Sing Along – Daily Observer

Biography

Emerging in 2002, Singateh indisputably is one of the country’s finest sensations that made a successful crossover from reggae to dancehall and Afro beat. Born Alhagie Singateh in 1982, in the Central River Region town of Bansang, Singateh was among the first artists in his generation to hit the international market.

Due to his promising future in the music scene, Singateh was soon nicknamed after his first hit single ‘Singateh Rise’. With steady rise, he soon began performing with the local Gambian sound systems.

It was in his mid-20s’ when he embarked on his first international tour of the United States of America, courtesy of African Artists Association based in Brooklyn, New York. In 2006, he joined the Megga Force Records stationed in Germany.

With keen passion and love for music, Singateh always returned home after his international trips for recording sessions and concerts. His career catapulted to international recognition when he soon hooked up with Pa Ous, a Gambian radio DJ cum Studio Engineer based in the US, who also founded The Gambian Talents Promotions.

“This connection soon proved to be a worthwhile venture, as Pa Ous got me gig dub plates in the U.S. One of those records “Give Me the Love” became a huge hit among reggae fans in New York, and its follow-up, “HIT with Megga Force Records” as it was on various riddims and line ups across Europe,” said Singateh.

INTERNATIONAL TOURS

Few years later, Singateh has proven to the music world that he is an artist par excellence and one of the first young Gambian artists to embark on annual tour of Europe and America, which accords him the opportunity to perform in all major cities across Europe notably in Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Swiss, Spain, Italy, Austria. Elsewhere in Europe, Singateh staged series of concerts in London in the United Kingdom and was the first Gambian artist to perform at the Africa Music Awards also known as AMA in 2009. He also staged concerts in Birmingham, Reading, Leeds, Manchester and Glasgow in Scotland.

While in the United States of America, Singateh performed in Seattle, Maryland, Atlanta, Texas in Dallas, and Toronto in Canada. Sooner than anticipated, he became one of the most highly rated and recognised Gambian artists nationwide as he continues to create his own style of music.

According to Singateh, his mode of dress also enabled him to attract more fans thus making him fans’ favorite star. However, what makes his music stand out is that the international star doesn’t limit his career to only The Gambian local market, over the years he managed to sell thousands of his CD´s abroad during his internationals tours, and this makes his music popular internationally.

COLLABORATIONS

In his unending quest to go extra miles as far as music is concerned, he has over the years collaborated with a number of international artists and this has enabled him to add more flavours to his career. The top artists he collaborated with includes; Emmersion, K-Man, Jungle Leaders, Tony Anthony and Skibu Foster all from Jamaica, and a host of other Gambian artists.

RECORDING STUDIO

The establishment of a recording studiou (PAK MUSIC), by Singateh demonstrates his love to care and share with his fellow artists. The coming of this recording studio has enabled him support a number of young artists in their various music projects free of charge. He regards this as his personal contribution towards the development of the country’s music sector. Despite going through lot of challenges as an artist, Singateh never gave up chasing his dream. The music sensation has invested a lot in his career that still makes him a force to reckon with for over a decade now.

Yes, many artists of his generation dropped along the way for one reason or the other, but for him there never seems to be an ending to his career. Besides, Sing-A-Teh is currently the C.E.O of his own record label called Sing-A-Teh Ent, which also covers business and PAK MUSIK studio. For him, music is more than just a typical flash in the pan, and has managed to sustain a career over a decade with popular releases and albums; namely ‘More Message 2005’, ‘Forever in Love 2007’, ‘Rejoice’ in 2009and ‘Mansa Kay’ in 2012 and many more hot rated singles.

UPCOMING PROJECTS

The Gambian music star is currently based in Oslo, Norway, where he is studying music business and music production. Despite his busy schedules, Singateh is working on his forthcoming album called ‘Stay Focus’ due in 2016. With his first official single dropped, called ‘International Girl’ featuring SUGA. The new album which is due to be released both in Europe and Africa is in high demand after releasing this first single ‘International Girl’.

Many are of the view that the quality of that song will make his new project more exciting. The album which is a collaboration of different producers in Europe is expected to undergo final mixing and mastering at Hot Money Production in London.

Lyrics

LIVIT UP

Intro

Oh yea –yeah —-OH Lord

VERSE

Struggling the ghetto

Trying to fine a better life

Trying to do all I can

To see my future get so bright

But some bad minded people

They always want to see you down

And some wicked people

They always want to see you drown

But if they try and try

I know they will never succeed oh lord

Coz I know jah will be there to rescue yeh

But if you still use your mind

Everything will be straight

And if you still hold on strong

Yes you can get it right

Soo…

CHORUS

Woo- woo—woo—AH LIVIT UP

Yea – yea –Yea— AH LIVIT UP

So if your heart is pure and clean

Let me hear you say livit up

And if you still bear with me

Let me hear you chant livit up

And if your heart is pure and neat

Woo— woo… Ah Livit up

VERSE 2

So let there be joy

Let there be love

Let there be peace

Among ourselves (x2)

But some bad minded people

They always want to see you down

And still some wicked people

They always want to see you frown

CHORUS REPEATED TILL AFRTER THE BRIDGE

VERSE 3

Livit up livit up

Let me hear you sing again livit up

Just livitup ,livit up

Let me hear you chant again livit up

Livitup ,livit up

Let me hear you scream it loud livit up

Livit up – livit up

Let me hear you chant again livit up

Woo— woo—woo— Ah livit up

Yea – Yea – Yea …. Ah livit up

TILL THE END

Biography

Bai Babu is without doubt one of the most exciting, and most popular Gambian artistes of all times. He started with the group “The Gees” which was a typical hip-hop group and then went solo releasing his first Rap-Mbalakh song “Li chi Mbegeul” featuring Tam 50.

Born Baboucarr Sambou on 19 November 1989 in Serekunda, he attended Serekunda Primary School, St Therese’s Junior, and SOS Senior Secondary School. One-time a keen footballer, who played at goal for second division side, Talinding United, the rising star took a dramatic turn when he started music in 2011 and went on to release his debut mix tape called ‘Dama Yii’ in 2013.

Since then he has proven to the entire country that he is the king of the rap game with his hot, captivating and enthralling stage acts.

Apart from his music engagement, the rising star also worked at The Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) as a clearing agent.

Though, the international market is a new territory for the uprising Gambian sensation, with his unending flexibility he can make it to the international stage if given the chance. The superstar’s new audience is attracted to his welcoming demeanor and his creativity on rap and mbalax domains. Such versatility has earned him a huge followership in Senegal and some parts of Europe.

ACHIEVEMENTS

The launching of his ‘Damayee’ mixtape at Alliance Francaise in 2013 pulled a record turnout; the show had to be stopped only after performing three tracks, due to fact that the venue could not accomodate the crowd.

He has been the star performer of the last two Open Mic Festivals which is the biggest Gambian music festival.

In May 2015, he stole the show during a Night Show featured on TFM alongside Jali Madi, Manding Morry and the Joluv Arts Band, which was widely watched in the Senegambia and the Diaspora. He was also featured by renowned Senegalese mbalax artiste -Pape Diouf in a track called ‘Malaw” which is part of his latest album. The recording of his landmark event was also aired on TFM.

Lyrics

ATTITUDE GIRL

(FT. FAFA)

She never looses it kom case bu am it tube

Jikom gii la sanseh

Dafa melni sah ku tuub

Suma mind la blow

To highest altitude

Nyuneh nak ku rew lha

I luv her attitude

Chorus

Haleh bi got short answers

Kaadu yii sa hol lai chuuch

Gohk ngi nyep neh dafa panka

Daydet dafa chukurch

Galissis n galiss hype nak from t town to puut

Her body language spoke words sweeter dan a flute….

Verse

Ken duko gawa songa

Ndah dafa gata tontu

Fum Romba boyi wolis

Bui gestu tek si chipu

Chey Kileh muna diju

Sugar daddy sah di pitu

Ndah dohinam ak wahinam

Kum duga nga yuhu…

Gooh ngi dikor wahantor ndah ngaydam duko foyantor

For kor giss joh kor cheram

Saisai duko ngelem lor

Utak nyufei tameh dormi taal nak diko pudaroo

Haleh bi leh gome bopam tah mukoi puugaroo

Chorus×2

: Verse2

Nyuneh dafa rew ngawa bew dara du hew mu rew

Du yagak harit jikorm ju bon mortah mu sew

Munukor change addict la si deff jeegen ak hew

Kumsi yek nak sa sutura uunyila beh nga wekh nee mew

Kukor hamuton beh nga hamko Borko hameh sorikor aka bari lai Mana tapaleh nyorsii saakorg barigor

Guneh ngileh siww si town kom hunting ak marigor

Kum si Nyeak ya nyorr kanj ngi bulai sain nela lets go

Bopam lha tal buga natal lemenj ngi gawnii baal

Mungi funeh buga luneh gorr aii mbat mu jaal…

: Verse 3

He’ll ngi dafa sharp nee pencil

Gawuta wah gorr aksil

dinga nyow teh dulaneh delsil teg si morm bugusi

Merci amut loi wah du tontu

Fee dafkor amut ak ken

Kum si jegeh mukoi moitu

Jikorm lha nyep di sikklu

Haat lha deff taluta fikklu

Manhalebi daf ma jahal

Hawma kan moko jangal

Kep kukor wah neh yai gerteh haleh bi neh saffal

Ma wah si gatal dormusa

Dayga changal sula nekheh nak yokal

Kom ka nak sa Hilo lha kula nekh bohal

FAFA…

BAI BAABOOU LINGA WAAX LOOOLU DAYGA LA,JIGAIN DAFA WORA XAM BOORPAM,XAM SA BURPA GENA TAKH GNU WOORLA NAAN KEY NGA DON…

LAST VERSE BAI BABU

Seventy Perr si ndiga bii

Busi yengu di noise beh italy dayga sina dortuma

Nyibity deffnha lu dayka bi wahatii she is d angel of light suma hol b moko nyopaty Crop top tights bu dang bi

Bul si lal. Ngaynay ma dayka bi

Bilie kee moi bandi×3…..

Utal sa bang torg si

Dohak morm beh pari

Dohak morm beh fili

Torg si.

KUMA NOMAATI XOL MA CHI KAW JOLUV ARTS 100.

Biography

Born Sanna Singhateh in the late 80’s in Pipeline, ST as widely known by his moniker without doubt is one of The Gambia’s phenomenal and dramatic sensations at the moment.

He started his music journey way back in 2006 in Brikama and went on to release his first recorded single called “Who is ST” in the same year.

A former student of Nustrat Senior Secondary School, ST was named after of his late grandfather. ‘Aling Domoo’, ‘Adiata Nteleye’, ‘Suma Haftan,’ ‘Njunku’ and ‘Brix Boy Swagin’ among others are probably some of the hit tunes that come to mind whenever his name is mentioned.

At his young age he grasped the feelings of Rap music by listening to renowned legends like Tupac Shakur, BIG, NAS as influenced by one of his elder brothers. It was in his junior years at school when he started recording his first lyrics, but due to strict parental restrictions, ST as a high school teenager then had to pause and focus on his school works. During this period, he developed more skills by writing lyrics for friends instead of rapping for himself.

Soon after completing high school, Da Gambian Dream as he was fondly called had streams of records spinning on radio stations all over the Greater Banjul, West Coast Region and beyond. His motivation to continue rapping was greatly influenced by rap lovers all around the world especially Gambians. On the other hand it was not a pleasant situation for the youngster before he gained freedom to Rap or sing. In January of 2010, he dropped his first local mix tape ”Ga On Fire” alongside P-Mack & Benjamin. The great benefits that the mix-tape brought along were huge; even though it was for him to assess his musical prowess on his path to stardom. The feedback and critiques were so impressive.

By May 2010, two follow-up singles namely ‘Dara Du Doi’ and ‘Adiata Nteleye’ gave him public approval as an afromanding star to watch. Few months later precisely in August of 2010, he released his first music video ‘Adiata Nteleye’ which was fairly played on the State TV.

Soon another released titled; ‘Dara Du Doi’ followed in the late 2011 and also did better than the previous one, as both are fans’ favorites on GRTS and on YouTube.

Despite the release of hit songs like “Haftan” and Briks Boy Swagin”, ST also made a breakthrough when another hit masterpiece-‘Njunku’ video landed in the late 2012. The video went viral on both Facebook and Twitter. With this video the rising star consolidated the gains and even went on to receive an award for the video by an online Gambian music page, GMP Music Awards as the most popular video on their page.

By March 2013 his debut album ‘Distinction’ was ready and the album featured other renowned Gambian artistes like Benjamin, Manding Morry, Nenneh Suso and Sambu Da Unstoppable. A hit single “Musole” featuring Sambu Da Unstoppable was among the most played songs on the airwaves at the time. However, the track ‘Distinction’ featuring Benjamin was a promotional single as well but it got less radio plays than ‘Musole’ due to a controversy attached to a punchline by DJ’s, promoters and some fans.

Notwithstanding, the ‘Distinction’ song promoted itself to a point that its lyrics were not new to any kid in The Gambia. The album did pretty well relative to The Gambian music’s sales history. The album was great and it was amazing to see the youngster’s Facebook page flooded with pictures of his album from fans all around the world. It was from there that the Brikama Boyo believes his album could do more than it did sales-wise.

In 2013 at the Open Mic Festival, ST treated the crowd to a scintillating performance with no shirt on free-styling hit songs like “Aling Domo” and lacing it with Distinction lyrics and some new lines. This according to many was the high point of that event in that year. With that performance being the talk of the town, ST quickly recorded a banger titled ‘Aling Domo’ which was released in early March of 2014. This song undoubtedly was later considered as the biggest song of the generation from this young Brikama based artiste. The superb album was launched at the Brikama Mini Stadium (Box-bar) and still remains ST’s most attended show up to date and among the most widely attended events in the country.

“Aling Domo” was also received well in the Southern Senegalese Province of Cassamance as the star is well-known in the region. The release of this single soon fostered numerous bookings as the artiste even garnered more fans beyond borders.

Another exceptional single titled ‘Respecko’ was released sometime in mid-December 2014 and this single is well honored by the fans and some even believe it’s better than the previous one. But that claim will always remain the ground for debate. However, the most thrilled crowd would not get nothing more than ‘Aling Domo’ and ‘Respecko’ performed together by an energetic young talent like ST. With this two great singles running hand-in-hand, ST’s bookings have catapulted him to another threshold.

He is currently busy with his long list of contract bookings while quietly working on his upcoming album, which is due for release sometime soon.

Lyrics

ALING DOMO

INTRO

Chong beh chong kang

Chonchorong beh chong kang

Dabarri beh tayma

E’ko dindinyo-yea duwoleh long bari dudadowo amang wolong

Kebba dorong nehyea batiyo ning sinjango la kunya long

Woto tenkung emang duniyalong

Kanang judge neemanngna life long

Cus 3 quarter smileso ekaamil bayjeh plastico-long

First Verse

E’kay bung ning corrtay-lehla

E’kay chondi ning bino-lehla

E’kay dorku, E’kay dorku dorku soto baliyaleha

Nyall wolbeh nyokono, barri nyaniyol teh nyokono

E’kang jubay mbaloo ka-kandi ekafo dimbaleh beng sisokono,

Kana tikang kolehyakono

Etay makoila kulo kono

Esay fayin fayin yea fayin fayin, foiteh fanyka fayin fayin

Eka kuntung kuntung, ka kuntung kuntung for samatoo fangka kuntung kuntung

Labango foika Allah dani sayala suturokonoo

Second Verse

Ningna boysol feleh dalu kang….dalun dalun

Attaya wookatu jonki kang…Geemum geemun

Ning lamata mba bunkang afayea rayon nin zaa’un

And we got each others back like the 3 dots on top of sa’un

I aint got time for yaa ningmayma kanang maa’un

Alifun Ba’un aseh koi alngata Taa’un

Woto tenkun yea see’un

Eka duwa puru nya faa’un

Nee allah yea ming bless ekoibeh wo course la eteleh kay boo’un

Pre Hook

Dolkong kulubaliyataleh, dolko nyamaleh beh sumangkang

Fenteng for nying lyrics milka sangikeseh gee-kang

Bari-nya Allah tentu ko Super Eagles feleh fly kang sayin ebayleh kang hustle ekafo buwal lehka tee nkang

Aling domo

Mbalo felleh ala domo

Nko aling domo

Bari alseh jumbo nding kijay

Chorus

Aling domo……Abalo abalo

Ala domo……..Adomo adomo

Aling domo…..Nsubo nsubo

Ala domo…..Bari alseh jumbo nding kijay

Aling domo….al kor ning kano kijay

Ala domo….aling roff aling sauce

Aling domo…..Kani pachal fongka pachal

Ala domo……..Bari alseh jumbo nding kijay

Third Verse

Saaying dunya mangkoi

Wuliku yea seeku

What goes around comes around taaku yea naaku

Barr jamanoleh falingta mojamal mukasong kataku walattina dolka faa ebeh tibong-ding maaku yea saaku

Stage-joo is ma podium al space-so dingna fongseh looku

Nya dendicoo dung kunungko kunung nyaku binya dungku

Motol tata e’nata saying nong fang nka gina runga ku

Barri Africa lehbeh wonyama neemay dokundi fosay dooku

Biography

Ebrahim Suso aka Trobul Smallz no doubt is one of The Gambia’s astonishing reggae dancehall cum hip-hop stars in recent years. He was born on the 9th of August 1986 into the legendary griot family also known as ‘Jalos’ in Mandinka.

Prince Talib as fondly called is the grandson of the late Alieu Suso, a renowned Kora maker and player in The Gambia and the sub-region in his generation. Credited as a game-changing artist especially in the hip-hop domain, T Smallz grew up in the coastal town of Bakau. Due to his creative style, he has managed to horn his skills as a phenomenal instrumentalist cum rapper.

At a very tender age, he developed keen interest in music by then all what he found around him were local instruments of different kinds such as Kora, ‘Djembeh’, ‘Balafon’ which he later learnt how to play under the watchful eyes of his grandpa.

A onetime avid soccer player as he was once drafted into The Gambia U-15 national team, T Smallz took a bold move and ventured into the music business by starting to record professionally. His first song ‘Rise n Shine’ was recorded and produced at Adent Studios in Bakoteh now made popular by T. Smallz and his rap peers as BK City, where he now lives with his parents and siblings.

Since then one-hit song follows another and his super hit masterpiece entitled ‘Gis Nga Yow’ featuring one of The Gambia’s finest sensations- Marion and Tam 50 dominated the airwaves and night joints around the country. The release of this song ‘Gis Nga Yow’ was a huge success and fans both young and old always shout-out ‘Gis Nga Yow’ whenever the singer is in sight.

Following huge success of this hit song ‘Gis Nga Yow’ and several others like ‘Ring On Ya Finger’ featuring Rugie, ‘God’s Will’ featuring Pa Omar Jack and ‘Wahang Baneh’, the phenomenal star went on to release a mixtape which was a huge success especially among school going peers and in the streets.

Since then, his status and reputation catapulted as the true prince of hip-hop arena in The Gambia.

Over the past years, T Smallz staged numerous concerts in a number of countries including UK, Holland, Belgium, Germany, the Scandinavia region and Nigeria.

In one of his interviews with What’s On, T Smallz revealed that his tour to Holland, Belgium and Germany was basically to connect with other producers and other people who are connected to music. The tour he went on, availed him the opportunity to interact with more experienced people in the field of music in a bid to catapult his career internationally.

Beside, he is also featured on several ‘Riddims’ and performed duets with a host of other artists, most notably on the very successful ‘Hypnotize’ song by Sing-A-Teh aka Freaky Joe from his much acclaimed ‘Rejoice’ album just to name a few.

Over the past years, his music continued attracting more fans especially his famous single ‘Dallu’ which is still a hot cake among music enthusiasts.

Formerly of the Zion Yard Music Family of Bakoteh (BK City), T Smallz is now under his own management called- The KATATO Entertainment.

Lyrics

Always on My Mind

Verse 1

From the day that I told her “nagadef”

I swear to God everything goes “Jamarek”

Mom du fen du jel Teh du tapleh

Her morals good and she speaks good Angaleh..

Lumbuga rek dafa Jeka Larche..

she smells good and she always looking perfect..

She has a looks of a queen and heart of an Impress

Chorus

Ahmm Ahmmm Ahmmm

I need u in my, life

An I want u by my, side

Cuz always on my, mind

Verse 2

She say that she loves me like she love her dad

she swear she really means that

She say that she love me like she love her mums

An she says she will never do me wrong

No matter where she go She most come back home

and this is the reason why I am loving her so much

Good loving is what u gave me girl and that is the reason why am staying around

Chorus

Bridge

Namusu, nteh yeh tele Kanu

Mang laa noo mang seenono

Teh yeh tele Kanu

Hey! Namusu,teh yeh tele Kanuwooo yeah

Ngang Mira nya wo nyading ma seenono

teh yeh tele Kanu woooooooooooo

Chorus

Verse 3

I swear down mien am here to protect you

No way girl, hey no body will touch you

Am here to protect you with my African “juju”

Cuz u to good and sweet like my African “fufu”

Take a close look at you, girl you black and you beautiful

Yep, she ya me impress,loving and kindness

she nah wan fi do me bad she ya me greatness

Good love is what you gave me girl and its on

Chorus till fade

The amazing power of her voice and the scintillating melody of her vocals made Diha a household name in Senegambia. Diha brought the new Gambian sound to the forefront of Gam-music and in the process became a famous singer. In spite of her fame and success, Diha aka the Wonder Voice of Gambian music always remained true to what she held to be her mission.

A daughter of a Senegalese father from Tambacounda and a Gambian mother of Basse origin, she was born in Tambacounda and at age 5 she moved to The Gambia to resettle with her mom. Music was a natural passion for her and her love and admiration for music blossomed from an early age.

At the age of twelve, she ventured into the realm of self discovery within the music arena. She spent a lot of time watching music videos and admiring the stars and glamour associated with the music industry.

This to a point affected her educational journey and school became secondary to her and it subsequently affected her performance academically.

Born Haddy Trawally, her life growing up has been a bit turbulent but despite this adversity, she held her head high and never strayed off her desired path for success. Soon when her mother remarried, her step dad saw the immense musical and artistic potential in her and encouraged her to carry on with her musical dream. The life of uncertainty carried on as her mother relocated to Germany and Diha moved on to live with her maternal grandmother. She encountered some undesirable house rules living with her grand mum, who was on a collision course with her musical dreams.

Her grand mum didn’t support her musical path and Diha decided to move back to her dad. Moving back home with a limited educational background, she ended up being an assistant at a beauty salon but she quickly figured out that, that was not her calling and grabbed the microphone once again.

At the age of seventeen, she moved back to The Gambia and went into the music business with the sole aim of reaching the summit as far as music is concerned. Like most aspiring artistes, she did pay her dues by becoming backing vocalist for stars like, Pa Omar Jack, Mass Lowe and Jalex.

Her yearning and hunger for success made her want more than being a background vocalist and she ventured in the studio in 2007 to produce her first single called “Mbeugeul”. This single made its rounds on the radio airwaves and dance floors and a year later, after riding on the success of “Mbeugeul”, she dropped another single called “Gorgi”. Once people started hearing the wonder voice behind these two melodious tracks, Diha started attracting attention by industry insiders.

She went to Dakar and auditioned for the multi-talented artistic guru Carlo D, who incorporated her in his band as a backing vocalist. Carlo passed on her a lot of industry skills and polished her musical gift.

Once trained for bigger things, Carlo D set her loose and off to Gambia. Once in The Gambia, she was poised to do bigger and better things and there she released her hit song “Taling Taling”. This song was the beginning of bigger things to come and the female star and Bilal, the renowned producer of Sons of Light studios, recorded a demo that was to be part of a compilation by star producer Bouba Ndour. She was nominated for Best Gambian Female Artiste amongst a fierce line up of Gambian Songstresses and she clinched the titled.

Her musical inspiration is tapped from different sources but Sambou Suso and Whithney Houston are very influential in her musical journey.

The rising star has gone full circle in the journey of self discovery and of a Musical Pilgrimage. She is now a diva in her own right and a champion of Gambian music, doing her thing in her own way. She is poised to release her new album entitled Diha with SLB Music, a subsidiary of Sunland Music.

Lyrics

‘ MOUN NA NEKA’

[Intro]

LOU NEKA LO LOU REK LAI NEKA

MOUN NA NEKA

SOU NYOU DIGANTEH MOUN NA DEM FOU SORI

MOUN NA NEKA

BO NEKE DIHA BUL DI FEEL LONELY

MOUN NA NEKA

[Verse 1]

YENA SAIYI MA DAL DI LA WOR

KENEEN DI PICK SA CALL BI

NAKA NGAI HAMEH MANN LOU MA MEAN

MOUN NA NEKA

JUST THE CHANCE TO HOLD YOUR HAND

THOUGH YOU’LL SAY WE ARE JUST GOOD FRIENDS

THAT DOESN’T MEAN YOU NOT THE ONE FOR ME

[Chorus]

MOUN NA NEKA

SOU NYOU DIGANTEH MOUN NA DEM FOU SORI

MOUN NA NEKA

BO NEKE DIHA BUL DI FEEL LONELY

MOUN NA NEKA

[Verse 2]

NEKA FI LOL DI HOULO AK MANN

BOY SOUMA SANGE NYON LOLOU DOUFI AMM

JOH MA SA LOVE MA JOH LA SOU MA BORS

MOUN NA NEKA

JOH NAA LA CHERR JOH SUMA LIFE

LOUTAH MOU NOU MA DON SA WIFE

WHY DON’T YOU SEE THIS LOVE IS MEAN FOR US BABY

[Chorus]

MOUN NA NEKA

SOU NYOU DIGANTEH MOUN NA DEM FOU SORI

MOUN NA NEKA

BO NEKE DIHA BUL DI FEEL LONELY

MOUN NA NEKA

[Bridge]

SO NICE SO RIGHT SO GOOD

YES WE CAN

SO STRONG SO REAL

BOUL NA NGOU LOU KOR MOU NA YAHA YOW

SO NICE SO RIGHT

IF YOU ONLY LET ME

DI NAA LA WONN NI MA LA BOUGAY (2x)

[Verse 3]

LOLOU LAI NYAAN

MOU YAGA LOL BABY

LOU MOUN DI AM

AK LOU MA MOUN DI GISS MANN

LOU MA MOUN DI MEL CHERY BOY YA MA KOR GENAL

LO LOU LERR NA

DAMAI TOKK

DI HALAT

BOUGA GUI MA LA BOUGA

NEH LII

JAHAL NA MAA

MY BABY JAPALE MA NYOU DEM

MBEGUEL NI MOU YAATOR

NONOU LA HATEH

NONOU LA LENDEMEH NONOU LA LERR REH

FOU NYOU MOUN DI JARR

JARR JARR

JARR JARR YEEEEEE

Born Haruna Touray but widely known by his music moniker-Manding Morry, he is no doubt one of the Gambia’s rising stars with great lyrical potentials. His surname Touray depicts greatness in Mandinka because in the Mandinka tradition, the Touray is known to be great marabouts, (Morros in Mandinka). This therefore explains why he chooses the stage name Manding Morry, a name that symbolises greatness all over.

Born in the coastal town of Bakau New Town in 1987 to a family of great traditional music heritage, Manding Morry’s talent, determination and performance ability is of no surprise to anyone who has heard his work or seen him with the Unique Clan before going solo and now a fully accomplished Afro-manding rap star.

Starting from the Unique Clan with four of his mates was exciting and going into the studio for the first time to record professionally was even more surreal for the singer.

MANDING MORRY 2

It was on Christmas Day in 2009, when Manding Morry alongside his clan performed at the historic Open Mic Festival in front of 10,000 wailing fans. Since then, this super ambitious, young but amazing lyricist has gone solo, finalising a full album and exclusively signed to Gambia’s premier music label, Music-O Records in 2010. The album was superbly crafted at State of Mic studios under the supervision of Ann-1 aka Tha Sound Smith. His swift move to sign an exclusive deal with Music-O Records was welcomed by music fans all over.

The singer, though young has an untainted high degree of working chemistry that has allowed him to produce what was soon going to be the best ever Afro-Manding Rap album on the shores of The Gambia. It featured songs like ‘Felleh Ko Tele’ and ‘Ku Laika Dinyeh’ featuring Gambian US-based Soul and R&B sensation, Amie Dibba.

Manding Morry has also had songs with Unique Clan including the hit ‘Poding Poding’ and also done collabos and duets with a host of other musicians. A song titled ‘Be One’, which was featured on his debut album, saw him conjured soul-touching and conscious lyrics alongside Trobul Smallz, his Label mate, Pa Omar Jack, Gee Baby, Big Ams, M Nizzle, Yankuba Konteh and Vypa.

Despite being also known as the sibling to his more famous brother, the established Gambian musician- Jalex, he has made his personal mark on music lovers and created his own identity as a formidable artiste. With his music much played across radio stations in the country, a lot is expected from this super energetic stage king.

Author :Alieu Ceesay

Her distinctive voice, captivating stage acts and vocal skills continue to earn her huge number of fans each time she takes to the stage. Born Sophia Byass, the singer-cum-songwriter is one of the few Gambian females who ventured into virtually a male dominated dancehall domain.

Despite the stiff competition in the dancehall scene, Sophia was able to survive the heat and continues to blaze the scene like never before. This has enabled her to become a household name in the country’s music scene in recent years. Suffice it to say that she is among new breeds of Gambian artistes that continue to promote positivity thus promoting Gambian dancehall to the fore.

It was due to her strong passion for music that forced her to focus on it at a tender age. Having first started singing at the church in those days, she made a shift to the dancehall scene after realising her potential in that area.

Sophia in recent years sees herself as an inspiration in the music scene, taking into account her colleague females are relenting the dancehall domain for different reasons.

She has collaborated with a number of Gambian artistes namely A2, Silky Criss and Royal Messenger etc.

The 22-year-old resident of Kanifing Estate was a teacher-turned musician. Having observed that music is one area that she can easily relay positive message into the hearts and minds of people, she immediately took a u-turn to follow her heart’s desire.

In 2013, she signed a five-year deal with the Pipeline based Record Label -Block Entertainment. Two years on in November last year to be precise, she launched her first-ever 13-track mixtape called ‘Revelation. This mixtape launching according to many, was one of the best ever launching parties held in Smiling Coast. The Revelation mixtape was one of her best creative artwork, and she considered the release as a perfect time for her to talk to her brothers and sisters through music. Her creative style and swift approach towards her music career is just outstanding.

Sophia during the last Open Mic Festival treated the crowd to a scintillating fanfare with her enthralling stage acts. Being her debut appearance and the only female artiste in last year’s OMF lineup is another great accomplishment for the young dancehall diva.

She treated the crowd to an amazing performance, free-styling her hit song called ‘Bad Mind’ blending with the popular Jamaican ‘Patois’, also known as Patwa or Patwah.

With plans to go internationally, the dancehall diva believes as a female artiste one has to stay focused and maintain respect.

“Dancehall as a whole is raw and one have to be really fierce and raw too. So my outfit makes people feel otherwise, but it’s the dancehall culture and I have to role by it,”

Beside numerous projects at hand in 2016, Sophia also plans to embark on a nationwide tour to enable her meet fans across the country.

Lyrics

[Chorus]

Bad mind can’t bring me dong

Duty heart can’t bring me dong

Where me step bad Sophia dema chat pan me back dema duty mind

[Verse 1]

One bad gyal way some boy Neva know

Cha ah set every trend and me style me ah show

Wen ah step inna dance everyman get mad cha me style too hot so kiss dema blow

So better hold up yo man cha he want get more

Chat pan me back but me eat em up raw

Talk but me name butta real hardcore

Cha fallehwuma ken cha me wan explore

[Chorus]

[Verse 2]

Sophia ah MI name so ah wah do some gyal

Stick to me man cha me blow like fan

Ready if u ready cha ya music me ah band

So better open up ur eyes make me tell u waguan

Can’t play da game if u nor sit pan da bench

Rise up me thing make it tall like fence

Neva call me phone if u nor talk much sence

Can’t c dem gyal so me wudda need a lence

[Chorus]

[Bridge]

So me nuh hide me face wen the video lights dae pan me

Too cute fi dem so they can’t contest me

Friday friend but me got me own army

Chat pan me back and ah claim say dem friend me

[Chorus]

The end

Born Sanna Singhateh in the late 80’s in Pipeline, ST as widely known by his moniker without doubt is one of The Gambia’s phenomenal and dramatic sensations at the moment.

He started his music journey way back in 2006 in Brikama and went on to release his first recorded single called “Who is ST” in the same year.

Soon another released titled; ‘Dara Du Doi’ followed in the late 2011 and also did better than the previous one, as both are fans’ favorites on GRTS and on YouTube.

He is currently busy with his long list of contract bookings while quietly working on his upcoming album, which is due for release sometime soon.

Lyrics

‘TAS DEKABI’

VERSE 1

ST du musa byee

Game b numu mayti mayti Duma musa tayee

Seben tracks turrko ghyee haj leng show yu magee nyui kass majel yu ndowyee

Yen gisangulen Dara

MC bu dayga turri ST rek dafai para

I know you on my Facebook d gayma hop natal d check suma face look

Ma torch ndeyee radio yee block sen halati

Lock up everything including si Internet bi

Musnga giss style b, noo dorko giss Kai fee suma turr mungsi mbedda suma face mungsi telle b

CHORUS

Man mangay tepi talibi

Man mangay Tas Dekabi

Man mangay touch radio yee

Ana Ana Ana hateryee

Nyom nyungay horti mbajabi

Tepi talibi

Tass dekabi

Touch radioyee

Nyom nyungay horti mbaja b

VERSE 2

Brikama boyo in the building lubaleka loojang

Jumaleh kafo MacCarthy dingdingyo yea yea baanoleh waranto dangjang

Mangkanasol kanyanta kunyo layla bari sulol muka kangjang eko game-O colleyataleh nyinong hit jel ti molyea ming drop jang

Nku jamaleh ketta ku jamabaal leh ketangna jang

Kujamaleh ketta A’bayseh murung murung A’yea futangna jang

Diyamo siyata fangkung fangkung nongjang

Hip-hop la miskino hani moo kilingneh mang fengkiling kenye jang

All I know is hustling ka kodo lokotti tunyol konojang

Ka dung offisol kono ka cash wafasi chequekol kono jang

Ka show organise ka kemmol lokotti nafal konojang

Mbaloleh bijang nhakilobeh Central Bank la rankaysoleh konojang

Nkon naayea ebay lalaleh yea sino janding mbeh bola duniya konojang

Ndung e’ladula mangkeh dulati namangkeh nying bunjanyol konojang

Am killing everything

Hani feng muka mamang jang this is ma zone duntu mellenyo muka tamang tamang jang

CHORUS

OUTRO

Nyom nyungay tepi mbaajabi x3

Y’all ready know what time it is

Brikama ! …. Boyo

Ey noface I told you I got you on this one

Raba Raba K point ma nigga I see u

Union ST wooo

Eyoo

Huh!

Lyrics

[Verse 1]

Let’s stand up and fight for our rights

Never give up open up your eyes

let nobody push you

Let nobody screw you

Let nobody do you to ruin up your life.

Let’s stand up so that we can all unite

su hol yi nekeh Bena we Will not devide

Let nobody push you

or confuse u

Let nobody do you to do others life’s

(yeaaaaa)

Every youth has a dream

We all wish to live like kings

Al nan na barol nyi Nyaaa aa

Mbeyeh keh kilintiii

[Chorus]

Ky Len nyu neka Bena

It don’t matter if you’re black or white

Let’s all come together be as one

Hol yi neka Bena

(Rpt1)

[Verse 2]

Let’s stand up fight for equal rights and justice

Man dem suffering we just can’t take this

Nyerpangi jarhleh

save us dear lord!.

Let’s stand up artist yi neka Bena

Competition bi nenj koh baye and work together-

Cos amut njerinj

Jarut dem si serinj

Gomal Sah bopa

And keep doing your thing

Every youth has a dream

We all wish to live like kings

Al nan na barol nyi nya aaa

Mbeyeh keh kilintiiiiiiii

[Chorus Rpt]

Ky len nyu neka Bena

It don’t matter if you’re black or white

Let’s all come together be as one

Hol yi neka Bena

Rpt1

[Bridge]

The skin colour don’t matter

Nga njorl wallah Gata

Alna nyor mutah

Nga nyor horoma

Nga nyow bu nyaa

(Rpt 1)

[Chorus ]

Ky len nyu neka Bena

It don’t matter if you’re black or white

Let’s come together be as one

sHol yi neka Bena

(Rpt1)

Biography – Jizzle

Some are born with musical talents, while others have to study and hone their craft through hard work and both hold true for this phenomenal sensation. Young as he may be in age and experience in the music industry, Jizzle nonetheless does not take for granted his natural musical ability and versatility. He employs both exuberance and brainpower to pull off conscious, sweet songs viable in today’s pop-culture.

Born Jerreh Jallow, he was christened Jizzle by his pals. He put his talents to test as a teen, displaying natural stage presence and star quality in his performances. Music has since been his way, encompassing both writing and singing ability.

Jizzle as widely called is well on his way to making a significant break into the music industry. He and the Atlanta based music producer, Papa have released their debut single ‘Dance to the Sound’ on International Record Consortium and The Loopy frost Label. Already making major attraction in the U.S. and West Africa, ‘Dance to the Sound’ is a club banger that leaves nothing to the imagination, and is sure to get club-goers on the dance floor.

A conscious singer and songwriter, Jizzle is sensitive to his environment, as evident in his debut single, “Over Sona”, in which he highlights the plights of young people neglected by the adult world.

This debut single itself is an exaggerated expression of despair common among many young people. “I thought I’d never experience such conditions until I saw people’s lives, so I sang it,” he said in one of his interviews.

Jizzle is an inspirational star that continues to win the hearts and minds of many music lovers.

In his hit single, ‘Life Is Not Easy’, he criticized the status quo in the ghettos where young people tend to build a utopia and challenges them to “make their minds up”.

For him, success is a destination journeyed through inescapable bumpy road. There are other moods, too, in the 25 songs he has so far. For instance, in his hit songs, ‘Rumpa’, and ‘MiDeh Pan Mi Side’, Jizzle gives us lilting melodic tributes to love, beauty and tenderness. It was the hit songs ‘Lo and behold’ and ‘Together We Make’, that propel him into the international limelight. Fan votes selected the song on Global Rock Star, an international music award.

While Gambia’s music industry boasts a flood of talented young singers, Jizzle undoubtedly is a rare breed. He majors in rap but occasionally sings dancehall. One of his wonders is that he sings in three major Gambian languages, Fula, Mandingo and Wolof; and English, making him a marketable brand, both at home and abroad.

Besides, a growing popular demand, Jizzle performs in major national concerts and features on radio and TV shows; such as the popular BNL TV Show. One of his cloudburst stage acts was at the last Open Mic Festival, where he treated fans to a scintillating fanfare.

For bookings contact

jerreh.jallow741@gmail.com

www.soundcloud.com/jizzlebenz

Nu Chilly Rise no doubt is one of the Gambia’s finest performers in recent years. The Gambian-UK based artiste was in January 2016 awarded ‘Artiste of the Year 2015’ at the Interface Gambia TV Awards in England. The award was designed to honour deserving Gambians in lucrative enterprise as well as promote businesses and support Gambian ventures in the UK and beyond.

Born Wally Bobb, he started his musical career by singing with local drumming groups at a young age. He first joined a group called Roots Calypso, where he served as lead vocalist for 5 years before he moved to Europe in 1995 to further his career.

Continuing on his move, the Gambian born later met with members of the Suns of Light who motivated him to produce music with the passion he is known for today. He studied basic music knowledge at the Hi-Tech Sunland Music School, an endeavour that greatly helped him in his quest.

Becoming an international force with good promotion all over Europe, he worked with a “Movement” for a compilation in 2004 in the United Kingdom. It was with this movement that Nu Chilly released his debut single “Nu Chilly Rise”. The hit took the country’s music scene by storm with its beat travelling offshore out of The Gambia to Europe.

The track which was featured on his 18-track album ‘By the Rivers of Gambia (2012) resulted in Nu Chilly’s rise to international stardom.

Alongside Hakim, Nu Chilly teamed up with Culture Brown (Love is What the Children Want) and Jamaican sensation, Chuck Fenda (Nu Chilly Rise remix) to produce the formerly mentioned debut album that blazed the country’s music scene on to the international stage.

“Nu Chilly Rise” shot further up in fame with the release of its video directed by Yankuba Jarju of Amics Digital in his czonex emblem. Over the years, he toured different European countries notably, Austria, Germany, Scotland, Wales, New Castle among others, promoting his music and tagging concerts.

He is one of the artistes involved in part of Africa Rise Music 4Charity CD Sampler to set up a milestone for reggae music worldwide including big names like Mighty Diamond (Jamaica), Kaya (Cape Verde), The Blackstones (Jamaica), Junior Drean (Brazil), Ky- Enie (Jamaica) Iza Rebell (New York), Chuckle Berry (Jamaica) and Tamika (Germany and US) among others. The Gambian homegrown and UK based artiste is enjoying his time spent on working on his upcoming album called ‘I Offer You Love’.

Lyrics

By The Rivers

Of Gambia

Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah Juffureh and river Gambia is calling into

Chorus:

By the rivers of Gambia they we sat down and there we were and we remember

James island

Verse:

By the rivers of Gambia they we sat down and they we were and we remember the

stone circle:

Verse:

Kunta kinteh was one of the 98 slaves taken to Annapolis in Maryland in the New World and the fight very hard to maintain his name.

Verse:

Talking to my brothers and my sisters in Jamaica, England and the New World we should all know it is because of slavery

hear me now.

Chorus:

By the rivers of Gambia they we sat down and they we were eh eh eh eh and we remember Albreda

Let the words of our mouth and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable in thy side hear tonight

By the Rivers of Gambia they we sat down and they we were eh eh eh eh we remember when Mungo Park explored the river.

Ah ah ah ah ah ah Gambia people

kai Len nyu sing along

Ah ah ah ah Ah Ah Ah

Gambian river is calling

INTRO

Bilal

Yea…

Sometimes misunderstanding munna turn best friends into worst enemies

Nii lafa demeh suma digantek Abu, my best friend

Deklul bubakh sopareh wakhma sudon yaw loye def

Warrior Musik, Negrophil Records

VERSE-1

Bilal

Kii suma waye la, nyuko oyeh Abu Mahoud

Nyune nyo judo, yaro, mageh si bena neighborhood

Nyodan anda cheasi, join boy yi outi flow

Anda dodge taxi, boka joint yunuy blow

After Abu am yone lemdem Sweden, manma nefi, poverty frenkulayu suma hefi

Stress bi gena heavy, ndah rafleh cherr si kerr bi

Haleh buma yoni mu bagn

Wahtu aine, suma fekut kerr maafa jaye pagn

Suma own yaye dima fasal kanam cuz awma luma johe

Sohla wuin sah suma halat sinu kerr gi di dohe

Balagn maa muna embarrass rek, ma am gan

Kerr gi balagn laa embrace, foknga am kaagn

Madem beh ses fipu, daldileen abal sen kerr

Mbeda bi welcome ma, mai roll ak niggaz yi beh cinq heure

Nyu introduce masi fast money, ma sobusi

Yakarr neh, lima rawon yep dinaako dabu fii

HOOK

Ruggie

Kan momai walo, mandeh jaahleh na kan momai walo?

Ana kumai walo, mandeh waaruna, kan momai walo?

Kan momai walo, mandeh jaahleh na kan momai walo?

Ana kumai walo, mandeh waaruna, kan momai walo?

VERSE-2

Bilal

Nyeti werr rek, pocket bi dorrdi put on weight

Wai nyeti werr rek, jankuwantel nak jurom nyeti raid

*After majel break di figure out next move bi

Sila dega yoni Libya bi, ma taka bagass yi laali

After 3 weeks of journey bu tarr teh sori

Finally rombana Gadron beh duga Tripoli

Di outh bonbon bumai jarr purr fola Italy

Manak suma junay morom nyo asobi dream bunyui outali

Bess bu judu maneh teyla, nekafa di dundeh yakarr

Bess bu faatu, busi topa genko tarr

Bess yidi turn to weeks, weeks yidi turn to weer

Balama hamlu hew, reynafa nyenenti atyu werr

Uprising bi falama feka, mangi sisu rek

Wai bu fight bi tereh, dama mujeh daw bureet

After ma deega newsi free flight purr Gambian yi

Maneh fa cheep, Yundum airport mangi

HOOK

Ruggie

Kan momai walo, mandeh jaahleh na kan momai walo?

Ana kumai walo, mandeh waaruna, kan momai walo?

Kan momai walo, mandeh jaahleh na kan momai walo?

Ana kumai walo, mandeh waaruna, kan momai walo?

VERSE-3

Bilal

Ma nyow feka Abu jendal na gayam yi kerr benyu tohu

Jotumaleena seeti, ndah busy si beach bidi lambaatu

Beh one day ma jogeh Palma di nyepsi jukh si bena sister

Mom dafdon drive si wrong path beh motom bi douta

Nonuma meiko loho nyu struggle beh motor bi gena

Mudorr ma 5 arch, nema yawku bakh nga

Jokh masa number dinala call bess invite la ebbeh

Nyu exchange numbers mu dugasi ride bi nema bye baby

Beh bena samdi si ngon, lama call madem kerram

Mu yekal ma ebbeh, tok suma borr dima hoye e-cheram

Hamnga rek yefi badman, ma dorrdi dance si redeem bi

Balama hamlu hew, drag nama besi bedroom bi

After combat ma nekafa di jeema sampa sumai piyong

Silama nandal neh dafa sey, waye jekarr jengi Sweden

Nonu mujel phone nam, browse si pictures yi nema kiila

Ma hool si screen birek giss Abu Oh my GOD

INTERLUDE

Bilal

Hey!! No lii munuta possible

Ruggie:Luhew, lanla, hanaa danko ham?

Bilal:Yaw lutakh wahuloma damn, chaaa, heey!!

Ruggie: Eaiyaa lanla yaw, luhew, Baby wahala mann yaw, hana danko ham Crying

HOOK

Kan momai walo, mandeh jaahleh na kan momai walo?

Ana kumai walo, mandeh waaruna, kan momai walo?

Kan momai walo, mandeh jaahleh na kan momai walo?

Ana kumai walo, mandeh waaruna, kan momai walo?

Biography Poetic Xtremez

Coming at a time when many artistes weren’t quite sure of making gains in the hip-hop arena in the country, Poetic X went against all odds to prove that hip-hop can be a tool to bring about change in communities.

Over the years, they have organised charity concerts for elementary schools and all the proceeds were given to the schools. As official members of Miracle Come Back (MCB), an international movement for blood donation campaign, the group has over the years collaborated with the National Blood Transfusion Services on various blood drive projects.

The group, renowned for their hot stage appearances, remains at the epicenter of the country’s hip-hop rap scene. Their lyrics mainly centers on burning issues affecting the people, especially the youths among others. They are one of the most respected ‘emcees’ and have earned their popularity in the hip-hop community as well as gain the confidence of the music lovers.

The music scene in The Gambia witnessed a turning point when their most anticipated debut album “Yonbeh Gudone” was released in June 2011. The most talked about songs in the album were “Sunu Dekala” which talks about corruption, nepotism, deforestation among other issues dragging the country backward; and “Black Woman” a popular song which reaffirms black Africans’ sense of pride.

In April 2014, they released a phenomenal mixtape entitled “Lujot Yoomba”, which was widely regarded by many as a hit.

However, it all started back in 2000, when Ayo, Abu Qais and BMG came together and formed Poetic Xtremez with the mission of making the voice of the young people heard. After a while BMG quitted rapping and they decided to join forces with another influential rap group called Pepper House Crew to build a solid squad of “rhymers” called ‘Da Bulldoff Army’. Sensitive and Big U later joined the group following the invitation by a prolific freestyle battle rapper known as Bilal Bin Kebba, who in 2004 was a solo artiste.

In early 2005, they dropped a promotional song called ‘Wulajanjara’ featuring Afromanding sensation, Sambou Susso. The video gave a vivid story about forced and arranged marriages that exist among tribes. In fact ‘Wulajanjara’ gained tons of airplay on the local television and radio stations in both The Gambia and Senegal.

In 2007, Poetic X took a break following the sudden death of another music hero, Pa Modou Jammeh aka MJ, a member of Pepper House and Bulldoff studio’s sound engineer.

It was in 2008 when they made a comeback with the song “Buga Dem” featuring Sir X, Big Ams and Flex Man’ (about illegal migration) and another street joint “Building Tha Streets”. Both songs were released on the first Senegambian hip-hop compilation called DK/BJL produced by Artistik Musik.

In early 2010, Poetic X signed a deal with Artistik Music to co-produce their debut album entitled “Yonbeh Gudone”.

In late 2010 ‘Nun ak Yen’ Promotion based in Dakar, Senegal demanded “Building The Streetz” song to be on their compilation which features artistes from different African countries. The superb compilation motivated the Dakar based promotion outfit to invite Poetic X on two occasions to attend their festivals that were held at Futa and Diass respectively.

They also represented The Gambia twice at Festa2H, another annual international festival held in Dakar, Senegal. In 2014, they were awarded by United Nations Volunteers and UNDP on the World Volunteer Day for their active voluntary projects over the years.

Poetic X is currently working on an EP project to be released before their second album, which is slated for 2016

Lyrics

VERSE 1

Kairaya loo

Tengkungoyabeng

Yiriwaningnyatotaa le yajiyaa

Hadamaya

Sewo ye nyaadaalubeng

N’nabankukendemaalem

Gambia

Ibedawoda

Ikana song mummey

kanyineyfaasuwo la

Gambia

Tonya

I’nyinatai’bonsungwo la

I’nyinatai’fangwo le la

Nsinganyaa

N’tenganyaata

N’nabanko le la

N’singanyaa

Al nganaakafunyooma

Nganyomuta

N’singanyaa

Wolemunyatotaa

Ningnafasoto

CHORUS 1

Gambiankolu le

Nyinembankunyimati

Gambiankolu le

Nyingbankukaira ma

Gambiankolu le

Nyinemmoolabankooti

Gambiankolu le

Nyinenyongomangsiyaa

VERSE 2

A nemata

Woleyasaabu

Mooluyabunyaa

Abarakata

Woleyatinna

Moolumangnyangna,

Nyingbankunyimaafaylaa

Aaaaaaaaaaaaa

Bankodingolu

Ali ngana

Kafunyooma

Tonyaa

N’mangnimisa

Nyingbankudingyaala

Mummey

Ningtata

Duniyaakono

Nyingbankoo la diya

Mbafola

Gambia nyongte

CHORUS 2

Gambiankolu le

Nyinembankunyimati

Gambiankolu le

Nyingbankukaira ma

Gambiankolu le

Nyinemmoolabankooti

Gambiankolu le

Nyinenyongomangsiyaa

OUTRO

Gambia le ma

M’bekuuma la

Gambia le ma

M’bekuuma la

Gambia le ma

Kairasuu,

Alaafo Gambia

Nemasuu,

Oohhhoo Gambia

Hadamayaasuu,

Alaafo Gambia

Baadingyaasuu,

Oohhhoo Gambia

THE END

Biography

Sona Jobarteh is the first female Kora virtuoso to come from a West African griot family. Breaking away from tradition, she is a pioneer in an ancient male-dominated hereditary tradition that has been exclusively handed down from father to son for the past seven centuries.

Reputed for her skill as an instrumentalist, distinctive voice, infectious melodies and her grace onstage, Sona has rapidly risen to international success following the release of her widely-acclaimed album “Fasiya” (Heritage) in 2011.

The Kora, a 21-stringed African harp is one of the most important instruments belonging to the Manding peoples of West Africa (Gambia, Senegal, Mali, Guinea and Guinea-Bissau).It belongs exclusively to griot families (hereditary musical families), and only those who are born into one of these families have the right to take up the instrument professionally. Sona, who was born into one of the five principal griot families, has become the first female to take up this instrument professionally in a male tradition that dates back over seven centuries.

Her family boasts of a respected reputation for producing renowned Kora masters, notably her grandfather Amadu Bansang Jobarteh, who was an icon in Gambia’s cultural and musical history, and her cousin Toumani Diabaté, who is renowned for his mastery of the Kora.

Over the past 18 months, she has reached another level of success internationally, fronting major festivals in countries around the world from South Korea, Tanzania, Cote D’Ivoire, Portugal, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Malaysia to Germany just to name a few. She has the unique ability to communicate, transform and move audiences, especially foreign ones many of whom know little about music from Africa. Last year, Sona travelled across Mexico as the headline for a 10-day tour, filling up venues in a sell-out crowd averaging 7,000. This year has seen her developing from strength to strength.

She began learning the kora at the young age of four from her brother Tunde Jegede. By the age of six, Sona also started to learn the cello, piano and harp. She gave her first performance on the Kora alongside her brother at London’s Jazz Café at the age of five, and her first solo cello recital at the age of eleven at the prestigious South Bank Purcell Room in London.

As a young teenager she was admitted into the world renowned institutions of the Royal College of Music and the Purcell School in the UK, where she furthered her studies in western classical music.During this time she also excelled in Composition and started to write her first compositions for full orchestra. By her mid-teens, Sona has established as a permanent member of her brother’s internationally-acclaimed ‘ACM Ensemble’, touring the world for many years with him, and having the opportunity to work alongside internationally-acclaimed artistes such as Oumou Sangaré, Toumani Diabaté and The BBC Symphony Orchestra.

In her late teens, Sona continued to pursue her passion for ancient Manding repertoire and began working on the Kora intensively with her father Sanjally Jobarteh, who is steeped in the knowledge of the ancient tradition of the Manding. She completed a degree in African Culture and Linguistics at School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) University in London, and it was during this time that she started to develop her identity as a solo artist.

In her twenties, she started to find a balance for her diverse knowledge of two very different traditions – that of Manding and Western classical music. This marriage manifested itself for the first time in the public eye when she was commissioned to compose the film into a documentary on Africa entitled: “The Motherland” in 2010. Effortlessly bringing her competence in both Manding and Western musical traditions, this body of work saw Sona cultivates a new genre in African cinematic music. To meet the demands of this project, the young Kora sensation went even further by inventing a new instrument which she named ‘Nkora’ in order to capture the sonic landscapes she was looking for. Drawing on her skills as a composer, multi-instrumentalist and producer, this work was a milestone in Sona’s musical development. Directed by Owen Alik Shahadah, the film helps her to collect multiple awards around the world.

Following the release of this debut film score, Sona continued to explore and develop what has now become one of her most captivating qualities – her voice. The quality of her voice is what brought her to the attention of the prolific Hollywood film composer Alex Heffes in 2011, who asked her to feature as solo vocalist in the soundtrack to the film “The First Grader”. The piece, featuring Sona, won the “Discovery of the Year Prize” at the Hollywood World Soundtrack Awards in 2012.

Sona was invited to perform a piece live at the awards ceremony in Belgium, backed by an 80-piece orchestra.

This success led to Sona being asked by director Justin Chadwick to record once again as a solo vocalist for the soundtrack to his blockbuster Hollywood movie “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” in 2014. She was a guest at the premiere of the movie in London’s Leicester Square, also attended by Mandella’s daughters and Prince William of the UK Royal Family. This was to become a historic landmark event when the news of Mandella’s death was announced for the first time once the screening had ended.

In 2011, Sona released her acclaimed first solo album entitled “Fasiya”. This album was a landmark not only in her personal musical journey, but in the evolving tradition that she has been born into. This album features her abilities on numerous instruments such as the bass, ngoni, flute, guitar and percussion, and also showcases her competence as a mature producer.

Working in both The Gambia and UK, She pieced together a body of work that would establish her unique position in this tradition as both a preserver and a pioneering innovator.

Following the release of ‘Fasiya’, Sona turned her attention to piecing together and developing a London-based band that would be able to render her music on the live stage. This took her many years to accomplish, but Sona has now achieved the formation of a highly accomplished group who captures the energy, feeling and refinement her music demands. Whether with the full band or a smaller acoustic ensemble, this group never failed to bring a rich, revitalising and moving performance to the stage.

Sona’s work is not only limited to the stage, but also blossoms in the world of education. She has taught Kora and Manding music history to university students for many years in the UK, as well as being invited to universities in the US to deliver her unique, engaging lectures in music history which are integrated with live demonstrations on her instruments. Earlier this year, she delivered a hugely successful lecture at the prestigious Weimar University in Germany attended by both students and music experts alike.

Over the past two years, Sona has turned her attention to developing traditional music education in the Gambia. In 2014 she started running 6-week projects in her home family village of Kembujeh in The Gambia, specialising in manding music and history for children between the ages of 8 and 18. The positive response was phenomenal, and before long she had more students wishing to attend her programmes than she could cater for. As a result, she had since laid the foundations to expand to a full-time school, offering a high level mainstream education integrated with a traditional music curriculum. She has named the school after her late grandfather, Amadu Bansang Jobarteh, as a homage to both the legacy that he left behind and to her father Sanjally Jobarteh’s aspiration of establishing a kora school, naming it after his father.

Sona is currently writing and developing the music curriculum herself, which will be implemented with her first group of full time students in January 2016.

Moving on, she hopes to work with the education authorities in The Gambia to realise the introduction of a traditional music curriculum implemented in schools across the country.

As an ardent advocator of tradition, Sona’s intent for the success of this school is to stand as an enduring testament to the rich culture of the Manding people, and to spur the next generation to pursue their own traditional music and culture. Besides, the kora genius was among the invited artistes during The Gambia’s Golden Jubilee celebrations, where she thrilled thousands of Gambians to a scintillating performance.

Lyrics

[Chorus]

Bad mind can’t bring me dong

Duty heart can’t bring me dong

Where me step bad Sophia dema chat pan me back dema duty mind

[Verse 1]

One bad gyal way some boy Neva know

Cha ah set every trend and me style me ah show

Wen ah step inna dance everyman get mad cha me style too hot so kiss dema blow

So better hold up yo man cha he want get more

Chat pan me back but me eat em up raw

Talk but me name butta real hardcore

Cha fallehwuma ken cha me wan explore

[Chorus]

[Verse 2]

Sophia ah MI name so ah wah do some gyal

Stick to me man cha me blow like fan

Ready if u ready cha ya music me ah band

So better open up ur eyes make me tell u waguan

Can’t play da game if u nor sit pan da bench

Rise up me thing make it tall like fence

Neva call me phone if u nor talk much sence

Can’t c dem gyal so me wudda need a lence

[Chorus]

[Bridge]

So me nuh hide me face wen the video lights dae pan me

Too cute fi dem so they can’t contest me

Friday friend but me got me own army

Chat pan me back and ah claim say dem friend me

[Chorus]

Biography Sophia

Her distinctive voice, captivating stage acts and vocal skills continue to earn her huge number of fans each time she takes to the stage. Born Sophia Byass, the singer-cum-songwriter is one of the few Gambian females who ventured into virtually a male dominated dancehall domain.

Sophia in recent years sees herself as an inspiration in the music scene, taking into account her colleague females are relenting the dancehall domain for different reasons.

She has over the years collaborated with a number of Gambian artistes namely A2, Silky Criss and Royal Messenger etc.

She treated the crowd to an amazing performance, free-styling her hit song called ‘Bad Mind’ blending with the popular Jamaican ‘Patois’, also known as Patwa or Patwah.

With plans to go internationally, the dancehall diva believes as a female artiste, one has to stay focused and maintain respect.

“Dancehall as a whole is raw and one have to be really fierce and raw too. So my outfit makes people feel otherwise, but it’s the dancehall culture and I have to role by it,”

Beside numerous projects at hand in 2016, Sophia also plans to embark on a nationwide tour to enable her meet fans across the country.

Lyrics: Samba

Chorus 1x

Noom muntii yaga yaga na harr.

Sa mbuguel de moye sama warr.

the way you working it don’t stop.

nii kui fecha samba nonstop.

Samba samba samba,

samba samba samba…

Samba samba samba,

samba samba samba…

Samba samba samba,

samba samba samba…

Samba samba samba,

samba samba samba…

Verse 1

Yangii, Mel nii biidew c kaw Asaman.

got me, feeling good mel nii ku Marr beh Nan.

ndowsi yama neex yeah no competition but yai ganye.

I’ll bring the money, if she brings low.

dang kor gawal then nga wanyi leap to slow mo.

What a bomb, so so.

you bring the roof down,

you can kill a youth now.

yangii neka my sound,

dorn deyga truth found.

defa doff kana su, holler whoop,

I salute, that’s my boo.

nor muntii Mel nonu lala bugay, yrw la choose.

derr bu hes Walla nyul, what it do.

Chorus 1x

Verse2

Classy designer, hel bangii dal ndik, am right beside.

korm ku febarr beh tanneh, am getting finner….

hana lorhor dok, purr deyga ne ndowsi byna.

I love your wine and I ain’t alcoholic.

the way you winning you better with Timing, that’s solid.

yrw yamai wouy lor suba tehll, songs of Bob Marley.

yangii teye, teksi dal, ham noye wakhe.

Jaroot wakh, fu boatt yii daje.

I got to have you your body mami, such a view Abu Dhabi.

so I call her murder mami, homie that’s my murder mami.

I fell in love with a dancer.

and it might be my death, my cancer

Chorus 1x

Outro

Samba samba, samba samba, samba samba nonstop.

Biography

Born Amadou Secka, Vypa or simply Skinnyboyfly, as his stage names, is a Gambian superstar. Young, cool and calm, his versatility and creative talent is just amazing.

Vypa’s persona shows positivity. He is a man with a vision of putting his motherland (The Gambia) on the global music map. Starting his rap career during his senior years with some of his school mates, he eventually formed a rap group called the ‘Hoodhustlers’. The group released its first project, which was a CD compilation titled ‘Voices of the Ghetto’ in 2007, before ceasing to exist as an active group. Later on, Vypa went solo releasing couple of solo projects.

It was in March 2009 when he released his first solo project, a mix tape called “Hustlematic scriptures (the prequel), with one ‘Life to Life’ featuring Rugie and another heavy flow as lead singles. It’s made up of a collection of tracks he had been working on, as it’s more like a compilation CD.

The rising star released his second mixtape, which was more like a compilation called “The Apocalypse (death of realism) in 12 June 2010.

With nationwide hits like “Must Get there featuring Sing-A-Teh and ‘Amore’ featuring Lenna”, his popularity shut beyond borders. These hits gained successful air plays on local radio stations, and on the internet they went viral. Vypa went on to shoot two videos on the ‘Apocalypse’ mixtape called ‘Rock Your World’, featuring Snow Ezy and ‘Amore’ ft. Lenna’, being featured constantly on The Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS).

One of the projects he is involved in is the movie soundtrack titled ‘Jiwu’ ft. Jali Momodou for the movie ‘Kodho’, a local movie produced and directed by Efe Omo Egori of SupaGrafix media.

In 2011, he released a hit single ‘Skinny boy fly’, later shooting a classy HD video for it in May 2012, creating an internet buzz, which exposed him to his fellow Gambians abroad. It also gave him a good start in the international market among other nationals, making him a household name locally. The video gained constant air plays on the local TV station and international satellite TV stations like the UK BenTV, which led to the nomination of ‘Skinny boy fly” video, winning the best video award in the first-ever local video awards held in The Gambia.

He also released a new single titled ‘Marro’ ft. Sandeng in June 2012. It was often played on radio that it earned him a place at the country’s biggest local music festival, the Open Mic Festival (OMF), which boasted of a selling crowd of 30 to 35 thousand.

This was followed by another promo single with Senegalese international artiste called Fafadi. Their music titled “Swag” was produced by international producer, Hakim of Sunland, who has produced for world class superstars like Akon, Youssou Ndoure, Vivian, among others.

It was among the most popular singles in the local scene, gaining him two nominations for awards.

In addition, Vypa released another promo single called ‘Hot boy’, accompanied with a video too. This was soon followed by the release of a new mixtape called ‘NUTS’, which was released on the 14th October 2014, and went on to shoot two videos on the mixtape.

He released two other promo singles ‘Young Nikka’’ and “The Anthem Nyunla” later remixing the anthem featuring Fata with an accompanying video, gaining another big boost in the music scene. The popularity of this song captured people’s imagination beyond borders, as it became a big hit internationally, including neighboring Senegal. As a sign of his international recognition, the ‘Nyunla’ video made it as number 2 among the top ten list of SOUND CITY, one of Nigeria’s biggest music TV channels.

His latest effort is the release of another promo single titled ‘’Young Nigga’’, with both an E.P and album. It is set to be released this year.

One of his phenomenal stage acts was at the 2015 OMF, where he treated tens of thousands of spectators to a scintillating fanfare. OMF, no doubt, is one of Gambia’s biggest music festivals, which annually draws tens of thousands of fans at the Independence Stadium in Bakau. During this event, Vypa shows progress, creative ability, free-flowing style and smooth delivery in grand style.

Lyrics

VERSE 1

ST du musa byee

Game b numu mayti mayti Duma musa tayee

Seben tracks turrko ghyee haj leng show yu magee nyui kass majel yu ndowyee

Yen gisangulen Dara

MC bu dayga turri ST rek dafai para

I know you on my Facebook d gayma hop natal d check suma face look

Ma torch ndeyee radio yee block sen halati

Lock up everything including si Internet bi

Musnga giss style b, noo dorko giss Kai fee suma turr mungsi mbedda suma face mungsi telle b

CHORUS

Man mangay tepi talibi

Man mangay Tas Dekabi

Man mangay touch radio yee

Ana Ana Ana hateryee

Nyom nyungay horti mbajabi

Tepi talibi

Tass dekabi

Touch radioyee

Nyom nyungay horti mbaja b

VERSE 2

Brikama boyo in the building lubaleka loojang

Jumaleh kafo MacCarthy dingdingyo yea yea baanoleh waranto dangjang

Mangkanasol kanyanta kunyo layla bari sulol muka kangjang eko game-O colleyataleh nyinong hit jel ti molyea ming drop jang

Nku jamaleh ketta ku jamabaal leh ketangna jang

Kujamaleh ketta A’bayseh murung murung A’yea futangna jang

Diyamo siyata fangkung fangkung nongjang

Hip-hop la miskino hani moo kilingneh mang fengkiling kenye jang

All I know is hustling ka kodo lokotti tunyol konojang

Ka dung offisol kono ka cash wafasi chequekol kono jang

Ka show organise ka kemmol lokotti nafal konojang

Mbaloleh bijang nhakilobeh Central Bank la rankaysoleh konojang

Nkon naayea ebay lalaleh yea sino janding mbeh bola duniya konojang

Ndung e’ladula mangkeh dulati namangkeh nying bunjanyol konojang

Am killing everything

Hani feng muka mamang jang this is ma zone duntu mellenyo muka tamang tamang jang

CHORUS

OUTRO

Nyom nyungay tepi mbaajabi x3

Y’all ready know what time it is

Brikama ! …. Boyo

Ey noface I told you I got you on this one

Raba Raba K point ma nigga I see u

Union ST wooo

Eyoo

Huh!

Biography

Born Sanna Singhateh in the late 80’s in Pipeline, ST as widely known by his moniker, without doubt is one of The Gambia’s phenomenal and dramatic sensations at the moment.

He started his music journey way back in 2006 in Brikama and went on to release his first recorded single called “Who is ST” in the same year.

A former student of Nustrat Senior Secondary School, ST was named after his late grandfather. ‘Aling Domoo’, ‘Adiata Nteleye’, ‘Suma Haftan,’ ‘Njunku’ and ‘Brix Boy Swagin’ among others are probably some of the hit tunes that come to mind whenever his name is mentioned.

Soon another released titled; ‘Dara Du Doi’ followed in the late 2011 and also did better than the previous one, as both are fans’ favorites on GRTS and on YouTube.

He is currently busy with his long list of contract bookings while quietly working on his upcoming album, which is due for release sometime soon.

Song Lyrics

Chorus

istuwarr si kaw kontuwarr

linyui dunday morm doina warr

besbu neh nga dayga maytit

wala bot nyii nga giss lu tarr

aduna gii firil sa nopa hamel bot oitu nyorn boi jarr

istuwarr morm ming nyui harr

purr muslu si lamenj dei wah karr

Verse 1

hay di doh gisor nyorn boi jarr

chossan nama reer murr mha nee chaya narr

wahuma ken damai latch kinyu lorr

ndah keep kor banj kor wah du nyeafi gorr

si kan lenyui gestu ham ham kikor yorr

purr nyu ham dafa jot du dorn borr

nyorn bu ess lha mako daji si

packet sol len nyu saff yii kom rocket dama chang si sky bii

yaga harr beh he’ll dama bandii

kuneh amnga chaffka wahma yandi

different taste dama dees bul laal bii

nga buga nyu jahasseh

duma sah harr

duma aii duma chow duma istuwarr

bulko opa benj tahaw contu warr

cuz kaadu yii nala Jamba

nee daharr

Chorus X2

Verse 2

Amunj dara y ken dunyu yab

yaga chi natch bii toi dunyu bab

den beh jeekh Gambia dui patch

nga lep mha fei mha joni joni teh bul watch

legi legi like fitifatafat

suma jikor bon teh man dama dayga datch

herr yii sa kaw beh nga daw

mboka yii chunchu di naw

talent nyu sharp kom dayji saw

mbeda bii mai uncle nel cow

fatch sa sohla masi ngaina gaw

nekorn bandi duma Dan jangi

ndaykay lu bakh suma life lai sanii

sii wahtu bu tuti sila hipi bot yii

hamneh nyornu ndaw jarut yakamtii

Biography

Since then he has proven to the entire country that he is the king of the rap game with his hot, captivating and enthralling stage acts. Apart from his music engagement, the rising star also worked at The Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) as a clearing agent.

Bai Babou started a new dimension of stardom, gradually establishing himself to the pinnacle of Gambian music releasing hit songs “Love bu Hew”, “Seeye Teey”, “Cheep bou Sew”, “Attitude Girl” and the most popular “Damayee” which is sung by all wherever its performed. Though, the international market is a new territory for the uprising Gambian sensation, with his unending flexibility he can make it to the international stage if given the chance.

The superstar’s new audience is attracted to his welcoming demeanor and his creativity on rap and mbalax domains. Such versatility has earned him a huge followership in Senegal and some parts of Europe.

His recent achievement to his many accolades includes grabbing four awards at the maiden WMA 2016 awards, Song of the Year; Music Video of the Year; Rap Mbalax Artistes of the Year; Mbalax Artiste of the Year. The launching of his ‘Dama Yii’ mixtape at Alliance Francaise in 2013 pulled a record turnout; the show had to be stopped only after performing three tracks, due to fact that the venue could not accommodate the crowd.

He has been the star performer of the last two Open Mic Festivals which is the biggest Gambian music festival. In May 2015, he stole the show during a Night Show featured on TFM alongside Jali Madi, Manding Morry and the Joluv Arts Band, which was widely watched in the Senegambia and the Diaspora. He was also featured by renowned Senegalese mbalax artiste -Pape Diouf in a track called ‘Malaw” which is part of his latest album. The recording of his landmark event was also aired on TFM.

Intro/chorus

Na,na,na,na,naanaa

Oh wowo hey

A Chanting we a chanting

A Moving we a moving.

A Chanting we a chanting

Rastafari works we are doing.

A Chanting we a chanting

A Moving we a moving.

A Chanting we a chanting

Rastafari works we are doing.

1st Verse

There is so much to say am so exited

King sellassie lead the way amso delighted

Jah children must love and united.

Mount Zion is our final destination so a sing.

Her me when I say ey ye ye

Chantong don Babylon.

Chorus

A Chanting we a chanting

A Moving we a moving.

A Chanting we a chanting

Rastafari works we are doing.

A Chanting we a chanting

A Moving we a moving.

A Chanting we a chanting

Rastafari works we are doing.

2nd Verse

A this a chant of freedom

Come get jah wisdom

Oh children of jah kingdom

Rastaman chant liberation

Yes we chant emancipation.

Yes we chant sufferation

Yes we chant unification

Unoo hear mi sing…

Her me when I say ey ye ye

Chantong don Babylon.

Chorus

A Chanting we a chanting

A Moving we a moving.

A Chanting we a chanting

Rastafari works we are doing.

A Chanting we a chanting

A Moving we a moving.

A Chanting we a chanting

Rastafari works we are doing.

Middle eight

Wo ho hooo,

We are chanting.

Wo ho hooo,

We are chanting

Wo ho hooo,

We are chanting

Wo ho hooo,

We are chanting

3rd Verse

There is so much to say am so exited

King sellassie lead the way amso delighted

Jah children must love and united.

Mount Zion is our final destination so a sing.

Chorus

A Chanting we a chanting

A Moving we a moving.

A Chanting we a chanting

Rastafari works we are doing.

A Chanting we a chanting

A Moving we a moving.

A Chanting we a chanting

Rastafari works we are doing.

Outro

We are chanting.

Biography

Jah Hero is a self taught musician, singer-songwriter, and producer from The Gambia, residing in Berlin, Germany. His music is a mix of Roots Reggae, Dancehall & Acoustic World Music, through which he reflects his message of peace, unity & respect amongst all nations and races. In early 2016 he signed up for being the opening act on Chuck Fenda’s March Europe Tour.

Born Joseph Mendy on the 20th of July 1980, Jah Hero grew up in The Gambia, where he started off as a DJ, and later formed The Roots Bongo Band with fellow Gambian musicians.

In 2009 he moved to London, where he began learning sound engineering, and recorded an album for the band. The first single ‘Leaders of Tomorrow’ written, and performed by Jah Hero was played on BBC 1 Radio introducing his music in the UK.

In the summer of 2012 he temporarily moved to The Gambia together with fellow band singer Nina Beste, to promote the band’s album and to go on a national tour.

During his time in The Gambia, Jah Hero appeared on several local TV shows such as ‘Starline’, ‘Fatou Show’, and ‘Banjul Night Live’. He gave interviews, and press conferences about his journey, and the band on local radio shows and for newspapers, and he co-hosted the radio programme ‘Around The World With Nina’ on Paradise FM.

He also played for several Charity Organizations, including Open The Gate, to support the education of Gambian youth.

Having a German lead singer – Nina Beste – in the band, their message of unity, and respect amongst each other, was one of their greatest missions. Jah Hero has since kept this mission, and message in his music, and even features Nina Beste on several songs of his album, as well as collaborating on making Pop songs into Reggae covers.

In 2014 Jah Hero left the band, and moved to Berlin, Germany, where he has been recording his debut solo album. His first single ‘Rise’ was released online over his management / indie label ‘Manjago Vibrations’ in September 2015.

He is performing live at Reggae shows in Berlin, and across Germany, and plays live band gigs with the Solid Vibrations Band from Berlin. Solid Vibrations is an international Reggae Band based in Berlin. The band was formed by Jah Hero & Gold-E Locks in 2015, and is currently backing artistes such as Chuck Fenda.

In March 2016 Jah Hero embarked on his first Europe Tour as the opening act for Reggae Legend ‘Chuck Fenda’, including several live band shows backed by his band ‘Solid Vibrations’. His first solo album ‘Chants of Freedom’ was released on the 16th of March 2016, and has since been well received by his fans and the Reggae Scene internationally, with airplay all around the globe.

Lyrics

VERSE 1

Kairaya loo

Tengkungoyabeng

Yiriwaningnyatotaa le yajiyaa

Hadamaya

Sewo ye nyaadaalubeng

N’nabankukendemaalem

Gambia

Ibedawoda

Ikana song mummey

kanyineyfaasuwo la

Gambia

Tonya

I’nyinatai’bonsungwo la

I’nyinatai’fangwo le la

Nsinganyaa

N’tenganyaata

N’nabanko le la

N’singanyaa

Al nganaakafunyooma

Nganyomuta

N’singanyaa

Wolemunyatotaa

Ningnafasoto

CHORUS 1

Gambiankolu le

Nyinembankunyimati

Gambiankolu le

Nyingbankukaira ma

Gambiankolu le

Nyinemmoolabankooti

Gambiankolu le

Nyinenyongomangsiyaa

VERSE 2

A nemata

Woleyasaabu

Mooluyabunyaa

Abarakata

Woleyatinna

Moolumangnyangna,

Nyingbankunyimaafaylaa

Aaaaaaaaaaaaa

Bankodingolu

Ali ngana

Kafunyooma

Tonyaa

N’mangnimisa

Nyingbankudingyaala

Mummey

Ningtata

Duniyaakono

Nyingbankoo la diya

Mbafola

Gambia nyongte

CHORUS 2

Gambiankolu le

Nyinembankunyimati

Gambiankolu le

Nyingbankukaira ma

Gambiankolu le

Nyinemmoolabankooti

Gambiankolu le

Nyinenyongomangsiyaa

OUTRO

Gambia le ma

M’bekuuma la

Gambia le ma

M’bekuuma la

Gambia le ma

Kairasuu,

Alaafo Gambia

Nemasuu,

Oohhhoo Gambia

Hadamayaasuu,

Alaafo Gambia

Baadingyaasuu,

Oohhhoo Gambia

THE END

Biography

Sona was invited to perform a piece live at the awards ceremony in Belgium, backed by an 80-piece orchestra.

Working in both The Gambia and UK, She pieced together a body of work that would establish her unique position in this tradition as both a preserver and a pioneering innovator.

Sona is currently writing and developing the music curriculum herself, which will be implemented with her first group of full time students in January 2016.

Moving on, she hopes to work with the education authorities in The Gambia to realise the introduction of a traditional music curriculum implemented in schools across the country.

Artiste: Laady Quincy Fyah

Song Title: Happy Birthday Mr. President

INTRO:

on such a special I will for Yaya Jammeh,

in such a special way I will sing for Yaya Jammeh, Mr. President on your birthday.

oh yes, so I sing you.

VERSE 1:

On the 25th of May 1965 a legend was born.

A man with the heart of a lion teh fornka lol chi ki mu dorn.

He ruled this nation for so many years without putting tears in our eyes,

he brought no pain and no storm and I’m wishing youuuuu.

CHORUS:

I’m wishing you,

I’m wishing you ooh a happy birthday,

Yal nga yaga di feteh bess ni bi yow Yaya Jammeh…

I’m wishing, I’m wishing you happy birthday

Yal nga yaga fi beh maget fi yow mi yow Yaya Jammeh.

VERSE 2:

gomnga chi neet ku nyul ki nga doon you are d lion of Africa.

Tahaw nga chi jangi daw mi nyi chi rewmi,

all I see is a better Gambia namunyu lenen bugunyu kenen cha kaw.

cha kanam Jammeh forever.

CHORUS:

VERSE 3:

I’m wishing you wishing you, I’m wishing you a happy ×2

Yow mi Jammeh, yow mi Jammeh…yeaheeeyeahh hahaiiy.

if you love your president let me hear say yeaheeyeah… yeaheeyeah.

if you love your President let me hear say happy birthday…happy birthday.

If you love your President, let me hear you say Yaya Jammeh, Yaya Jammeh.

CHORUS TILL THE END

Biography

With a combination of super-cuteness and sassy lyrics delivered with style, young reggae dancehall sensation – Laady Quincy Fyah has shaken up the scene in the country’s reggae dancehall scene.

The rising star, whose real name is Lady Quincy K Prince better known by her moniker – Laady Quincy Fyah, was first introduced as an RnB artiste back in 2012, recording at Green Apple Production, courtesy of producer Cee Dollar. Since then continues to blaze the dancehall since with amazing lyrics.

Some of her songs at the moment include ‘Mi Nuh Freda Dem’ and this latter song is a hot cake thanks to its content.

Couple of years ago, Laady Quincy Fyah in continues to surprise her fans with thrilling songs. In year 2013, the young singjay continued recording RnB music and also doing a bit of rap songs with some producers at Minka Records and Kfli Records, but before the end of 2013, she has started recording reggae and dancehall music with producer Prince Makai of Mandela Records.

The 22-year-old currently records dancehall and reggae music. She is also known as The Gambian Spice.

According to her, she was motivated into dancehall scene by some of Jamaica’s female stars, who are blazing the scene like erupting volcano.

“But honestly, I think I am just starting the career, the songs I’ve just released, as my promotional jigs are just a tip of what I am planning.

“Yes I’m sure with due time I will make it in The Gambia music scene for people to know it’s not only the male gender that can do music to some high level. I am always happy to say this and will continue to as I have fans in Europe more than home here and that makes me feel like I am developing. At the moment, I have 19-tracks in store and recently I worked on two hit and big songs, which are planning to be premiered on Hot 97 in America.”

Some of her hits songs include; ‘Victory’, ‘Mystery’, ‘Back Way’, ‘No One Knows’, ‘Out Ah Road’.

Lyrics

[Intro]

LOU NEKA LO LOU REK LAI NEKA

MOUN NA NEKA

SOU NYOU DIGANTEH MOUN NA DEM FOU SORI

MOUN NA NEKA

BO NEKE DIHA BUL DI FEEL LONELY

MOUN NA NEKA

[Verse 1]

YENA SAIYI MA DAL DI LA WOR

KENEEN DI PICK SA CALL BI

NAKA NGAI HAMEH MANN LOU MA MEAN

MOUN NA NEKA

JUST THE CHANCE TO HOLD YOUR HAND

THOUGH YOU’LL SAY WE ARE JUST GOOD FRIENDS

THAT DOESN’T MEAN YOU NOT THE ONE FOR ME

[Chorus]

MOUN NA NEKA

SOU NYOU DIGANTEH MOUN NA DEM FOU SORI

MOUN NA NEKA

BO NEKE DIHA BUL DI FEEL LONELY

MOUN NA NEKA

[Verse 2]

NEKA FI LOL DI HOULO AK MANN

BOY SOUMA SANGE NYON LOLOU DOUFI AMM

JOH MA SA LOVE MA JOH LA SOU MA BORS

MOUN NA NEKA

JOH NAA LA CHERR JOH SUMA LIFE

LOUTAH MOU NOU MA DON SA WIFE

WHY DON’T YOU SEE THIS LOVE IS MEAN FOR US BABY

[Chorus]

MOUN NA NEKA

SOU NYOU DIGANTEH MOUN NA DEM FOU SORI

MOUN NA NEKA

BO NEKE DIHA BUL DI FEEL LONELY

MOUN NA NEKA

[Bridge]

SO NICE SO RIGHT SO GOOD

YES WE CAN

SO STRONG SO REAL

BOUL NA NGOU LOU KOR MOU NA YAHA YOW

SO NICE SO RIGHT

IF YOU ONLY LET ME

DI NAA LA WONN NI MA LA BOUGAY (2x)

[Verse 3]

LOLOU LAI NYAAN

MOU YAGA LOL BABY

LOU MOUN DI AM

AK LOU MA MOUN DI GISS MANN

LOU MA MOUN DI MEL CHERY BOY YA MA KOR GENAL

LO LOU LERR NA

DAMAI TOKK

DI HALAT

BOUGA GUI MA LA BOUGA

NEH LII

JAHAL NA MAA

MY BABY JAPALE MA NYOU DEM

MBEGUEL NI MOU YAATOR

NONOU LA HATEH

NONOU LA LENDEMEH NONOU LA LERR REH

FOU NYOU MOUN DI JARR

JARR JARR

JARR JARR YEEEEEE

Biography

The amazing power of her voice and the scintillating melody of her vocals made Diha a household name in Senegambia. Diha brought the new Gambian sound to the forefront of Gam-music and in the process became a famous singer. In spite of her fame and success, Diha aka the Wonder Voice of Gambian music always remained true to what she held to be her mission.

This to a point affected her educational journey and school became secondary to her and it subsequently affected her performance academically.

Her musical inspiration is tapped from different sources but Sambou Suso and Whithney Houston are very influential in her musical journey.