21 August 2007 21:29

This latest colaboration between Yaram Arts & Champion Sounds brought us Pape Thiopet,a mbalax sensation, live in UK..

In a last minute interview,UKGambians.com managed to discuss with Pape Thiopet about his inspirations, view about the UK audience amongst other things.....



How did you get involved with singing?

My dad was a drummer whilst my mother was a great “gewel” singer, so I was born in family with singing traditions.

Was this your first show in the UK?

No, this was not my first. I have played here with Fallou Dieng before and then brought by Waka J on my own.

What is your view regarding the UK audience?

Performing in UK has been an enjoyable venture, the audiences were great, I got to meet lots of new and old fans and they have treated me really well. They are indeed very generous.

Are there any major differences between performing in UK and Gambia or Senegal?

The only difference I can think of is the Senegalese audience normally know all the songs when they are released on tapes, they get to know the songs, dances etc… and its easier to play within an audience who can familiarize themselves with the tunes. Whereas the UK audience only gets to know the hit songs which are released on videos, only a minority of the fans get to know the full album.

How many albums have you released so far?

I have released two albums so far (bu ko rachati 2002) & (Nekko Relue 2006).

There has been a four year gap between the two albums and this is due to the time I take in making sure I produce an album am pleased with and that pleases my fans. I take a lot of time doing research for a new album; money is not the most important thing but the satisfaction I get from producing a good album definitely is.

Where do you get the “Tassu” from?

Well, “tassu” is just a way of expressing praises or messages across. Yet again, being born in a family of “gewels” I am used to hearing all sort of “tassus,” it is not something you learn but born with. Gewel is from the word “ge wal” where in tradition someone will be placed in the centre of a gathering and showered with praises. In “tassu”, different kinds of messages or points are being made sometimes through animals because certain things cannot be directed towards human beings, but most people seem to get the messages.

Can your fans expect the same type of vibes for your next album?

I am really not sure how the next one will be lined up. I will have to do some research and find out what is going on during the time of production for the next album, and then I will be adapted it to what is happening during that time.

Your songs seem to be geared towards the females, is this deliberate?

Not really, I sing for the cross section of the audiences targeting both males and females. There is no secret that I adore the females, they play an important role in our society, they are mothers and  like them a lot.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I was and still inspired by certain individuals who have taken Mbalax into a new level. Aziz Seck of Super Jamano, a gifted drummer I admire and take inspiration from, Cho Mbeye, a classical drummer. Playing drums is not about hitting the drum and making sound come out of it, classical players like Cho Mbeye handles the drums with respect and follows the alphabet of drumming. Mbeye Gaye Faye is also a fine drummer and these are the people I look up to.

 

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Few words from the Promoter…. Njok Malick

Did everything go acording to plan?

Yeah and No. In a positive sense,the project was delivered but then again we have to move the London date cos of the public outcry, Manchester was cancelled because of the Venue & other logistical problems.

Where you happy with the response from the crowd?

One is always thankful to the people for showing support.  Although the numbers were not all that but I guess this was not also a very big project!

Is there anything you would do differently next time?

Well, its difficult to say, all depends on circumstances, demand, etc.etc,

what can the crowd expect in this years assane ndiaye?

Assane released a new album "Xarit" and am sure its gonna be a hit, all the same Assane Soirees' are always memorable and ought not to be missed, 27th August 2006 is a DATE with Gambians in particular, Senegalese and other lovers of African Music

I can relate to the concerns of the people in the so called "Promoters Problem", but I also think some people are over reacting at times and is better to detach a bit rather than getting too personal.  I will try and elaborate on the upcoming interview!

By Saul Frazer