“To reach the highest level as I can in everything I do. In this case it is playing in SINISTER.”
Walter Bokito Tjwa

An interview with Walter Bokito Tjwa of SINISTER by Analaura of Eminent Proclivity.

Walter Bokito Tjwa (Guitars)
Current Bands: SINISTER (2018 - Present); RADIATHOR (1989 - Present)
Born: September 19, 1969; Rotterdam, City in the Netherlands
Previous Bands: HIDDEN REMAINS, MANDATOR, DIVISION666, DEATHSQUAD, and ANGER OF MAN.

Where are you originally from and where do you call home now? "... I am originally from Rotterdam the Netherlands and that is where I still live. I lived in a couple of places more, but I call Rotterdam still my home...”

Who are some of your musical icons growing up? "... Wow! Those are a lot of icons for me! Edward Van Halen, Ace Frehley, James Hetfield, Kirk Hammet, Gary Holt, Kerry King, Steve Vai, Marty Friedman, Tony Mac Alpine, Vinnie Moore, John Petrucci, Terrance Hobbs, John Gallagher and Paul Gilbert.”

What or who are some of your modern-day favorite musicians? "... John Petrucci and Edward Van Halen are my Gods! ...”

What was your first instrument and what brand or style was it? At what age was it? "... I played the drums as well, back in the day but my father gave me a guitar when I was 10 years old. I didn't do shit with this piece of wood; it was an acoustic guitar. When I was 12, I bought an electric guitar for $25. On this cheap shit guitar I started figuring things out. I only play-backed on MOTÖRHEAD, JUDAS PRIEST and IRON MAIDEN. I even couldn't tune the guitar. The father of a friend of mine did the tuning. It was a Stratocaster kinda guitar and I believe it was a Hondo. My mother had a piano, so I played that thing now and then...”

Who first introduced you to the metal music genre? "...It was my older brother. He was not living with us but when he came, he always brought albums of KISS, PRIEST, MAIDEN, MOTÖRHEAD, BLACK SABBATH, and ACCEPT...”

What was it like for you joining SINISTER? What emotions overcame you when you heard the news? "... For me was/is SINISTER, death metal band no. 1 from the Netherlands. So, you can understand that when they asked me, I was a thrilled happy mother fucker, and until this day, I still am thankful for this opportunity that Adrie gave me...”

What is your fuel for life? What drives your passion? "... To reach the highest level I can in everything I do. In this case it's playing in SINISTER. I am always trying to push the envelope to get myself and people around me to the next level...”

At what age would you say you hit your prime in your music career? "... The last seven years, when I joined SINISTER was a roller-coaster for me. More traveling, a lot of touring, bigger audiences. I almost feel like a ‘real’ rockstar...”