Celebrating the Kora

The indigenous Gambian 21 string harp known as the kora, which is embraced in many parts of the world is the key musical instrument that is identical to the to The Gambia and its cultural heritage. Kora which originated from Sanementereng in the West Coast region of the Gambia is becoming a product reaching its climax of its life cycle and it has come to the attention of Mr. Oko Drammeh, an African music impresario who was behind many concerts and the African Music Festival in Holland and Hollywood since the 80s promoting African cultural music; is craving to revive, restore and preserve the traditional values of Kora for future generation.

It is said that, of all the instruments that has helped define traditional African music, none may be more iconic than the signature musical instrument of West Africa, Kora. This year in the recorded history of Gambian music, starting from April 25, Kora musicians from different cultures and countries of all the continents will pay homage to the unique 21 string harp in Brikama at the first International Kora Festival for a two week musical and cultural events organized by Mr. Oko Drammeh. The ministry of Tourism and Culture and the National Centre for Arts Culture has also chipped in to support the initiave and urged all stakeholders to partner with this laudable initiative in anyway possible, for it has tremendous potentials to generate revenue, create employment for young people and serve as a fertile ground for the preservation, promotion and development of the Kora traditions of The Gambia. Kora griots, traditional troubadours and historians known as the Jalis of The Gambia will be the focal point of the festival and the role of Kora elders as the staff-bearers of the legacy of the Kora instrument and the empires behind the instrument. According to Oko Drammeh the festival director, The festival will cover a two week program including a conference,film night, lectures, seminar, traditional music performances, symposium, workshop, festival stage and art market place to be held in different locations: The University of The Gambia, The Gambia College, Sun Swing Hotel hall, Museum of The Gambia, Arch 22, Brikama Stadium and the Alliance Franco Gambienne all geared towards turning Brikama into world's Kora capital and thus reviving the indigenous Gambian 21 string harp and the pride and dignity of Kora griots in boosting their sense of ownership of the instrument's heritage.

Speaking to journalists last week at the Alliance Franco Gambienne, Mr. Drammeh, said due to the national assembly elections in the country and the elections in Senegal, and the upheavals in Mali and Guinea Bissa, the festival was rescheduled to better suite those coming from those part of the world. Drameh who place much importance on the promotion of African culture added few brush strokes to the painting “due to the declining nature and fading away of kora players, especially the children of kora griots who are now engaged in finance, trade and other jobs because of the lack of financial benefits and respect for being a kora player I decided to come up with the Kora festival” he said. He further appealed to the general public to dress Gambian for two weeks during the festival to make it a memorable and milestone event in the history of the Gambia.

The international reknown kora player/teacher based in France, Jali Saiku Sawo on behalf of the kora griots told journalists that they are very much elated and grateful to Oko Drammeh for the wonderful idea of innaugrating the re-birth of the Kora instrument. Jali Saiku Sawo, further explained that the kora is from Sanementereng, The Gambia and recalled from history by saying that “even the first kora festival held in Mali in 1988 was won by a Gambian living in Mali ” In light of that fact and the nature of the present kora industry, they will do ehat ever it takes to make the festival a memorable and exciting one.

The NCAC which also took pride in associating with the first International Kora Festival and welcomed the idea to sell The Gambia to the world.The director of literature, performing and fine arts, NCAC Sheihk Omar Jallow further eched his statement “the kora is an indigenous instrument that is worthy to be promoted” and Martin Didier, the Director of Alliance Franco Gambienne expressed his delight over the festival “I am behind supporting culture and in the near future, i will be proud to associate myself with the kora” he said.

Sizzla reacts to the negativities as being homophobic

Sizzla Kalonji a Jamaican reggae artist has on 26 March 2012 released his statement for being constantly attacked and series of “attempts to sabotage or cancel his show in Sweden is a form of censorship against him and the musical genre”.  According to the release, false information are being written to malice and defame the Jamaican reggae icon's character.  Sizzla who just recovered from a horrific accident where he almost lost his life have not been arrested, convicted, or charged with any crime and does not have a criminal record or what so ever. He abides and will continue to abide by the laws of any State in the World that he chooses to visit or is invited to visit. The tour he intended to do  partly represent a thanks for the prayers and love from the millions of fans around the world who prayed for him to make a speedy recovery. Kalonji Musik and Pride music said it is a form of censorship and is designed to create maxim economic damage to the promoters, the artist, the staff, everyone involved in the construction of the tour, and the reggae industry at large.

Shyboy Entertainment to best serve the GM music scene hot

The young founder and producer with the fingers of a music power house, Hansin has told TODAY in few minutes interview that in the next two months to come the Gambian music scene will be experiencing a swift touch with eight brand new singles from his line of artists and a new thirst quenching line up which will feature about ten to twelve local acts.

Hansin whose official name is Alhassan Jallow is by all means a big player in the music scene. He has helped made the country rise to critical acclaim, which has earned him respect and an edge. When asked how many artists he has signed, he said “Am currently working with Vypa, Baddibunka, Bro K, M.L.C, Lena, E.N.C and Nasi B” and later disclosed that he is currently working on Vypa's new album due to be released soon. On Shyboy's one and only female artist Lena who was featured by Vypa in a song called “Amore”. Hansin said they are still working together and she will be neck deep in their upcoming projects.

The Shyboy's head also registered his concerns and suggestions for the upliftment of the GM music scene. He expressed the need to for more Gambians to engage in promotions like Black Lynx is doing , he added that Black Lynx cannot do everything, so if we want the music to take us another level we have to unite to achieve our most desired goals in the our country's entertainment industry. When asked what he thinks could ring the music scene back to how it should be, he opined that the factors deterring the productiveness of the music scene including the lack of good distribution networks in the country, poor culture of buying CDs and support from corporate entities among others would help. Hansin who is determined to push the Gambian music further, reiterated that in two months time Shyboy will reaffirm their commitment to what they set out to do. He urged Gambians to buy CDs and further commend the turn outs of the people during shows.

THE MAN WITH THE VIBES

Exclusive interview with Vibes FM's boss 

 

The role of media in the development of a country is very crucial, especially with regards to The Gambian entertainment scene which has been suffering many setbacks for ages now. Momodou Siray Jallow a veteran radio Presenter/Disc Jockey widely known as DJ Mo, the music terminator started as a DJ in 1983 at Safari Night Club, Brikama and then in 1993 we started working at the then Radio 1 FM as a presenter and deejay from there he moved to West coast radio in1997 where he was managing the affairs of the radio station for almost ten years. During his course of stay at West Coast radio he was into promotion of Gambian music, givng the local artists platform to expose their talent. In 2001, he single handedly produced the compilation called OneGambia which featured many local artists.

Sanna - You were last heard on west coast radio before starting your own radio station. How was it when you left them to start your own radio station? 

 

I just saw things going not the way I wanted to be in West Coast radio, because I managed that radio for almost ten years before it was sold to the present owner. When he bought it he decided to change things and things were not working right, and as for me things were not going the right way so I decided to start my own radio.

Sanna - How far are you willing to go with Vibes FM? 

 

Well I have said this over and over again that I want vibes FM to be nationwide and thats my target and secondly we are hear to build Gambian music, though most people will think that Vibes FM is not playing even 50 percent of Gambian music but we are planning to put up with good Gambian music. Not all music produced in the Gambia are good to be broadcasted on air.

Sanna - Have you ever considered starting a TV station here?

No.. Thats not my area because I don't know nothing about TV, all I know is radio thats where I have experience in because setting up a radio didn't take me more than thirty minutes. So for me TV is not for me.

Sanna - What are the innovative progammes do you have that your competitors don't?

We have a lot of programmes since we started, but (starts emphasizing) most people will listen to our programmes and remodify it and use it. Pura should take care of all the programmes in the radio stations to stop the piracy since they are the regulatory body. We are not even two years old but since we started, which program have we changed! We didn't change anything! but take for instance the other radios and check what they were doing before and what they are doing now. Since we started, all the radios are changing.. changing.. trying to catch up with Vibes. (laughs) but I dont blame them because I think they can't compete with Vibes FM when it comes to music because thats my area .

Sanna - What do you make of the competition between you and the other radio stations?

Well for me I used to say this, I have no competition. No radio station can boast up and say that they are nationwide . There is no radio station that have strong signal there. So were is the competition, the competition is in the Greater Banjul area and all I see is grudge not even healthy competition which is not the way a radio should market itself. Just six months ago we experienced frequency interferences, other radios interfering with our frequency signal which was sorted by PURA.

Sanna - Your radio's online presence is felt by many locally. What kind of feedbacks do you get from those abroad?

We are licensed to broadcast on air thats our priority but we go online so that we can have Gambians aroad to listen to us and feel at home.

Sanna -  How is the business side of Vibes FM. Are you making more money now than when you started tansmission last year?

We are not making money, to tell you the truth am not looking for money to be rich. I want to do radio and employ Gambians and pay them. If I want to make money I will go to other areas. Thats why when I came in I paid a five year license without even making a butut.

Sanna - How is your radio's coverage range?

We are going far across foni Bintang Karanai. They do call us with strong signals with no interference and PURA should look into it because in the Gambia its a problem. E.g if you are broadcasting on 106.1 and a radio in Foni broadcasting on lets say 105.9.. that radio would interfere with our frequency. They should know about the frequency and its the fact.

Sanna - How are you dealing with censorship in the country?

Well when I was given license to broadcast I was not told do this and don't do that.. I wrote my project plan and took it to them and they approved it and for us we are 90 percent music and we don't deal with politics or sensitive news that will give us problem.

Sanna - As a veteran DJ, dont you think radios should start paying royalties to the artists?

No ! I don't think they should pay royalties because we are not yet in that position to do that and thats a fact-- We are not making money, people think that when the copyright law come into force every play on air will be paid for not knowing that all the reggae and hip hop labels will also send their people here to collect their royalties as well. The Gambia government will not say 100 percent Gambian music, thats not posibble. Ppeople should know that not just by putting your demo or single on air you should be paid for it. Number one you have to go register and they will see whether you are the owner of the lyrics and whether you have not copied anyone... So it is a very long process..

Sanna - Are you content with the standard of music our brothers and sisters make to be played on Vibes FM?

Well I don't interfere with my Djs when they play their songs, They can play any Gambian music but if you listen to my shows, I play very good Gambian music. For me if we want Gambian music to hit internationally we have to sing in English... Many people think that all the time we should sing in the local dialect.. local dialect stops here in the Gambia. Its good though if you want to hit The Gambia but when it comes to the international market you have to sing in English also.

Sanna - Tell us about your achievements so far?

Yea.. well, when I was in Radio 1, I was the first to start pushing Gambian music even George Christen would say that. And when I left Radio 1 for west coast, there I was into so much promotions in night clubs and so on in those days but it came at a time where I felt that I should give chance to the young ones for them to take up the challenge, after doing OneGambia Vol1 and Vol2. 

Sanna - Since you started transmission. How many young people have joined you so far?

More than twenty Gambian youths have joined me and are employed.

Sanna - What do you have to say to those aspiring to where you are and anything you wish to say?

Let them just keep the faith in anything they want to do and with respect. My last word is for people to come patronise Vibes FM because it is Gambian.

 

Ray J conflicted for being Whitney's enablerRay J conflicted for being Whitney's enabler

The 31 year old Ameican singer, Ray J is pissed that people are accusing him of being Whitney's enabler and, even worse, fueling her with the fatal dose of cocaine.
According to TMZ, Ray J's representative tells them that “the singer had no knowledge that Whitney was using again”. The rep says Ray J is especially upset at claims made by Bobby Brown's sister, Leolah Brown, who went on TV Thursday night and suggested Ray J was to blame for Whitney's demise. The singer said the claim is absolute B.S. TMZ was also told that Ray J wasn't even around Whitney the day she died. He was in San Diego. 

Ray J who is Brandy's younger brother is also under pressure for being in possesssion of photos or videos painting whitney and him in a bad light. Ifpress reports that the singer's rep slammed reports that suggesting the R&B star is in possession of an explicit sex tape featuring the late Whitney Houston, insisting the footage does not exist. Ifp reports. The Houston family are in a very difficult state and begged Ray J to keep the material under wraps following the singer's death last month.

Cuttie Williams set to launch his debut album in the inspirational land of Africa, The Gambia

Cuttie Williams first visited the country in January and just like many visitors or holiday makers; he fell in love with the beautiful people and the land of the smiling coast of Africa. He is here in the country to launch his debut album “NOW AND THEN” which was not out of the kitchen during his first visit, and since then he’s been having the tickling feeling to go back to England to finish his unfinished projects. Now the album is fully baked and ready to be served to the world but first the Gambia is given the total honor to have the first taste of the album as the land of inspiration and spiritual landmarks as Oko Drammeh delicately put it during the press conference he called on Tuesday 3 April at Alliance Francaise Banjul. “The Gambia is a spiritual and divine revelation for blacks around the world” said Mr. Drammeh who is working with Cuttie Williams and the marketing strategist. According to Cuttie Williams himself, the album “NOW AND THEN” is predominantly soulful reggae, jazzy and more diverse. It is an 11 track album which was mostly produced by him with a lot of help from other musicians to make the album thorough. Oko Drammeh further explained that, Cuttie Williams is a success story in music and that’s why he is proud to be part of the success story and he is confident that Williams can offer a lot more than just collaborating with local acts but he can change the perspective of Gambian music scene in terms of his vast experience and knowledge in studio engineering and musical instruments, “my interest in his music is scientific and as well as social ” said Mr. Drammeh “though The Gambia is not the financial centre for Williams music but it is his source of inspiration to conquer the world” he added.

The official launching and release date of the NOW AND THEN album will be known to all very soon.

A gifted Caribbean vocalist musician born in London, England ,started his musical journey as a bass player learning his craft at a snail's pace listening to the likes of the great Aston family man Barret of the Wailers, and Motown’s genius Jamie Jameson before graduating to have the honor of standing with bass in hand behind the legendary Alton Ellis (the godfather of rock steady) Horace Andy, Carroll Thompson, Louisa Mark amongst many other pioneers of Reggae and then adding vocal strings to his bow to travel to the next level to provide the world with good music.

Cuttie Williams who spent his formative years in the beautiful island of St. Kitts located in the eastern Caribbean is no stranger to the world of live entertainment, a true connoisseur in the field of performing arts and a charismatic performer with a vibrant range and flavor in vocal and a harmonious gift gracing the international platform with a variety of music genres like Soul, R&B, Reggae, Calypso, Latin, Jazz with a quality that can be experienced for self only. He catered for most occasions, where he has been likened as soul legend Marvin Gaye with the majestic presence of Bob Marley.

Over the years Cuttie has worked with some of the finest artists and musicians who have provided the sound tracks of our lives for many a generation like Tina Turner, Earth, Wind and Fire, Jocelyn Brown, Alexander O’Neil and so many other acts he has graciously opened concerts for and sang for. He is currently in the Gambia to launch his debut album “Now and Then”

The GM emcee with a passion for Xam Xam (The 5th element of Hip Hop)

  Most certainly among the few icing the cake of Hip Hop in GM

A thorough emcee who began feeling a strong sense of belonging in what many would call the Hip Hop Generation or Generation XX at an early age. Omid 'Seko' Wisdom, by his eighth grade began to fall in love with 'spittin' (rhyming), and writing, which thus led him to become one of the most respected and recognized emcees the country has ever had. He is an elite emcee who is well known for delivering food for thought lines in a more philosophical point of view every time he grabs the microphone on his hand.
La Cosa Nostra [This thing of Ours] which literally means 'Sunnu Allel' in wolof, is a movement he is known to have affiliations with, consisting of a line of local emcees with multicultural individuality and a day to day understanding of the universal language, Hip Hop. The movement's resume entails a wide array of commendable works – mix tapes, albums, compilations from the colorful environs of mama Africa {The Gambia}to overseas with Omid Wisdom featured in almost each and every one of those mixtapes, albums and compilations. In 2005 he was featured on Smoke Doctah's Afrolution compilation alongside Hakim, one half of formerly The Boys, which made its way to one of most respected entertainment mediums like MTV 2, Channel O and BBC reviews. Wisdom as fondly called is alo affiliated with many acts like Metaphysics, Omzo, Wawesh, X Plastaz just to name but a few. From then on, he chose to relate others to his journey in light-hearted philosophical but realistic terms. 'The becoming'' .”Sometimes one must un-become to become less”, “One becomes what he would want to un-become”. Whenever questioned on issue of generating income from the music scene, he would simply puts it this way- just look around yourself, there you will have all the answers to, but don't forget to look inside of you.
On the other side of the coin, he is also an inspiring graffiti artist, beat boxer and a producer who most fuses the rich African culture with modern day music. He is and has at present produced for some Gambian artist both at home and abroad and seeks to continue being a blessing to himself and his fellow 'songsters', but most importantly, his fans and the relative community through 'thorough music.

Omid wisdom have also been paying his dues by doing his bit in supporting the Universal Language through a radio show he had been hosting called Chronicles 101: The Wisdom of Testimonies at the Paradise FM radio station from 2009 to early 2010 giving himself and fellow Hip Hoppers a voice, in a somewhat environment that is susceptible to mainstream media, which had later been channelled towards outdoor shows called From the streets to the club, held at the Wow Nightclub among other spots. In brief, prior to his other upcoming projects, Chronicles 101: the Wisdom Of Testimonies, the Kassette Bu Jahaso. Omid Wisdom recently released a solo effort consisting of volumes 1 and 2 out in the market. The video of the single 'Afromatic' is at present creating waves on a worldwide front.

Chronicles 101: the Wisdom Of Testimonies, the Kassette Bu Jahaso Vol 3 and Volume 4 already in the works preceding his album X XKKX the EP.
For more Info contact 3576774.

Lyrics of all times

Omid Wisdom

Sometimes Many Days [Changed Who You Were]

Has it not been like many days?
Kind of tired of this game in many ways
If today, is like the coach to many days?
And this money can be made in many ways
Why I been praying for the same thing for many days?
I suppose I need to get my game right in many ways
Ku am catan,na ko atan for many days
Wai xam xam bi ku ko am in many ways?
To keep up with God, it’s like I need many days
Cuz God moves, God moves in many ways
And this beat is sick, like it didn’t have many days
Until I blessed it, blessed it, in many ways
Wisdom mind you, has it not been like many days?
Life has taught you, many things, in many ways
But expectancy, expect and see
Sometimes many days changed who you were



Sometimes many days changed who you were x4



Sometimes many days is like a relationship with life,
that goes a little something like



Sometimes when I’m wrong, I lose my confidence
And then I learn and gain conscience
Sometimes when I’m right, it’s with all confidence
And there I go, slack with my conscience
Sometimes when I’m wrong, it’s false confidence
And then again slack with my conscience
Sometimes when I do right, I gain conscience
And then I learn and lose confidence
Sometimes when I do wrong its full consciousness
And then I learn and gain confidence
Sometimes when I do right its false consciousness
Being a law unto myself and my conscience
But wisdom mind you, don’t sear your conscience
What life taught you, judge with consciousness
But expectancy, expect and see
Sometimes many days, changed who you were



Sometimes many days, changed who you were x 4



Expectancy, expectancy, I feel like I need to x out, the specs and see
But I don’t were glasses, as a young man, I was always taught expect and see
If I X out the specifications, then what am I left with? Generalities
A tendency, a pendency, a dependency to pretend and see
Like X, [the] specs and see, three retired brothers by the names ‘X’ [Experience], ‘Spencer ‘[Expense] and ‘C [See]’
That needed to see, the specs and X the speculations to their expectancy
My mother always said to me, If God is your dependency, then depend and see
How you are going to expand and see
He created the sun, the moon, the expanse and seas
But expense, and C - notes, make expectancy, very expensive, see
‘Cause time is of the essence b
Maybe I need glasses, but as an Mc
No matter my expectancy
Can one really expect me to X out the pen and see?
But expectancy, expect and see
Sometimes many days, changed who you were



Sometimes many days, changed who you were x4



………………………………………………………………………..
Change is the only constant..
Never give up. (Omid Wisdom)
………………………………………………………………………..

Chronicles 101:The Wisdom Of Testimonies - The Kassette Bu
Jahaso] Vol 1

Available @
Timboktoo Bookstore - Fajara
Xpress Supermarket - Kololi
www.reverbnation.com/omidwisdom 
www. myspace.com/omidwisdom

Facebook – Omid Wisdom

5 minutes with BLOOD

I walked in his home studio at Bundung where most of his works with other artists take place.

Q1- Many people are mostly caught off guard when they here BLOOD. How did you come up with the name BLOOD?

Well... the name BLOOD, I quoted it from the holy book because I am a muslim, because God created mankind from a sensitive clot of blood. So I believe blood is very important cuz there is no man or animal and dem thing dem without blood in their veins. So I believe blood is a very important thing when it comes to human being cuz even human beings are related through blood. Blood is live itself and very imporatant, and thats why I came up with the name BLOOD cuz am part of every human being.

Q2- On the interview you had with Dj Senator last month on GRTS radio. You said ”what ever help is coming from the big man you are not getting the help. Can you clear that for us?

Its like this, even if it is coming then it is going to the wrong people though at times there might be help coming for the artists given to some people who dont know music and where to put the resources at the right places. Over the years there were so many artists that had the chance to meet with him but I dont think those artists ever tell him the problems Gambian artists are faced with you understand. Some artists would go somewhere and the tell the big man because they know if they tell him the problem he will solve it right there. and I believe he can solve it. {empasizing}You get me... But what about if you go there and explain your own personal problem then he would just solve your personall problem. So at the end of the day you will leave the other artists there, but me! I believe that if I have a chance to meet him once to sit with him and talk with him I will explain to him the problems of the gambian artists.

Q3- What is your impression about the music scene in The Gambia?

Well the Gambian music scene have actually started changing because you cannot say it is not changing because nowadays radios are playing our music though, they are not playing it up to the level of our satisfaction or to the level that we want them to. Atleast its better than nothing and the fanbase is also increasing, the Gambian music is like its different from years back when you find it very hard. Now when you go around you hear Gambian music on phones as ringtones. On the radios some Djs are playing our music especialy DJ senetor he loves Gambian music and has been playing Gambian over the years because he actually started with promoting Gambian music while some Djs out there started with foreign music. And its just now they have started to play our music somehow because they know things are beginig to change.

The music scene have changed, and all the artists need to do is we need to unite! The unification of the artists is very important because without it we will never make it. Because its only the artist that can change the music scene. So with the artists coming together we can make it.

Q4- Over the years you have gained considerable amount of radio replays. Are you satisfied with the level of promotions from the radio stations and the TV?

First of all I will give thanks to the most high. Over the years its like non of my tunes are been played on the radio. Me give thnx to god because is god who puts that thing which makes the people feel the music and Djs play it on the radios. Actually I have done so many songs that I have not that have not yet been taken to the radio stations for promotion. The only songs you hear on the radio are the products I have released.

Watch out for his album and other projects coming your way real soon God willing.

Background info about Blood in the music scene

A young Gambian artist by the government name Alasana Sanyang known by many in the country as Blood or Baba Blood, is by all means a gifted music lover who have been in the music scene for quite a while. He started recording his promotional songs since 2005, his records like “Gambian music” which came at a time when Gambian acts where in the state of confusion and playing blame games holding the Djs, promoters and organizers for not taking them seriously. The song unravelled the issues detering the music scene of the Gambia and issues surronding. The record title ::”Gambian music” have gone viral on almost every cell phone of young people and others and it was through that bluetooth transfers Sing'A'teh a well positioned artist/radio presenter got a hold of the track from MC Mballow to play it on his radio show on Paradise FM. Spreading on the airwaves like an epidemic and ofcourse gave BLOOD respect and recognition in the country all the way to the rural areas. His second promo song titled “One and Two” a sort of a comic version, which compels listeners to put the song on repeat have proven him to be beyond just a reggae artist only. Few months ago he released a salsa/reggae fusion love song titled “Nte ni tellen” which has created a buzz and played by Djs on the radios most especially, DJ Senator of the GRTS radio, Artical Slice (Total reggae connection TV show) and so many local Djs and promoters in town. Blood who regard himself as the voice of the artists and a young man who love his country and the people around him is also a record producer who have recently released a medley called “Lover's medley” the medley is at its first phase and consists of Royal messenger, Born African, Sofia and Blood himself. The medley video was played on Total Reggae connection TV show on GRTS and has been well received by the fans and some critics.
Blood also works with so many artists from different genres of music and I spoke with couple of 'em artists and fans as well and here is what they said about BLOOD:

...The music he is doing is great and people appreciate it, plus he is versatile and pay much attention to the message he put across, said-- Jah Michael...

... Right from the first day I saw him performing on the Open Mic held at Bundung six junction, I could tell he stood out among the rest, said – Born African