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WHAT’S ON: Olugander on Europe tour

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 04:30:28 GMT

Friday, September 19, 2008

Dr Olugander, alias Omar Ndong, one of The Gambia’s hottest reggae dancehall stars, last Saturday left The Gambia for a three-month tour of Europe. The young reggae dancehall giant is staging his first major concert in Germany. Olugander will later proceed to Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Poland where he will perform at a series of concerts.

The young reggae star was invited by a charitable organization operating in Germany and Africa called Basic Know How, whose main aim is to ensure free education for African youths and children, and to keep the environment healthy, fight against malaria, among other issues.

Dr Olugander and his band – the Promised Land Crew - will join other international bands.

The Promise Land bandleader is currently working on his next album called Stronger Dan Before, which is expected to be a hit album. Speaking to What’s On, Dr Olugander expressed delight at this great opportunity, which he said will not only expose him but will also help him to learn a lot about the music business.

He thanked his sponsors and all his supporters in The Gambia. So be on the look out for Stronger Dan Before.

Author: by Assan Sallah

WHAT’S ON: Jalex impressed with Sweden trip

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 05:30:23 GMT

Friday, August 08, 2008

The Gambia’s afromanding star, Jalex aka Akuntu has disclosed that his recent trip to Sweden was very successful as he had the chance to record new stuff as well as meet new artists there.

The young star has raised the country’s image internationally as he is one of very few artists who stick to their culture. Following his cloudburst stage performance at the London carnival last year, Jalex has become a big star and beacon of hope in the afromanding genre.

His rapid rise to stardom has been evident in his concerts both at home and abroad. During his first concerts in Folks Park in Malmo, the young star performed in front of thousands of music enthusiasts comprising different nationalities in Sweden.

His Folks Park concerts was impressive. His hot stage appearances in the Scandinavian country earned him fans throughout the length and breadth of the country.

About the trip

Speaking to Whats On, the young afromanding star disclosed that his trip to Sweden was facilitated by a promoter based in Stockholm, who was working with a group called Foreign Ngem Original Music `Promotions and the Reggae Warrors.

"These people wanted a Gambian artist to perform for them in Sweden, and I was eventually recommended. That is how the trip came about. I left The Gambia and had my first stage performance in Malmo," he said.

The Afromanding star further revealed that all the shows he staged were full to capacity. "Though only a few Gambians attended due to other commitments as it was on weekends when most Gambians are at work," he said.

According to him, the inspiration and experience he gained during these concerts cannot be over emphasised noting that all his shows were thrilling ones.

"The trip was really a fruitful one because it moved my music to another level. Also standing in front of thousands of people helped me a lot to develop my stage performances. Though, I sang in the local language, I made sure before or after singing I translated the message I wanted to put across or the piece the particular track talks about," he said.

Jalex futher told What’s On that met some Gambian artists in Sweden and also had the chance to perform on stage alongside world famous artists like Jimmy Cliff and Khaled, who are big artists in Sweden.

New releases

"I want all my fans to expect big things from me anytime. Am currently working on my second album which is to be released anytime," he disclosed
However, Akuntu as he is fondly called, has just released two new singles called "Bandiya" and "Animanboree" to be part of his much anticipated upcoming album. These new singles were recorded at Slowbit Records in Stockholm, during his Scandinavian tour.

However, "Aninamboree" has just started making waves in the airwaves since he arrived in the country.

On these two singles, the young afromanding star, further revealed that they are wonderful masterpieces, noting that they talk about togetherness, unity, and peace among ourselves. "I know that my fans are really hungry for my new releases, but let them be patient as I have new stuffs for them in the pipeline to be released very soon. All I need is their support because its because of them, am out singing. So I really need their support," he said.

On the music industry in Sweden

On the music industry in Sweden, Jalex revealed that the music industry in Scandinavia is doing fine considering the opportunities.
"Sweden’s music industry is big and there are a lot of African artists based in there,” he said.

Upcoming tours

As a household name in the country’s entertainment industry, Akuntu disclosed that he will embark on a Meet the People’s tour sometime after the Ramadan. According to him, this will enable him to stage shows in major towns across the country and also meet his fans in the country.

Author: by Sheriff Janko

African Diaspora presents Richie Spice

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 05:15:23 GMT

Friday, August 08, 2008

As part of a series of activities marking the birthday of Marcus Garvey, an erudite and outstanding pan-African human rights activist of the 20th century, Open Dream Productions is set to storm the Gambia on a massive African Diaspora artists musical tour.

This somewhat rare musical jamboree is organised by the Jamaican based Open Dream Productions in collaboration with Jambar records and ‘’Sen Ghigen’’ productions.The cross cutting multi-cultural music tour will feature the internationally renowned Jamaican reggae star, Richie Spice, alongside six other top flight artists drawn from Jamaica, USA, UK, Europe and other African renowned reggae and Hip pop artists, especially from Senegal and The Gambia.

The show will commence in Dakar, Senegal, on 15th August and switch over to the prestigious Independence Stadium in Bakau on 16th August, 2008. The accompanying top flight reggae and hip pop artists include Daddy Mory, Hakim Abdoulsamad, Mbegane Ndour, Dead Maxi, Pee Froiss, and Fla ‘’the Ripper’’, among others.

The tour will be exclusivelly hosted in Africa. The Gambia and Senegal are the two countries in Africa chosen as the venue for the event.The programme is meant to honor and pay glowing and heart rendering tribute to the life and dedication of the human rights activist, Marcus Garvey.

Marcus Garvey, undisputably served as a great inspirational figure to many Africans and people of African-descent as well as humanity at large, according to Olimata Taal, a renowned Gambian journalist based in Jamaica and a member of organising committee of the programme. Olimata Taal spoke at length on the life and untiring efforts made by Marcus Garvey towards promotion of the spirit of African unity and development throughout the world.

He served as a source of inspiration for many African leaders both past and current generation such as Kwame Kruma of Ghana, Saikou Touray of Guinea, Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, President Jammeh of The Gambia, etc. Miss Olimata Taal made these remarks in a recent chat with the Arts and Culture anchorman ahead of preparations for The Gambia to host the 16th August 2008 Afrivan Diaspora musical tour.

The Jamaica-based Gambian, seized the opportunity to urge both the public and private sector to extend a generous supportive hand in sponsorship of the programme as she made conclusive and remarkable reference to the sister Republic of Senegal, where she said, the tour had received a huge amount of sponsorship. Commenting on the life and activities of the seven top flight artists about to storm The Gambia, Miss Taal described them as real pacesetters in the world of reggae and other specialised professions, especially the main artist of the event, Richie Spice, who hails from Jamaica. This rare showbiz event is a must for all music lovers to attend.

The programme is expected to be one of the best and biggest summer musical showbiz ever to be held on Gambian soil. It will concide with the famous back-to-school programme of the year.

Olimata Taal explained that, the Open Dream Promotion is a company that specialises in audio-visual production adding that Sen Ghigen Productions specialises in public relations, coordinating events, organising tours, booking artists, hosting media shows in the field of reggae music and the hip pop world. The production company according to her, has developed an international reputation for organising projects in Africa, the Caribbean, USA, UK and other European countries.

“The company’s mission is to use music to heal the world and use it as a tool for educating, informing and entertaining as well as providing an environment for learning and enjoyment,’’ she concluded.

Author: by Sanna Jawara

WHAT’S ON: LC the Illest another sprouting Hip Hop star

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 05:37:30 GMT

Friday, July 11, 2008

Lamin Conta, aka LC the Illest, is unquestionably another sprouting hip-hop star trying to reach international stardom. The young star, was born on December 15, 1983, in Banjul.

From an early stage, his family saw his love for music. At the age of 8, LC climbed the podium at the Independent Stadium in Bakau when his uncle, the renowned Gambian reggae artist, Demba Conta was on stage."I am determined to make it worldwide and with love from my family in Sweden, England, France, USA and Gambia as well as the professional producers and artists that I work with," said the young Gambian upcoming hip-hop star.

Intrigued by artistes like the Senegalese world famous R&B celebrity Akon and Hakim, coming out to strongly represent their African roots, LC is once again ready to take his music to the next level. His performance on stage was loved by the audience and ever since he has seen the stage as his home.

In 1989, his father Mamadi Conta, left The Gambia for Sweden with a promise to take his family there as soon as possible. Years of struggle and hardwork made it possible in 1996 for Mamadi to take his two sons Lamin and Demba Conta to Stockholm, Sweden . While in Sweden, LC´s love for music only grew with strength and within a few years he started writing and producing his own songs. But that was only the start. He sees himself as a true hip-hop artist and those were the right years to blow up as one.

According onegambia.com, LC soon had a lot of friends and fans, and started several groups with friends, performing all over Stockholm, winning contest after contest of hip-hip competition. The most recognized group, INT, formed by 8 guys took Stockholm by storm and it looked like they would be the next hit group to come up on the charts. Sadly, all members were not as dedicated so the group separated. With inspiration from artists like 2pac, Nas and Notorious BIG aka Biggi, he kept fighting for his music knowing fully well that he could make it as long as he believed in himself.

Lamin Conta still worked a lot with one other member from INT and Madness, and together they came out with some real bangers for the audience. But mostly, LC thought of a solo career which he could mold and shape as he would want it.

"I am already known in Stockholm for my hardcore rap, started spreading my music out of the country, travelling a lot to both Paris and London ," he said.

In London , as always, people flocked around him, wanting to hear more of his beats and rhymes and with many struggling teens, he hanged in the hood where underground hip hop was a strong influence in many youths’ lives. After several problems with the police, he fled the country as soon as he had the chance and went to Paris, France, where he met up with his friend and talented underground hip hop artist, Fainel.

Together they kept the struggle for money alive and at the same time tried to find time for the studio whenever they could. A few months later, he came back to Stockholm, Sweden , with recorded songs in his pocket, rhymes in his head and experience for life.

Being young and careless, he kept the money struggle alive by being involved with drugs and criminals. His family opposed his way of living which resulted into him frequently changing his home by going from one friend to the other to find a roof over his head.

In 2007, he found peace in his soul and made peace with his family by dropping criminal acts and drug abuse behind him and looking forward to all that life still had to bring for him, and geared up his attempts to spread his music.

He knows fully well that it is only a matter of time before the world will know his story.

Author: by Sheriff Janko

Freadyman: Gambia’s newest breed in dancehall reggae

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 06:01:20 GMT

Friday, June 06, 2008

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.

Author: by Sherriff Janko

Robert Nesta Marley, the King of Reggae

Fri, 09 May 2008 07:21:34 GMT

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Friday, May 09, 2008

Robert "Bob" Nesta Marley OM (February 6, 1945 – May 11, 1981) was a Jamaican singer-songwriter, musician, and Rastafarian. He was the lead singer, songwriter and guitarist for the ska, rocksteady and reggae bands: The Wailers (1964 – 1974) and Bob Marley & the Wailers (1974 – 1981). In spite of dying nearly three decades ago he is the most widely known performer of ska/reggae music, and is credited for helping spread Jamaican music to the worldwide audience.[1]

Marley's best known hits includes "I Shot the Sheriff", "No Woman, No Cry", "Exodus", "Could You Be Loved", "Stir It Up", "Jamming", "Redemption Song", "One Love" and, together with The Wailers, ""Three Little Birds".[2], as well as the posthumous releases "Buffalo Soldier" and "Iron Lion Zion". The compilation album, Legend, released in 1984, three years after Marley's death, is the best-selling reggae album ever (10 times platinum[3]), with sales of more than 12 million copies.

Early life and career

Marley was born in the small village of Nine Mile in Saint Ann Parish, Jamaica as Nesta Robert Marley. A Jamaican passport official would later swap his first and middle names. His father, Norval Sinclair Marley, (born in 1895), was a white Jamaican of English descent, who lived in Liverpool. Norval was a Marine officer and captain, as well as a plantation overseer, when he married Cedella Booker, a black Jamaican then eighteen years old. Norval provided financial support for his wife and child, but seldom saw them, as he was often away on trips. In 1955, when Marley was 10 years old, his father died of a heart attack at age 60. Marley suffered racial prejudice as a youth, because of his mixed racial origins and faced questions about his own racial identity throughout his life. He once reflected:

I don't have prejudice against himself. My father was a white and my mother was black. Them call me half-caste or whatever. Me don't dip on nobody's side. Me don't dip on the black man's side nor the white man's side. Me dip on God's side, the one who create me and cause me to come from black and white.

Marley and his mother moved to Kingston's Trenchtown slum after Norval's death. He was forced to learn self-defense, as he became the target of bullying because of his racial makeup and small stature (5'4" or 163 cm tall)[citation needed]. He gained a reputation for his physical strength, which earned him the nickname "Tuff Gong".

Marley became friends with Neville "Bunny" Livingston (later known as Bunny Wailer), with whom he started to play music. He left school at the age of 14 and started as an apprentice at a local welder's shop. In his free time, he and Livingston made music with Joe Higgs, a local singer and devout Rastafari. It was at a jam session with Higgs and Livingston that Marley met Peter McIntosh (later known as Peter Tosh), who had similar musical ambitions.

In 1962, Marley recorded his first two singles, "Judge Not" and "One Cup of Coffee", with local music producer Leslie Kong. These songs, released on the Beverley's label under the pseudonym of Bobby Martell,[4] attracted little attention. The songs were later re-released on the box set, Songs of Freedom, a posthumous collection of Marley's work.

Musical career

The Wailers

In 1963, Bob Marley, Bunny Livingston, Peter McIntosh, Junior Braithwaite, Beverley Kelso, and Cherry Smith formed a ska and rocksteady group, calling themselves "The Teenagers". They later changed their name to "The Wailing Rudeboys", then to "The Wailing Wailers", at which point they were discovered by record producer Coxsone Dodd, and finally to "The Wailers". By 1966, Braithwaite, Kelso, and Smith had left The Wailers, leaving the core trio of Marley, Livingston, and McIntosh.

In 1966, Marley married Rita Anderson, and moved near his mother's residence in Wilmington, Delaware in the United States for a short time, during which he worked as a DuPont lab assistant and on the assembly line at a Chrysler plant, under the alias Donald Marley.[5] Upon returning to Jamaica, Marley became a member of the Rastafari movement, and started to wear his trademark dreadlocks (see the religion section for more on Marley's religious views).

After a conflict with Dodd, Marley and his band teamed up with Lee "Scratch" Perry and his studio band, The Upsetters. Although the alliance lasted less than a year, they recorded what many consider The Wailers' finest work. Marley and Perry split after a dispute regarding the assignment of recording rights, but they would remain friends and work together again.

Between 1968 and 1972, Bob and Rita Marley, Peter McIntosh and Bunny Livingston re-cut some old tracks with JAD Records in Kingston and London in an attempt to commercialize The Wailers' sound. Livingston later asserted that these songs "should never be released on an album … they were just demos for record companies to listen to."

The Wailers' first album, Catch A Fire, was released worldwide in 1973, and sold well. It was followed a year later by Burnin', which included the songs "Get Up, Stand Up" and "I Shot The Sheriff". Eric Clapton made a hit cover of "I Shot the Sheriff" in 1974, raising Marley's international profile.

The Wailers broke up in 1974 with each of the three main members going on to pursue solo careers. The reason for the breakup is shrouded in conjecture; some believe that there were disagreements amongst Livingston, McIntosh, and Marley concerning performances, while others claim that Livingston and McIntosh simply preferred solo work. McIntosh began recording under the name Peter Tosh, and Livingston continued as Bunny Wailer.

Bob Marley & The Wailers

Main article: Bob Marley & The Wailers_

Despite the breakup, Marley continued recording as "Bob Marley & The Wailers". His new backing band included brothers Carlton and Aston "Family Man" Barrett on drums and bass respectively, Junior Marvin and Al Anderson on lead guitar, Tyrone Downie and Earl "Wya" Lindo on keyboards, and Alvin "Seeco" Patterson on percussion. The "I Threes", consisting of Judy Mowatt, Marcia Griffiths, and Marley's wife, Rita, provided backing vocals.

In 1975, Marley had his international breakthrough with his first hit outside Jamaica, "No Woman, No Cry," from the Natty Dread album. This was followed by his breakthrough album in the US, Rastaman Vibration (1976), which spent four weeks on the Billboard charts Top Ten.

In December 1976, two days before "Smile Jamaica", a free concert organized by the Jamaican Prime Minister Michael Manley in an attempt to ease tension between two warring political groups, Marley, his wife, and manager Don Taylor were wounded in an assault by unknown gunmen inside Marley's home. Taylor and Marley's wife sustained serious injuries, but later made full recoveries. Bob Marley received serious injuries in the chest and arm. The shooting was thought to have been politically motivated, as many felt the concert was really a support rally for Manley. Nonetheless, the concert proceeded, and an injured Marley performed as scheduled.

Marley left Jamaica at the end of 1976 for England, where he recorded his Exodus and Kaya albums. Exodus stayed on the British album charts for 56 consecutive weeks. It included four UK hit singles: "Exodus", "Waiting In Vain", "Jamming", "One Love", and a rendition of Curtis Mayfield's hit, "People Get Ready". It was here that he was arrested and received a conviction for possession of a small quantity of cannabis while traveling in London.

In 1978, Marley performed at another political concert in Jamaica, the One Love Peace Concert, again in an effort to calm warring parties. Near the end of the performance, by Marley's request, Manley and his political rival, Edward Seaga, joined each other on stage and shook hands.

Babylon by Bus, a double live album with 13 tracks, was released in 1978 to critical acclaim. This album, and specifically the final track "Jammin'" with the audience in a frenzy, captured the intensity of Marley's live performances.

Survival, a defiant and politically charged album, was released in 1979. Tracks such as "Zimbabwe", "Africa Unite", "Wake Up and Live", and "Survival" reflected Marley's support for the struggles of Africans. His appearance at the Amandla Festival in Boston in July 1979 showed his strong opposition to South African apartheid, which he already had shown in his song "War" in 1976. In early 1980, he was invited to perform at the April 17 celebration of Zimbabwe's Independence Day.

Uprising (1980) was Bob Marley's final studio album, and is one of his most religious productions, including "Redemption Song" and "Forever Loving Jah". It was in "Redemption Song" that Marley sang the famous lyric,

" Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery

None but ourselves can free our minds…"

Confrontation, released posthumously in 1983, contained unreleased material recorded during Marley's lifetime, including the hit "Buffalo Soldier" and new mixes of singles previously only available in Jamaica.

Cancer diagnosis

In July 1977, Marley was found to have malignant melanoma in a soccer wound on his right hallux (big toe). Marley refused amputation, because of the Rastafari belief that the body must be "whole":

"Rasta no abide amputation. I don't allow a man to be dismantled. "

—From the biography Catch a Fire

Marley may have seen medical doctors as samfai (tricksters, deceivers). True to this belief Marley went against all surgical possibilities and sought out other means that would not break his religious beliefs. He also refused to register a will, based on the Rastafari belief that writing a will is acknowledging death as inevitable, thus disregarding the everlasting (or everliving, as Rastas say) character of life.

Collapse and treatment

The cancer then metastasized to Marley's brain, lungs, liver, and stomach. After playing two shows at Madison Square Garden as part of his fall 1980 Uprising Tour, he collapsed while jogging in NYC's Central Park. The remainder of the tour was subsequently cancelled.

Bob Marley played his final concert at the Stanley Theater in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on September 23, 1980. The live version of "Redemption Song" on Songs of Freedom was recorded at this show.[6] Marley afterwards sought medical help from Munich specialist Josef Issels, but his cancer had already progressed to the terminal stage.

Death and posthumous reputation

While flying home from Germany to Jamaica for his final days, Marley became ill, and landed in Miami for immediate medical attention. He died at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in Miami, Florida on the morning of May 11, 1981 at the age of 36. The spread of melanoma to his lungs and brain caused his death. His final words to his son Ziggy were "Money can't buy life."[7] Marley received a state funeral in Jamaica on May 21, 1981 which combined elements of Ethiopian Orthodoxy and Rastafari tradition. He was buried in a chapel near his birthplace with his Gibson Les Paul, a soccer ball, a Cannabis bud, a ring that he wore every day that was given to him by the Prince Asfaw Wossen of Ethiopia (eldest son of HIM), and a Bible. A month before his death, he was awarded the Jamaican Order of Merit.

Marley was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. Time magazine chose Bob Marley & The Wailers' Exodus as the greatest album of the 20th century.

In 2001, Marley was posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and a feature-length documentary about his life, Rebel Music, won various awards at the Grammys. With contributions from Rita, the Wailers, and Marley's lovers and children, it also tells much of the story in his own words.

In 2004, a cover of "Three Little Birds" by Ziggy Marley and Sean Paul was used as the title song for the film Shark Tale.

In 2006, the City of New York renamed a portion of Church Avenue from Remsen Avenue to East 98th Street in the East Flatbush section of Brooklyn "Bob Marley Boulevard".[8]

The hero of the 2007 film I Am Legend, cites Bob Marley as an influence on his life philosophy. Marley's songs are prominently used in the film

Religion

Bob Marley was a member of the Rastafari movement, whose culture was a key element in the development of reggae. Bob Marley became the leading proponent of the Rastafari, taking their music out of the socially deprived areas of Jamaica and onto the international music scene.

Marley's adoption of the characteristic Rastafari dreadlocks, famous use of cannabis as a sacred sacrament, and an ital food diet, which were an integral part of his persona. He is said to have entered every performance proclaiming the divinity of Jah Rastafari (in reality Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia).

Many of Marley's songs contained Biblical references, sometimes using wordplay to fuse activism and religion, as in "Revolution" and "Revelation":

"Revelation reveals the truth … "

"It takes a revolution to make a solution …"

He was criticized for singing

" and I feel like bombing a church …"

" now that you know that the preacher is lying … "

on the song "Talkin' Blues" on the Natty Dread album.

Bob Marley was baptized by the Archbishop of the Ethiopian Orthodox Christian Church in Kingston, Jamaica on November 4, 1980.

Film adaptation

In February 2008, director Martin Scorsese announced his intention to produce a documentary movie on Marley. The film is set to be released on February 6, 2010, on what would have been Marley's 65th birthday.[14]

In March 2008, The Weinstein Company announced its plans to produce a biopic of Bob Marley, based on the book No Woman No Cry: My Life With Bob Marley by Rita Marley. Rudy Langlais will produce the script by Lizzie Borden and Rita Marley will exec produce.

Zimbabwe Tour:In April 1980, Bob Marley and the Wailers Were Afforded the Highest Honor of Their Musical Careers!

Bob Marley Zimbabwe Tour

"Every man gotta right to decide his own destiny." - Bob Marley, 'Zimbabwe'

In April 1980, Bob Marley and the Wailers were afforded the highest honor of their musical careers. On April 18th, the country Rhodesia which would now be called Zimbabwe was to celebrate its independence from England and Bob Marley and The Wailers were invited to perform at the ceremony.

Officials from Zimbabwe's government-elect invited Marley and the band to perform at the Independence ceremonies. Marley’s "Zimbabwe" tune had proved inspirational to the ZANLA (Zimbabwe National Liberation Army) freedom fighters. He would be playing amidst the ruins of Great Zimbabwe, an enormous pyramid built by Solomon and Sheba.

What no one had thought to inform Bob and his team of was the precise nature of the first show they would be playing. The concert was scheduled for the slot immediately following the independence ceremony, and was to be performed for an exclusive audience of assembled dignitaries and media. As well as the ZANLA party faithful, the international luminaries included Zimbabwe's first Prime Minister Robert Mugabe, Britain's Prince Charles and India's Indira Gandhi.

The general population would not rest until they got the chance to here their hero belt out the tune that had earlier inspired them, hence the unrest.

Bob Marley and the Wailers' first performance in Zimbabwe was marred by tear gas and chaos, yet Marley returned to the stage to perform "Zimbabwe" and prevailed the next day, as over 100,000 people gathered for the second show on April 19, 1980.

Marley’s dream of African liberation was subdued by the chaos and reflected in the lack luster performance that he gave in the second instance.

Zimbabwe

Every man gotta right to decide his own destiny,

And in this judgement there is no partiality.

So arm in arms, with arms, we'll fight this little struggle,

'Cause that's the only way we can overcome our little trouble.

Brother, you're right, you're right,

You're right, you're right, you're so right!

We gon' fight (we gon' fight), we'll have to fight (we gon' fight),

We gonna fight (we gon' fight), fight for our rights!

Natty Dread it in-a (Zimbabwe);

Set it up in (Zimbabwe);

Mash it up-a in-a Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe);

Africans a-liberate (Zimbabwe), yeah.

No more internal power struggle;

We come together to overcome the little trouble.

Soon we'll find out who is the real revolutionary,

'Cause I don't want my people to be contrary.

And, brother, you're right, you're right,

You're right, you're right, you're so right!

We'll 'ave to fight (we gon' fight), we gonna fight (we gon' fight)

We'll 'ave to fight (we gon' fight), fighting for our rights!

Mash it up in-a (Zimbabwe);

Natty trash it in-a (Zimbabwe);

Africans a-liberate Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe);

I'n'I a-liberate Zimbabwe.

(Brother, you're right,) you're right,

You're right, you're right, you're so right!

We gon' fight (we gon' fight), we'll 'ave to fight (we gon' fight),

We gonna fight (we gon' fight), fighting for our rights!

To divide and rule could only tear us apart;

In everyman chest, mm - there beats a heart.

So soon we'll find out who is the real revolutionaries;

And I don't want my people to be tricked by mercenaries.

Brother, you're right, you're right,

You're right, you're right, you're so right!

We'll 'ave to fight (we gon' fight), we gonna fight (we gon' fight),

We'll 'ave to fight (we gon' fight), fighting for our rights!

Natty trash it in-a Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe);

Mash it up in-a Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe);

Set it up in-a Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe);

Africans a-liberate Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe);

Natty dub it in-a Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe).

Set it up in-a Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe);

Africans a-liberate Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe);

Every man got a right to decide his own destiny.

"Redemption song"

Old pirates, yes, they rob I;

Sold I to the merchant ships,

Minutes after they took I

From the bottomless pit.

But my hand was made strong

By the hand of the Almighty.

We forward in this generation

Triumphantly.

Won't you help to sing

This(not another) songs of freedom

'Cause all I ever have:

Redemption songs;

Redemption songs.

Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery;

None but ourselves can free our minds.

Have no fear for atomic energy,

'Cause none of them can stop the time.

How long shall they kill our prophets,

While we stand aside and look? Ooh!

Some say it's just a part of it:

We've got to fullfil the book.

Won't you help to sing

This songs of freedom-

'Cause all I ever have:

Redemption songs;

Redemption songs.

---

/Guitar break/

---
Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery;

None but ourselves can free our mind.

Wo! Have no fear for atomic energy,

'Cause none of them-a can-a stop-a the time.

How long shall they kill our prophets,

While we stand aside and look?

Yes, some say it's just a part of it:

We've got to fullfil the book.

Won't you have to sing

This songs of freedom? -

'Cause all I ever had:

Redemption songs -

All I ever had:

Redemption songs:

These songs of freedom,

Songs of freedom.

Author: DO

WHAT’S ON - Promise Land Riddem to be released soon

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 09:18:19 GMT

Friday, April 25, 2008

A reggae-dancehall line-up entitled “Promise Land Riddem” produce by Dr Olugander of the Gander’s Production will soon be release in the market. Crafted at Bulldorf Recording studio, the new line-up featured fourteen other top Gambian artistes . Currently a promo single has been released to some radio stations in the country.

However, this is the latest development embarked upon by Dr Olugander better known the Musical Doctor.

Speaking to What’s On the reggae star disclosed that the main reason behind the initiative is to assist the upcoming artistes especially those, who cannot record their own music stuffs.

According to him, the creation of this new line-up is another milestone in the annals of the entertainment industry.

“We the artist should always inculcate love and unity among ourselves and I think this is a way to achieved that goal. With the number of artiste featured in this line-up ,I have the firm belief that unity and love will for ever flourished among ourselves and other artist in achieving our aspirations,” he said.

Olugander however, observed that Gambia is full of young talents noting that if given the necessary support they can live up to expectation.

He noted that, I is not a profit making venture or fame, but to involve artistes in conscious and positive agendas.

“ Each artiste featured in this line-up will have his or her share when the final work is completed. So I want to tell reggaes fans to support their artistes featured in the line-up and support them to the fullest. forward for ever,” he added.

Watch out for Promise Land Riddem in the market very soon.

Author: by Sheriff Janko

WHAT’S ON -Dr Olungander honoured

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 10:25:08 GMT

Friday, March 28, 2008

The Gambia’s only musical doctor, Dr Olugander, has been awarded the 2007 reggae song award with his track titled “Run Da Place”.

Dr Olugander is one of the leading reggae artiste in the country. He is well known for his versatile skills and stage
performance.

Olugander was among 21 other personalities who received various prestigious awards.

Organised by Joluv Arts Entertainment based in United Kingdom in collaboration with Gambia Talents Promotions in Atlanta, the
award night was designed to reward and promote distinguished Gambians who have made tremendous efforts in their respective
areas.

In an interview with What’s On, Dr Olugander said it was a pleasure to have received an award which he described as worthy
and timely.

“This award shows how my fans like my music because without them I can’t do anything. There is this proverb which says “the
greatness of a king depends on the number of people he rules,” he said.

He thanked the organisers and cooperate sponsors like Africell for their support to the development of The Gambian music
industry. by Assan Sallah

The Gambia’s only musical doctor, Dr Olugander, has been awarded the 2007 reggae song award with his track titled “Run Da
Place”.

Dr Olugander is one of the leading reggae artiste in the country. He is well known for his versatile skills and stage
performance.

Olugander was among 21 other personalities who received various prestigious awards.

In an interview with What’s On, Dr Olugander said it was a pleasure to have received an award which he described as worthy
and timely.

He thanked the organisers and cooperate sponsors like Africell for their support to the development of The Gambian music
industry.

All is set for Miss Willies 2008

Preparations are currently on high gear for the annual Miss Willies beauty pageant contest slated for Saturday 28th March,
2008 at Lamin Village.

Organised by Champion Sounds Promotions, the day is designed to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage and to further
strengthen peace and oneness through entertainment.

Speaking to What’s On, DJ Lamin Cham of Champion Sounds Promotions said six beautiful young ladies would contest in the
event . According to him the day is expected to be graced by high profile personalities.

“This beauty pageant contest will also witness live performances by various top Gambian artists, among them, Chamajeng,
Sambou Suso aka the golden voice of Manding, Lamarana Jallow, among others,” he said.

According to him, it is going to be a fun-filled event in the history of Miss Willies.

Author: by Assan Sallah

Black Child busy on debut album

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 10:14:11 GMT

Friday, March 28, 2008

Another young upcoming talented reggae artiste discovered in Kerr Sering is Black Child. He is currently busy in the studio for the release of his debut CD album entitled “ Keep the struggling”.

The much talked about album has 8 tracks.

However, the young star’s career and passion for music dates some years back when he developed keen interest in music.

In an interview with What’s On, last Wednesday, the young star whose real name is Omar Sowe, said he was working in the
hide-out trying to compile his songs to release an album.

“Basically this album is expected to be one of a kind. Some of the tracks are recorded at Bull-Dorf records and TJ studio” he
said.

He noted that after finishing the final work on the album, he would send it to his manager in the UK for distribution to
various places.

“As of now, I just want to tell all my fans to get ready for the album as it’s going to storm the music market. This album
will be one of the best in town in terms of quality” he said.

Watch out for Black Child’s new album to be out soon.

Author: by Sheriff Janko

Reggae Night at the Alliance Franco-Gambienne

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 06:29:57 GMT

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Jupiter & Massive, a widely known Senegalese Reggae group, is stopping at the Allicance for a one night show.

After their tour through Senegal, the Alliance is proud to be the host of this famous band and is inviting the general public to come and spend a wonderful evening with good quality reggae.

Date: Saturday, 01 March 2008
Time: 10pm
Venue: Allicance Franco Gambienne, Kairaba Ave
Tickets: D100

Source: Alliance Franco Gambienne