Sauntering around Dhaka Lit Fest with effortless swag, heavy metal rocker Yoss' look embodied the 80s hairmetal vibe complete with camo pants, spiked cuffs and a black bandana. Interestingly, José Miguel Sánchez, also known as Yoss is one of Cuba's and Latin America's most celebrated science fiction writers. Publishing over 30 books that have been translated into French, Italian, Polish, English and Japanese, Restless Books translated and published his novel A Planet for Rent for the first time in the United States. A highly acclaimed book with seven endings, it includes and addresses topics such as sex work, government corruption and even intolerance and immigration.
I'm very proud of this musti-ethnicity and this warmth. I feel at home when I'm here
The lead vocalist of the Cuban heavy metal band TENAZ, Yoss graced DLF's KK Tea stage on Friday to partake in "A multiverse of ideas." He chatted with broadcaster Marcel Theroux and novelist Ranbir Sidhu to discuss alternate worlds and thoughts with Bangladeshi novelist Saad Z Hossain.
The Dhaka Tribune caught up with the writer as he shared his love for Bangladesh, talked about his distaste for U2's Bono and told us how he finds samosas irresistible.
1.What did you like best about DLF?
The multi-nationality and multi-ethnicity of the place. I love how everyone communicates and understands each other here.
2.What was the most striking part of your talk at DLF?
While discussing Cuban science fiction, I discovered there are a lot of similarities between Cuba and Bangladesh.
3.Best thing about Bangladesh?
The congeniality of all the people that I meet. From the one's who I pass by to people I see on the streets, smiling at me - everyone is so warm and friendly. I'm very proud of this multi-ethnicity and this warmth. I feel at home when I'm here. For a few moments I forget Bangladesh is so different from Cuba. I really do feel like I'm back home.
4.What's the best book of all time?
Science fiction novel The Stars My Destination by the American author Alfred Bester. It's my favourite book. Maybe it's not the best book of all time, but it's definitely my favourite.
5.If there was one book you wish you had written, which one would it be?
The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chauce – this, I wish I had written.
6. Did you get a chance to try Bangladeshi food?
I love spicy food! Bangladesh for me, feels like heaven. I ate puri, tandoori chicken, a lot of samosas! And I loved the samosas and enjoyed all the food a lot. Usually, Cuban people never try spicy food. When people kept offering me these spicy delights, I said bring it on! They were shocked and kept saying "Yoss, it's going to burn like hell!" I guess hell for one man is paradise for another.
7. Funniest movie you ever watched?
The feature film, science fiction movie Terminator 2 Judgement Day.
8. One song that is closest to your heart?
A song from the Rolling Stones – You are always on my mind. It's a song of nostalgia, it's a song of love and it's a song of optimism.
9. Two rockstars you'd like to meet, living or dead?
Very good question. First would be Janis Joplin, the American rockstar from the 60s. She has such a beautiful voice. I want to meet her and ask, why did you have to die so young?
Another rockstar Bono from U2. I'd like to ask him why he doesn't die!
10. How would you define your personal style?
Just any other mister, part rocker and part superhero.
11.Favourtie superhero?
The Punisher is my favourite superhero. I know everyone speaks of Batman and say he's their favourite superhero, he has great super power but he has a great superpower the money.
12. What do you find totally irresistible?
The truth.
13.What are two things you cannot tolerate?
Lies. And fools.