is a CNN global affairs analyst and he joins me now from New York. Good to see you. Thanks for being with us, David.
DAVID ROHDE, CNN GLOBAL AFFAIRS ANALYST: Thank you for having me.
[03:04:57] ALLEN: Well, the U.S. almost launched a strike on Iran after they shot down a U.S. drone last month. Thursday Iran's foreign minutes told journalist that we came a few minutes away from a war after that incident, now the U.S shoots down an Iranian drone, how dangerous is this?
ROHDE: I think it's the latest step in the path of escalation. So, it's very concerning. One could hope that there is some back-channel negotiations going on, but now, Iran after having, you know, its drone shot down would want to retaliate somehow and show that it's standing up against the United States.
ALLEN: Also, CNN reporter Wednesday the Trump administration is now reinforcing its controversial military relationship with Saudi Arabia by preparing to send hundreds of troops to that country amid these tensions. Does a buildup of the military add a layer of complexity to this?
ROHDE: It does, because, again, the American public has expectations that President Trump is going to stand up to Iran. Simultaneously, the Iranians, you know, see this military buildup as a confrontation towards them.
And most of all, the Iranians I think that really the main goal for them is sanctions relief. Sanctions had been very tough on Iran's economy, and I think you'll keep seeing the Iranians take provocative action.
There was this incident where oil tankers sort of disappeared, and Iran said we're helping it in the Gulf. So, I see the Iranians using mines, you know, maybe detaining tanker cruise as a way to possibly influence oil markets and increased the price of oil worldwide.
ALLEN: Well, that's another road in this terrible saga that we are seeing here. Mr. Trump also called on other countries to condemn Iran's action and protect their own vessels. How is this U.S.- Iran issue spilling over and affecting our allies in the region? ROHDE: Well, the British, you know, recently seized an Iranian
tanker, and that was at the urging of the Trump administration, so Iran is now threatening to sort of retaliating against the British tankers so there's more British warships, you know, going towards the Persian Gulf.
So, question is, where is the off rant. You just see each side, sort of escalating and increasing the pressure on politics as locals. So, you know, Iranian leaders said a drone has been shot down, they need to look strong to their population and respond to it somehow.
So, this is the problem, back and forth, neither side wants to lose face. And hopefully there is some -- something happening somewhere, in terms of diplomacy, if not, you know, this is again a very concerning pattern of escalation.
ALLEN: Right. Well, since President Trump called off the strikes last month, he has attempted to paint a more optimistic view of the prospects for diplomacy. He said earlier this week the U.S. has made a lot of progress with Tehran and they like to talk. What are the chances that you see for that happening?
ROHDE: I think the bottom-line, Iranian demand will be no talks since there's some kind of sanctions relief. Again, these are the toughest sanctions the U.S. has had in place against Iran, it really has crippled their economy, and so I think that's their bottom line.
I think these incidents in the Gulf the harassment of the tankers is a way for Iran to put pressure to show, you know, there needs to be move forward, there needs to be negotiations, there needs to be sanctions relief. If not, Iran will keep doing things that could increase oil prices, so.
And then, so then will President Trump make the concession of reducing sanctions in exchange for talks. That's a big question I think at this point.
ALLEN: We always appreciate your insights. Thanks so much for joining us. David Rohde, thank you.
ROHDE: Thank you very much.
ALLEN: Another story involving President Trump. He is trying to distance himself from racist chants at his campaign rally just one day ago. The crowd in North Carolina shouting "send her back" when he mentioned progressive Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. She received a quite different reception when she arrived in her home state of Minnesota on Tuesday.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(CROWD CHANTING)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ALLEN: A little later, Omar received a standing ovation at a town hall meeting to discuss healthcare. She is one of four lawmakers, all women of color, targeted with racist tropes by the president.
Jim Acosta has more about it.
JIM ACOSTA, CNN CHIEF WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: President Trump is finding out there is no going back, after send her back.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(CROWD CHANTING)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ACOSTA: The president tried to fudge his way around accusations that he didn't do enough to stop chants of "send her back" aimed at Congresswoman Ilhan Omar at his rally in North Carolina.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: I felt a little bit badly about it. But I will say. I did, and I start speaking very quickly.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ACOSTA: But that's not true. Watch the video, the president paused and allowed the chants to continue for a full 13 seconds as he attacked Omar.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
[03:09:58] TRUMP: And obviously and importantly, Omar has a history of launching vicious anti-Semitic screeds.
(CROWD CHANTING)
TRUMP: And she talked about the evil Israel, and it's all about the Benjamins, not a good thing to say.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ACOSTA: Pressed on the chant the president pointed a finger at his own crowd.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: I disagree with it, but again, I didn't say -- I didn't say that. They did.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ACOSTA: But hold on, the crowd was essentially echoing the president's racist tweets from earlier in the week when he told four Democratic women of color to go back to where they came from. Asked the second time about the chants, the president praise his audience then blasted the congresswoman once again.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) TRUMP: These are people that love our country. I want them to keep loving our country. And I think the congresswoman, by the way, should be more positive than they are. The congresswoman has a lot of problems.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ACOSTA: But the president's targets aren't holding back either, as Omar accused Mr. Trump of being fascism.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REP. ILHAN OMAR (D-MN): I believe he is fascist. This is not about me. This is about us fighting for what this country truly should be and what it deserves to be.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ACOSTA: While New York Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said the president is playing with fire.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REP. ALEXANDRIA OCASIO-CORTEZ (D-NY): His rhetoric is endangering lots of people. This is not just about threats to individual members of Congress, but it is about creating a volatile environment in this country.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ACOSTA: Top Republicans are backing the president.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REP. KEVIN MCCARTHY (R-CA): I did talk to somebody there. He said it was a small group after the side. What the president did, the president not join in, the president moved on.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ACOSTA: Senator Lindsey Graham said the president is just fighting back against his critics.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM (R-SC): If you are a Somali refugee wearing a MAGA hat, he doesn't want to send you back.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ACOSTA: Graham was asked why Mr. Trump didn't control his crowd the same way the late Senator John McCain corrected one of his supporters who attacked Barack Obama in 2008.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I can't trust Obama. I have read about him and he's not -- he's not -- he's a -- he's an Arab. He is not --
FMR. SEN. JOHN MCCAIN (R-AZ): No, ma'am. No, ma'am.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No?
MCCAIN: No, ma'am. He is -- he is a decent family man, citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues and that's what this campaign is all about.
GRAHAM: I don't remember anybody treating President John McCain the way they are treating Trump. I don't remember John McCain having to go through this crap every day, all the time.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ACOSTA: The White House is encouraging its allies to stay focus on their attacks on the four congresswomen wo are being targeted by the president. But we're told some of the administration surrogates are concerned about the chants coming from the rally. As one Trump advisor put it to me, the chant were, quote, "gross."
Jim Acosta, CNN, the White House.
ALLEN: Next here, a community shaken after suspected arson at an animation studio leaves 33 people dead. We're live in Kyoto, Japan with the very latest.
[03:15:00] (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ALLEN: In Puerto Rico's capital Thursday night, people danced, chanted and drummed in the streets demanding Governor Ricardo Rossello resign. The crowd was much smaller and peaceful after protest Wednesday turned violent.
Labor unions are calling for more demonstrations Friday. The unrest began with hundreds of pages of leaked chats where Governor Rossello made sexist and vulgar comments.
The protests are also about suspected corruption, including the way Rossello handled the aftermath of hurricane Maria. Rossello tweeted that he sees the protestors but he says his commitment to the job is stronger than ever, he says he believes he can restore the public's trust.
Grim details are starting to emerge from a deadly suspected arson attack at a famous animation studio. At least 33 people were killed, dozens injured when flames swept through Kyoto Animation.
Police say firefighters found 20 bodies lying on a staircase. And the fires spread so quickly it was difficult to escape. They believe a man doused the studio with what appeared to be gasoline but he is not been questioned at this time because he's in the hospital with severe burns.
Journalist Kaori Enjoji is following developments there in Kyoto, ad she joins us now. Hello to you, Kaori. It is so painful to even see that building behind you. There are no words for this horrible crime.
KAORI ENJOJI, JOURNALIST: That's right, Natalie. I'm at Kyoto Animation, the studio that was engulfed in flames on Thursday. And it's over a day since that incident but you can still smell the charring from the fire that emblazed this building all the way up to the third floor.
Thirty-three people died. There are inspections going on in that building from this morning. I can see the inspectors in there from the fire department and the police department trying to figure out how exactly this could have happened.
We are getting initial reports from the police, that they do not find any irregularities in the smoke alarm system or the fires detection system. We also know that a 41-year-old suspect was detained shortly after it seems that he lit this building on fire, but we don't really know the details on any kind of motive from this 41-year-old suspect.
Thirty-three people, out of this more than 70 who were working in this animation studio. It's effectively a studio that turns out these mega hits, from KyoAni. Kyot Animation is so beloved all around the world, it's pretty much known by its nickname KyoAni.
But they were working there, and people are fearing that many of them maybe young animators in their 20s that were working predominantly on the second floor here.
The CEO of that company has made some recent marks at the headquarters which is about 10 minutes away from here, saying, expressing his disbelief at his incident, saying that, how could anyone do something like this and not imagine a result like this?
The police will be scheduled to give a full briefing to the press later on today, in about 45 minutes time. We hopefully will have more details on this incident, but we already know that it's turning into one of the most deadliest fires and incidents in recent memory in decades here Japan, and it has really shaken the moral core of this nation.
Remember, Japan is one of the most peaceful countries in the world, with a very, very low crime rate, not to men -- of course, violent crime is almost unheard of. But when it does happen on occasion like this, it just seems to erupt from nowhere, and that is why people are in disbelief and in shock throughout the country.
Throughout the day, people are coming here, which is, really just a residential neighborhood in Kyoto, on the outskirts of Kyoto to lay flowers. I see people with their hands together, trying to pray.
And this really comes on the heels of another devastating attack two months ago. So, it's very an unusual for this kind of crime to happen in Japan, but when it does, it really shakes the moral core of the Japanese people.
So, we hope to have more details on this fire, and perhaps the motive from this 41-year-old suspect when the police is scheduled to meet the press in about half an hour. Natalie?
ALLEN: All right. We'll be waiting for that. Thanks so much, Kaori Enjoji for us.
We have this story just in. At least eight people in Afghanistan's capital have been killed after a car bomb went off near Kabul University.
[03:20:03] Reuters reports the explosion happened as students were waiting to take their exams. Officials say 33 people have been wounded and were all taken to hospital.
The Afghan ministry of interior media office says a specialist team disabled another IED that was in the area.
Well, there always been privacy concerns with social media sites, but a photo op, you probably know it by now, it's gone viral. Has U.S. lawmakers sounding the alarm. We'll explain why, next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ALLEN: As people rushed to the popular FaceApp to see what they look like in 30 years, a U.S. senator is calling on the FBI to investigate this Smartphone app.
CNN's Tom Foreman explains why there might be a wrinkle in the newest social media craze.
TOM FOREMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: This is getting old fast. From LeBron James, to actress Busy Philipps, to musical superstar Drake, to the Jonas brothers, they all appeared to be using FaceApp to digitally aged themselves. It is an online sensation and no wonder.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I love everybody, OK? Did you get that?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
FOREMAN: Just look, comedian Kevin Hart now and in 30 or 40 years. Country star Carrie Underwood now and in a few decades. Actress Mindy Kaling, now, and then. It's spooky, fascinating and hilarious.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We did it with Guillermo and that's what Guillermo looks like. You look like an exiled South American dictator.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No, I look good.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
FOREMAN: Not so good, the Russian connection. It turns out the company that released the app two years ago, Wireless Lab is based in St. Petersburg. Considering how much detail data apps like this can collect about users, their contacts, interests and political views, and some of the small print app in face app user agreement, some authorities are concerned.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER (D-NY), SENATE MINORITY LEADER: We need to know about what the heck is going on here.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
FOREMAN: Wireless Lab says nothing nefarious is underway, images and info were uploaded with user's consent just for fun and basic business. None of it is transferred to Russia. And internet security pro say, the kind of data harvesting on FaceApp is not new.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DAVID KENNEDY, CEO, TRUSTEDSEC: If anybody is using Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat, or any other social media platforms out there you are giving them substantially more data and you are the product for these individual folks. That's how they make money.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
FOREMAN: So, for users, does that mean all this is just good old- fashioned fun? Maybe. But security experts say anytime you are sharing your data with a private company, you are taking a risk. And when that company is tied to a foreign government, there may be even more reason for potential worry. So that's another way to get some wrinkles.
Tom Foreman, CNN, Washington.
ALLEN: The lineups are set for the next pair of Democratic debates. The first night features progressive Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. They'll be joined on Tuesday, July 30th by South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Senator Amy Klobuchar.
And the second night will feature a re-match between Senate -- Senator Kamala Harris and former Vice President Joe Biden. That's Wednesday, July 31st.
[03:25:02] Joining them, Senator Cory Booker and former Housing Secretary Julian Castro.
Well, only time will tell if there are any viral moments or goofy gaffes from this next round of debates. Much less, a clear winner.
For more on that, here's Jeanne Moos.
JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: With these many candidates --
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The point and wave.
MOOS: It's half debate, half cattle call. Remember how just getting the herd on stage after Ben Carson missed his cue caused a backup with a stage hand desperately waving for Carson to go, they talk at the same time. Occasionally invading each other's space and pretend to be friendly. Ten candidates at a time, you can feel like an episode of "Veep."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Let's turn our attention to foreign policy, Congressman Ryan.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Bring it on, Bree (Ph).
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: your question is about Africa.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Pass.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MOOS: A real candidate can't pass up a chance to look over.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
FMR. GOV. CHRIS CHRISTIE (R-NJ): Marco, the this is this.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MOOS: Land a body blow.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. MARCO RUBIO (R-FL): He doesn't know what he's doing. It's just not true.
CHRISTIE: There it is. There it is.
(CROSSTALK)
RUBIO: He knows exactly what he --
CHRISTIE: To memorize a 25-second speech.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MOOS: Eyeing your opponent as you lower the boom.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. KAMALA HARRIS (D-CA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: And that little girl with me.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MOOS: Dominating the conversation.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
FMR. GOV. JEB BUSH (R-FL): The property from --
(CROSSTALK) TRUMP: Let me talk. Quiet. A lot of times --
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MOOS: Hoping to score that viral moment even unwittingly.
Beto O'Rourke broke in Spanish.
(FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
MOOS: But in the end it doesn't really matter who is standing next to whom, thanks to the split screen, with a camera watching your every facial twitch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BUSH: But he's a chaos candidate.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MOOS: Making chaotic faces.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JAKE TAPPER, CNN HOST: He said he wouldn't want, quote, "such a hothead with his finger on the nuclear codes."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MOOS: If you one of the Democrats trying to break out of the pack, be careful what you wish for, you might end up blown on that stage where President Trump lurking behind you, as Hillary Clinton described it.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HILLARY CLINTON, FORMER UNITED STATES SECRETARY OF STATE: My skin crawled.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MOOS: Even though he stayed in his assigned space, she says she felt like saying --
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CLINTON: Back up, you creep.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MOOS: Not that's enough to make you yearn for the days of the cattle call.
Jeanne Moos, CNN, New York.
ALLEN: Thanks for watching CNN Newsroom. I'm Natalie Allen. Your top headlines in African Voices coming next. (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[03:30:00] NATALIE ALLEN, CNN ANCHOR: Back with the top stories here in the USS American warships sailing through the Strait of Hormuz brought down and Iranian drone approaching the vessel. U.S. officials say it was destroyed with electronic jamming, but Iran denies any of its drones had been lost. The deputy foreign minister even suggesting the U.S. might have shot down its own unmanned aircraft by mistake.
Donald Trump is trying to distance himself from supporter's chants of send her back. When he mentioned Congresswomen Ilhan Omar. The president said he started speaking very quickly after the chants started, but the video from his Wednesday rally shows he paused for 13 seconds.
Labor union in Puerto Rico are calling for more protests Friday, for days thousands of demonstrators have filled the streets demanding Governor Ricardo Rossello step down from office after leaked chats showed Rossello making vulgar and sexist comments.
Police in Japan are investigating that suspected case of arsenate of famous animation studio, at least 33 people were killed, 35 injured, when Kyoto animation went up in flames. Police haven't been able to question the 41 year old suspect yet. He is being treated for severe burns.
That is the latest news. Stay with us, next for African Voices.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: These men have the skills to control the crowd and its changing their lives.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I feel I'm free right now. I can do whatever I want. I can create, I can do something big being a DJ.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Music gave me a purpose and it showed you what's a life without thinking about all those, you know, you have to do this, you have to do that.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Their talent is taking them places they've never imagine.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I would say it's been quite a nice roller coaster ride.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Hear their stories next. On the move, changing perceptions, pushing limits. Today's Africa is not reign by the past. A new generation is stepping up, embracing tradition while blazing a new path. Giving voice to a unique style, connected in ways others before were not. This is where the urban past meets creativity and the new culture tribes. This is African voices.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Africa is magical cultured and is the future. My name is Agnish, I'm a sound and digital artist from Mauritius.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It is hard to picking hole from performers, Agnish is no exception. From Mauritius, he is a highly successful DJ, or as he refers to it Vijay, visual Jockey. He is also a music producer and graphic designer. Like he in such diverse field, he had to teach himself the skills he thought would need to succeed.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What I found is that back then there was not much people doing it. So you need to learn by yourself, it was hard, it was something hard to access too, you know, like, it was like a mystery, actually like how to make that happen.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: While mastering the tricks of his trade, he traveled extensively between Mauritius and Singapore, concluding that his creative energy is best harnessed in his island country.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Mauritius audience was -- it's easy to please, but it also gives us the road to do whatever we want compared to Singapore, which is like it's very structured, here we have the freedom to create, whatever we want actually, it is different kind of ideas.
Interacting with audience like myself, we try to push, (inaudible), meaning combining the two things we do which are the visuals and the music and we try to perform it live, whether it's a festival, whether it's an event.
[03:35:00] In the northern of Mauritius, it's a called (Inaudible), it's a multi-cultural festival which focused on different like (inaudible), international artists.
I would say this is the kind special festival it's one of a kind in Mauritius, because most of the festivals here (inaudible) and this one is yearly festival which promotes cultural music.
Tonight we are performing as the sound system which in need of fusion of electronic music with Mauritius music. So it's a mixture between DJ set and life.
Tonight we also transfer to showcase what we been working on the studio to a crowd. So far we've been getting like a good response. And the bigger the sale the better.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: In his career, he already experience many career highs. There's a new way to top up the performance on the Great Wall of China, when he is not performing, he can usually be found in his studio.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We are at the studio, it's our recording studio and where we do takes, but we also use our personal edits and like we rehearse here with the crew, and we make music, today, we are making edits and stuff to perform (inaudible), from our own major tour.
It's pretty fun to discover every time, new Mauritians and playing around with all kind of toys if you want and different gears and stuff.
It's like our spaceship where fiddle around our gears and experiment and try to create something unique. Right now, we are taking some local music and trying to fuse it with
electronic sounds we also perform live, but now we experiment in the studio first and see how it sounds.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Being stuck in the studio could be claustrophobic, when he can, he likes to experience Mauritius's stunning scenery.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: In the south of Mauritius, in a friend's house, I like to get away and like chill out. There's some projects we found so we come and discuss here, it's a nice place, to inspire yourself.
There's more nature, I like to walk around, and enjoy the sound of nature.
Enjoy the view.
Enjoy Mauritius.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Agnish is at the forefront of the arts scene in Mauritius, it's a position he got to through a combination of hard work and modesty.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I would say it's been quite a -- I would say nice roller coaster ride. Because there's always ups and downs and the most important thing from friends that start at the same era, like me, is that everyone says, even me, place on line is being humble and it open doors as hard as things are like doors which open if you're just humble and like what you do.
I see myself in the next 10 years doing the same thing, but traveling the world, with what we are doing and what we have been building over all these years in Mauritius and spreading and spending the Mauritian heritage and visuals.
[03:40:00] (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
AMINE K, DJ, MARRAKECH, MOROCCO: My Africa is generous people. Mind (inaudible), and the future. Africa is the future and I'm Amine K from Marrakech, Morocco.
We are in Marrakech, again. Beautiful weather, sunny sighting, we are at the source which is an amazing venue, I'm closing the party everybody is enjoying the sun, the vibes, the music the base. You can feel, you know, the freedom, the happiness, putting your smile in people's face and I can't wait to play later.
My job is to put a smile on people's face. I do it by playing music as a DJ.
Producing music as electronic music acts, music gave me a purpose, and it showed me, what a life without thinking about all those, you know, you have to do this, you have to do that. You can be black, he can be white, you can be Jew, you can be Christian, you can be Muslim, you can be Buddhist. We don't care. We just accept you the way you are.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Twitter Instagram. Hands off or control freak?
AMINE K: Super control freak.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: If you could collaborate with anyone dead or alive who would it be?
AMINE K: (inaudible).
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You can have (inaudible) anyone dead or alive, who would it be?
AMINE K: Johnny Hendrix and (Inaudible).
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: What is your favorite place in the world?
AMINE K: Morocco. I mean, Look at these.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Growing up in Morocco, our main was drawn to music from a young age.
AMINE K: My parents, they listen to a lot of music, but the first DJ encounter was when I was like, I think six or seven, and my father bought me the first vinyl (ph). And yes, I mean, you know I got the vinyl, put it on the deck, and then I thought of playing it. My father was like what are you doing you're gonna scratch it. And I was like yes, but it sounds nice.
So my uncle was actually playing you know house parties, my mother her friends. When I was around 13, 14 and I really like the fact that he was making people happy with music, and I like, yes, you know what, I would love to, study doing the same, and he teaches me, and it's been like almost 20 years now.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: But before he becomes a DJ as a full time career, Amine work in the finance industry.
AMINE K: My parents always told me you can do whatever you want in life, as long as you do your studies. I'm not sure how does that work, but at least, you have, you know, you have a diploma, you have studies, you have these, I have master degree in finance markets.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: While completing his masters in finance in Australia at 22, an unexpected trip changed everything.
AMINE K: I had a friend who was living in Bangkok, I was in Sidney and he said, you know what, come to Bangkok and visit me. I book my flight and I went straight to Bangkok, and instead of saying two days, I stayed for like a month. I just realized, that I would never be able to live with myself, if I continued pursuing this, you know, business model, finance, making money, being a shark. It's not me.
So, I was already a DJ, I was already playing here and there. I was really having fun and sharing the music that I love to people and make them dance, make them happy, make them feel free.
[03:45:07] You know what, let's try it. I mean it was a long shot, obviously, everybody told me you're crazy, but here we are. CNN Africa.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: More than 10 years later, Amine has played for audience at an electronic music festivals around the world, the crowd is about to 80,000 people.
AMINE K: From (Inaudible), city in Tokyo. I played a lot in Asia, Southeast Asia. I love this continent in general. The mentality here, it's just amazing, Bangkok, Tokyo, Bali, Sydney, Europe, Paris, London, Amsterdam, New York, Dubai, Morocco, Sau Paolo, I'm just so lucky to be able to do what I do, and so lucky to have a dog, and who comes and you know, wants to kiss me every five minute.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: When he is not on tour, Amine unwinds is at home in Marrakesh.
AMINE K: We are here in Marrakesh, for me this is the most beautiful in Morocco, it's a good image of what Morocco is, and it's the country of hidden beauty.
Africa is the future, Africa is by far is one of the most beautiful continent in the world, who has some of the nicest people in the world, the artistic, diversity, is so intense here. There's so many things to do in Africa.
We are at a (Inaudible), which is 30 minutes from Marrakesh. I really love to come here simply because reconnection with nature, obviously it's quite important to my job, because I had trouble a lot, truly tiring, you must flee in big cities, this is one of the places where I really find some peace, and I can also, you know, rebuild my inspiration.
I'm very, very lucky to live in Morocco, here in Marrakesh, surrounded by nature, surrounded by nice people. And all of these inspires me and obviously all my travels, you know, when you're in Europe for one week, and in Asia, the other week. The madness of the touring, the madness of the business, combined with a quietness of my place, the quietness of Marrakesh. This is what makes it an interesting melting pot.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Despite having achieve international acclaim, Amine isn't done conquering his industry.
AMINE K: When did I realized that I've made it? Never. And I will never make it. Because, we improve, well, at least we try to improve ourselves every day, I'm happy with what I achieved. I'm super happy with a team of, you know, like-minded and beautiful and hardworking people that I have been working with for past 10 years, (inaudible), no it's just the beginning, every day is a new beginning.
[03:50:00] (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What's up? My Africa is beautiful, colorful, and powerful. My name is DJ ballot, I'm a Dj, and I'm from Senegal. Boom.
When I was 15 years old I decided I realized that I love music and DJ is my passion. I met the best DJ's in Senegal. His name is DJ Gbase, I just tell him that, you know, I love your job and I really want to teach me how to be a DJ. He said no problem.
So I started to teach me some techniques, some scratch, some mix on how to do it. I love RNB, right, that is my style, and when I heard it, they say wow that is amazing, they say is American hip-hop, European hip-hop, like I'm a beat maker, I have different people, so I need to make them happy, that is why I'm playing everything.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: His love and passion for music has allowed him to play in venues all over the world, but today, he is preparing to entertain his home crowd.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Let's do it.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: In African Renaissance monument.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: this place is so important especially for me because all my big events I did it here.
I'm playing four like five or 10,000 people, here, that is amazing for me.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: He's work is inspired by the beats, and lyrics of his favorite artists. And in the studio, creative collaboration come to life.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is my brother, Nic, he is the best Senegal's rapper. And you know, he's my brother, we work together.
And this is he's son, the best sound engineer in Africa.
Here we are in African victory, this is the place of the creation, I'm a DJ and I'm the producer at the same time, magical things are happening.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And it was here where Nixon DJ dollar created their hit single, BDay girl.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The impact of these songs, it's a hit in Senegal, DJ's are playing in clubs, they are playing on the radio, the official video is everywhere in Senegal, on TV, this song made me international, with the song, I did my European tour, I've been in France, with Booba, the best French rapper, and after France, I went to USA, and the southwest festival with Ditto, I've been in Mali, in Africa, and not far from Senegal with Wiz kid, before all of that, I did show with Sean Paul in Senegal. Yes, I can say I'm a busy man.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And with always success abroad comes an even greater desire to bring Senegal along for the journey.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I can explain to the sound engineer to use some Senegal instruments and it's a magic for me. It's the way to promote some instruments from Senegal. You feel the African vibe, I like it. That's nice. Senegal is represented around the world, we've got some big artists,
but for me, all those young artist was coming the new generation, I work for them.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: There is success today is obvious, his career choice was not always accepted by his family.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I was studying, and at the same time I was DJ-ing. But my dad didn't know. The only person would know is my mom. And the family does not like me to be a DJ. You just need to focus on your studies is very difficult, because you need to trust to yourself, and you need to be ambitious to realize some projects and you know, realize your dreams.
[03:55:00] My dream as a DJ was very important for me is when my dad authorize me to do it. It was very special for me, because I feel free right now, I can do whatever I want, I can create, I can do some things as a DJ.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Back at the Renaissance Monument, DJ Dollar is getting ready for his set.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Tonight, I'm the DJ for one of the biggest artist, his name is techno, he is an international artist, and he is going to be big tonight.
This is my first time to DJ onstage with him.
It's like you are leader you give to people what they need. I'm feeling like a (inaudible). My favorite part of the DJ is when I'm dj-ing for people. When they are happy, I'm happy.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: but the cost of ending, the night is still young for one of the Senegal's top DJ's.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Now is 4:00 am, so right now I'm all my way to go to the festival, I love it -- I love my life.
I'm so, so tired and if I see my people just dancing having fun, it's like some energy drinks for me. So, I'm getting new energy just going from them.
For me the first DJ that breaks the glass in the international thing in Senegal, means a lot for me, because you know, I'm young, right? And I got my people behind me. I got new generation of DJ's, in Africa who is following me. The future for DJ Dollar is just being international, on one of the top DJ's in Africa, I want to be one of the top DJ's in the world. And for the past is good to remember where I'm coming from, to remember really who I am. And where I am going, towards the future.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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