The Gambia’s international reggae dancehall hearthrob, Singateh aka Freaky Joe has said that his ongoing US  tour is marked with cloudburst stage performances as his ongoing annual US tour continues to intensify.

He added that since he arrived in the US, he had been working day-in-day-out to develop his music to another level.

In a recent chat with What’s On achorman from his base in the US, the young star disclosed that since he arrived he has been working relentlessly in studios to record new stuff.

"But, Alhamdullah, am ok, doing some great work these days. I want to move my music to another level. As you know I intend to drop my 4th album, which is more or less for the American market, very soon," he said.

The Gambia reggae dancehall sensation earlier on traveled to Germany where he has already inked a deal with a Stuttgart-based record company called Mega Force Records who are key sponsors of his much anticipated, 14 track CD – "Wonders & Signs".

However, Singateh also disclosed to this columnist that right now he is busy looking for a breakthrough in the US market as he now working with some big promoters and producers well known in  US showbiz.

" However, I met some Gambian brothers who are really doing well here and are making all efforts to link me up with big timers in the US rap force. I can say my  third trip is  more fruitful than previous ones,’ Singateh disclosed.

The Gambia’s reggae dancehall star disclosed that, in September, he will be moving to Canada to study  music production and engineering until December when he will be heading home to set-up his own recording label – Singateh Entertainment.

According to him, he has already staged a few shows since he arrived in the US, notably in Atlanta .

" All the Gambians who attended these shows were really impressed that I am moving to another level and with the hot stage act," he said.

Singateh, will appear on stage on 2nd August  at a programe organized by the Senegalese Association in Atlanta, Georgia, in which the Senegalese-born world famous R&B rap star - Akon is expected to be the chief guest of honour.

According to reports, some Senegalese ministers are expected to graced the occasion.

This is going to be the a record-breaking event for The Gambia’s sprouting talent as his 2008  US tour intensifies.

He is  expected to perform in Seattle, Washington on August 16th alongside the 2006 Miss Gambia USA crown holder - Amie Dibba and Chess to be  organised by Saidy Ceesay and Saikou Fatty a.k.a Boy, who are all renowned promoters based in the US.
 
The show moves to Jerome Avenue, Bronx, New York on August 23rd with a Gambian DJ called Waw International.

" So far these are the shows on the line-up but right now am concentrating more on the promotion and recording stuff as well making videos clips,” Singhateh explained.  

According to him, his new record label will deal with recording, making videos, both CD & DVD, production," he said.

The Gambian  international  further revealed that he already has some materials for his record label noting that what is left now is to go and study the technical know-how in Canada before proceeding to the Smiling Coast.

"I want tell all  my fans that I got so much for them as my  forthcoming album "Wonders & Signs’  will be available in The Gambia very soon together with my new DVD which consists of my new videos and concerts in America, Sweden, Germany and Austria. I am am here day and night working for my fans," he declared.

Interestingly, Singateh, did another big song with a Senegalese artist, Papi,s entiled  "LEGAY", Wollof for work . Watch out for this new combination single, coming out in The Gambia very soon.

Freadyman is undisputedly among the newest Gambian talents of recent times dancehall reggae music.

With his unique style, Fready offers reggae with a distinctive message. He sing songs about  love and economic empowerment, as well as peace in the world. With a range that moves from sensitivity to rage over injustice, much of Freadyman's music is centered on the welfare of the poor and those on society's fringe. Freadyman is also a staunch supporter of African unity.

The young budding  star  began to develop his musical carrier when he was in the high school, and serving his musical apprenticeship with a group from Gambia known as new edition and later with one of the most famous groups called Hamaleh G, who are currently in Europe, working to develop their music carrier. While in Europe, freadyman happened to be a guest artist in many big concerts, and has staged with famous artists like Cañaman (Mad Sensi), the biggest reggae group from Spain, and many others.

For freadyman, the music is a vehicle for the message that he wants to send across to the world. The young artist is now busy working on his new and first solo CD, which is to be released in early 2008. He has climbed the platform as the newest breed with marvellous reggae music. Mixing African manual instruments to reggae and stiring properly his burns steadily like a dread furnace.

traditional manual instruments one would at least think of fusing with reggae’s groovy beats are forced to be in a happy matrimony with the baseline, drums, horns and the melody. Freadyman, a youthful Gambian ensemble, is serving reggae with the spice of Kora (West African local guitar), Djembe and the Flute. He merges its heritage, culture and tradition to the popular reggae that has eaten deep into the nerves of all. The end result leaves ears in awe; drifting in the surprise of such a savvy mix.

When it comes to entertainment in The Gambia, a name Hurricane rings a bell. However, in the recent years, the country music industry has witnessed a rapid improvements especially with the existence of the new emerging  breeds in the dancehall force.

Although many are also force to quits the rap industry due to reason or the other. Some financial constraints to developed their stuffs some are based on reason best known to them Hurricane is undisputedly another upcoming dancehall star struggling to reach international stardom.

The Brikama -based Sainey Cessay widely known by his music sobriquet as Hurricane, was born in 1986 to a music loving Dad and Mum.

However, his career in music dates back as far as his childhood time when he use to performed at cultural dance.

He was inspired into music by one Bobb (Jah Nalage), a loyal and devoted son of Senegambia.

His has a smooth infectious voice that can move a whole crowd when he perform on stage. His singing voice is just great.

Since, then the young dancehall star rapid rise to stardom has catapulted to the length and breath of the country. As a teenager he rebelled and began to sing reggae & deep afro.  It was during those years when he develops his liking of creating thought of cultural songs .

According to Onegambia.com, the young prolific reggae dancehall star put on his first public performance at very tender age.

Although skepting at first, it was at age of 20 when Huricane recorded his first hit tape (Take it slow) which rock the airwaves at that time and still remains a hit tune. Few months after the release of this audio tape, his popularity and music began to spread his all over especially in the Kombos.

His voice drenched with soul, sincerity and romanticism is the fundamental factor that forms a strong bond with any who hear him singing.

An invitation into musical world, Huricane requires an intriguing geography lesson. The sensuous singer, who earlier make his recording debut with the late show-bix hero M.J. (Bulldoff Record), later gave him this chance quickly became a believer and incorporated with multi-faceted project roots reggae & dancehall music aptly title (Cant Run Away ) .

“The title song a talk about where I'm from and it's my hope that everyone who listens feels that I have brought them into my world as a special quest. It's a happy moment, and fun to people of the world,”he said.

He observed that , African artists have often sung of the struggles of life in and out of the land adding that his songs speak of yearning for home, looking back with hope and contribution that will make our mother land and the  an Africa a better place.

Clifton George Bailey III widely known by his music sobriquet as Capleton, Jamaica’s most respected dancehall artiste on Tuesday landed on the tarmac of the Banjul International Airport ahead of his first concert on African soil. The much talked about concert will be held at Independence Stadium in Bakau on Saturday May 10, from 5pm to 6am.

Capleton aka the King of Fire was accompanied by two other renowned Jamaican artistes namely Jah Thunder and Culture Knox. He will be backed by David House Crew from St Marys in Jamaica .

The world renowned Jamaican dancehall star was received at the airport by the top brass of the Vybz Victimz, who are the sole organisers, amid thousands of youth who later escorted him through the streets of the Greater Banjul Area to his Ocean Bay Hotel in Bakau.

In a chat with What’s On , Eku PL Grant, deputy chief executive officer (CEO) who also doubles as  Vybz Victimz Productions Public Relations Officer, said his productions company was established 10 years ago by some young dynamic like-minded people.  "So the company came into being and this is the first concert we are organising in Africa. We are happy that Capleton is one of those who matters in the world music industry". He thanked Dynasty  Force in Germany for the arrangement although it was financed by Vybz Victimz.

For her Part, Claudette Kamp aka Fire  Mama,#the managress of Capleton expressed delight about the tumultuous welcome accorded to Jamaican star of the moment and entourage from the airport  through the streets of Serrekunda to Bakau.

According to her, she has been managing the world renowned star for six years now noting that this is their first trip to Mama Africa.

"I was so impressed with the welcome accorded to us in The Gambia. It was like his Imperial Majesty Haile Salassie’s visit to Jamaica . Another fascinating thing was the time when I heard youth singing the old tunes of  Capleton .  I  thought people in this part of the world did not know much about Capleton,"she said.

"I want to tell Capleton’s fans that we love them dearly and respest them so much.I wish  they also visit Jamaica one day" She added.  The Jamaican dancehall star will stage his second concert on may 11 which will coincide with the commemoration of Bob Marley Day at  Jakarlo, around Senegambia.

A brief  biography

Born Clifton George Bailey III on April 13 1967, in the rural parish of St Marry. He earned his future name from friend who were so impressed with his sharp rasoning skills and they named after the most famous  lawyer town.

From tender age he was a lover of the travelling systems, sneaking out nights to catch the vibes until down. But It wasn’t until he turned 18 and move to Kngstons that he was able to realise his destiny.

When it comes to entertainments in The Gambia, Pisces name rings a bell. Pisces is undoubtedly one of the leading reggae dancehall selectors of our recent times.

Otherwise known as the Real Mycoy, the young selector’s career in music dates back as far as his secondary schooling times. Since then he has been in the forefront of the Gambia’s music industry and has been very instrumental in the entertainment scene, which earned him to get as many fans as possible especially among the youth folk. Virtually all his shows, the young selector hot-golden fingers and selecting skills is just great. He has the ability to virtually move a crowd of youngsters especially music enthusiast when it come to reggae vibes.

Pisces founded Onetribe Sound, years ago and this sound is now internationally recognised. Onetribe Sound has representative both in England and Belgium as well. It was established in the United States and since then, has been breaking international records.

Pisces is currently one of DJ’s at West Coast Radio station. Basically, Onetribe sound as the name implies, was set up to gather people of different origin, race or background together through entertainments.

In 2007, Onetribe sound won an international trophy in Switzerland. Recently, due to his promising future and prolific skills, he was awarded as the best 2007 Club DJ of the year organised by Gambian Talent Promotions (GTP) at a ceremony held at the Kairaba Beach Hotel..

What’s On recently caught up with him and had this exclusively chat, where he talks a lot about his Switzerland award, recent GTP as well as his DJ career among others.

Excerpts:

Can you give us a brief account of yourself? My real name is Mustapha Manjang. I have been in the entertainment scene for a quite a while now since my high school days. I attended Gambia High School and finished in 1991. I travelled to the United States the same year to pursue my educational career at the University of Maine in the United States of America.

Are you married?

Oh yeah, am married and even got a six year old daughter.

When was Onetribe Sounds established?

I founded Onetribe Sound in 1997 in the USA and introduced it to the people of The Gambia in 1999.

At Onetribe we are original in whatever we do. That is why I even get the name "Real Mycoy".

Why do you called yourself Pisces?

Well Pisces is my star sign.

But others called you the Real Mycoy. What those that actually mean?

(Laughs).. the name Mycoy was an engineer in the United States back in those days who discovered an engine oil and this engine oil become very popular at that time. So when people go to buy this oil from the shops, they use to ask is it the Real Mycoy meaning, is it the original oil. Basically, it means the original and not a copy. It was a very popular word and was use almost everyday at the time in the United States. So since being the only selector with the name Pisces that’s how I got the sobriquet meaning, the original and not a copy.

How big is Onetribe Sound?

(Laughs)…Well Onetribe Sound is a big family sound movement. It’s a world wide sound I can say. Is like we play simultaneously in England and Belguim. We have Omsy B in Birmingham and D Masta in Belguim.

Later on G-Faal and Yanks joined us. But I started it first and Omsy B came on board in 2000 and D Masta in 2004. So we are the three main selectors. However, we get quick popularity in The Gambia mainly from our dub plates- (this are special praise song that an artist promotes someone).

Also we are skilled when it comes to mixing and our communication styles. Is like me, I spent a lot studying music.

Onetribe organised a special day called the Decent Thursday at Waaw night club every Thursday night. How busy is this night in The Gambia?

(Laughs)….Well, it is the biggest reggae dancehall party throughout Africa and is in its fifth year. In addition, we also play at Cotton night club every Sunday. Is like this days, all journeys lead to Waaw and Cotton night club.

What’s the main target of Onetribe Sound?

Well I started Onetribe sound with the intention to unite people together. Everyone loves music especially the youths and apart from Sports, music is the next game that gather people together.

What are some of your biggest achievements since inception some 10 years ago?

(Laughs)…our achievements are many. However, Since the formation, we purchased a sound system worth over one million dalasis in the UK. I can name all our achievements we have registered because they are many.

Onetribe won an international trophy in Switzerland in 2007. Tell us little about this sound clash and how many sound systems took part in the clash?

(Laughs)… the name of the competition was called 1-2-3 Baddan Dan mega sound clash hosted by the legendary David Rodigan. It was well competed by three other big sound systems, one from New York called Kevlar Tone, Ghetto Genius from UK and the Soldier Sound from the host country of Switzerland.

How tough was that sound clash?

Oh it was really tough for an African sound coming from a small country –The Gambia. Also people had the believed that good things never come out from Africa. But before we got into the competition, I had the believed that we will win because I had more experience that all those sounds. Onetribe has been around before all those sounds and we got more dubbed plates than them.

Recently you grabbed another prestigious award as the best 2007 club DJ of the year. Was it a surprise to you because of the category you were group which involves other finest DJ’s?

(Laughs)…Oh! no it wasn’t a surprises to me. This was long over due. We are like a column or pillar in the entertainment scene because if you minus us in this things, it will be boring. So I really appreciates the award. But it doesn’t defined us because with the award Pisces is still Pisces and people love and respect what I do.

Do you plan to bring any foreign artist in The Gambia in the near future?

Oh! yeah I have plans but I think is important to help our local talents. I want to export our local star internationally before I import them. We have good artist and I think if we give them the necessary support they will leave up to expectations.

The Gambia’s music industry is developing steadily in recent years. Do you think there is still more room for improvement?

Oh! Yeah, our boys are developing to some extend. But a lot need to be done. The Gambia has a small population so in terms of music sales, it is a bit low compared to other countries.

Another aspect is that Gambians appreciate things that comes from outside The Gambia than what we have in the country. Let us give them the necessary support and they will excel. Again, let us love and respect artists. Music has no frontiers just take an example of Senegal. That country is now known internationally in music and sports thanks to Akon, the Senegalese born world acclaimed R&B celebrity and Youssour Ndour among other big stars selling that country to the internationally.

Who is your favourites Gambia artists?

(Laughs)…Well I can’t tell that. They are all my stars and I love and respect them for their work.

Any final word?

Yeah, each one teach one and let us respect and love one another. Gambia forward!!!

Melody M. aka Aruna  Jah, an emerging Gambian dancehall, hip hop, mbalax and a mix cultural artist is soliciting for assistance from music lovers and well wishers of arts and culture to duplicate his latest CD album.

Mr Jah, speaking to Arts and Culture recently said that he has produced 13 track songs due to  be release but lack of sponsorship according to him is the main problem hindering the release. He noted that all the studio  and other related artistic work has been done.

The album contains beautiful and melodious songs like My Love, Are You Ready, Darling Scorpion, Gingama Yahya Jammeh and Amie Sallah among others.

The young Gambian artist therefore, urges anyone with the interest to help him to contact 9936287.