03 May 2006 01:36

Mandingo is one of Denmarks new rising reggae stars, and his energetic style and powerful barritone has taken the Danish reggae audience by storm. He’s among Denmark’s most active reggae artists, and if you’ve kept an eye on the Danish reggae scene during the past 2-3 years this shouldn’t come as a surprise.

The half Denis half Gambian rising star took East London's Club 19 by storm @ The "Lock down" Bank holiday sunday Bash.

Ukg caught up with the rising star who speaks "Jamaican Patwa" for an Exclusive Interview

Ukg: Who is Mandingo?

Mandingo: Mandingo is a man who arise in Denmark “you know”, and start blaze up the fire for like three years ago. I am Half Denis Half Gambian.

Ukg: How was the show at Club 19?

Mandingo: It was blazing still  “you know “, but the people have to get used to live Reggae music, live performance.

Ukg: How long have you been in the  music business?

Mandingo: I have been in the business for like 4years ago. I used to do it with a next man still “you know”, but I started my own thing three years ago.

Ukg: Have you got any albums or singles in the market?

Mandingo: Not yet, but I have got some singles out inna Denmark “you know”.

Ukg: What inspired you into music?

Mandingo: My lyrics “BOBOSANTI”, is what inspired me. Me is a Rasterman “you know” you have to be a “BOBO MAN” “ you know”, so me start chanting the word of Rasta Fari, And a next brethren (brother) tell me to go and link with the people, so me start to chant on stage to spread the message.

Ukg: Have you ever performed in Gambia?

Mandingo: Not yet.

Ukg: Have you ever been to Gambia?

Mandingo: Yes but that was 10 years ago.

Ukg: Is Reggae the only style of music you do?

Mandingo: Me versatile “you know”. I did some thing on hip hop rhythms and Drum & Bass, me got four tunes on a (promo) album, that just got released inna Denmark a week ago.

Ukg: How do you see Gambian Showbiz?

Mandingo: It good but it could be much better.

Ukg: What do you think should be done to make it better?

Mandingo: Just uplift the youth “you know” because this is what I had problems with. Nuff (a lot of) Gambian elders don’t want to uplift the youth. When the youth have a talent in football, singing or whatever they don’t uplift them.

In Denmark we had to do our own little  thing, like we’ve got a football club called FC-Banjul and we line up our own studio because the elders them don’t want to uplift us.

Ukg: So when are you back to London?

Mandingo: I’m here for the next 10 days and then me have to go Germany for a gig and maybe in August I’ll be back in London in time for the Carnival.  

Ukg: Thank you for your time and “Respect” to you.

Mandingo: Blessing me brother.”One”

Ukg: “One”

Check out mandingo on www.mandingo.dk

 
Interviewed by Daddy Elie