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Rebellion The
Recaller
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Rebellion the recaller is a talented Gambian artist who delivers
conscious lyrics in a powerful voice that reaches deep in the hearts of
mankind. Rebellion is a teacher, preacher and a rebel with a cause. His
words of wisdom can inspire anyone one to feel him and appreciate his
music as something not only to dance to, but also learn from. He is one
of Gambia’s very few successful artist who are trying to crack and pave
the way for Gambian artist to reach the international music scene and
get the recognition they deserve. |
Q:
What has the Rebellion been up to?
A: Just trying to take part in God’s divine plan and defend what’s right.
Q:
How was the carnival show?
A: It was nice and alright. We did have other local artist from Senegal “and
thing” so I just did a pass through in between the interval. It was nice because
of the gathering, I got to meet people I didn’t see in a long time.
Q: Was that what you expected?
A: Not really, because I was thinking that I was gonna have my own segment to
deal with, but through the organisation I just had to pass through. But it was
alright, I give thanks.
Q: You sing in Jamaican “Patwa”, Do you think majority
of the Gambian people do understand all the messages you always try to send
across?
A:
That is my main aim, that’s why i always try to urge the people to get in to
reggae music, because Reggae is the media which most youth follow to visualize
what’s going on in the world. The reason why I choose “Jamaican Patwa” is
because of the origin of reggae. My main priority has always been to make sure
people get my messages. That’s why now I try to sing in a more broader language
like English. Most of my new songs are written in plain English.
Q: Have you ever done a song in any local Gambian language like Mandinka or
Wollof?
A: Not yet, but very soon, I’ve been trying to reach the surface and now that I
have, I will very soon.
Q: The beats you use are all original reggae beats. Are you planning or
working on any new beats, mixed with traditional Gambian musical instruments
like The Kora, Tama, Ballafong or style like Mandin or Mbalax to make your music
sound unique and authentic by reflecting a Gambian music influence?
A: That’s one of my plans because most people hear my music and think is from a
Jamaican youth but it’s from a Gambian youth. So it’s definitely my plan to
bring my music up to date after reaching this level. Reggae is just my platform
but I do have plans to produce music that will reflect my origin.
Q: Are you signed to any record label?
Not yet, a lot of producers have tried to sign me. But I’ve been insisting on
just working with them and not signing anything for now. Because I don’t want to
get tied down on a contract and get exploited. I’ve been working with various
producers in Germany, who are all specialist in their fields, so I have to make
up my mind before signing.
Q:
How is life being an artist?
A: Being an artist is not a joke thing. To me, it’s taking part in God’s work,
reaching out to the people “Dem” and remind them of God, make them hear what’s
not been heard and uplifting what’s right.
Q: Have you released any albums since you started?
A: Not yet, only singles, but right now two albums are almost ready. The Voicing
is done and engineers are working on the mixing and mastering, just the final
touches and it will be out. One is a toe to toe thing with a South African
artist called Black Dilinger, it’s called “The Ultimate” and the other is a
collection of all the singles I did with different producers.
Q: What do you think of Gambian music promotion?
A: Gambian Promoters have a lot of work to do, a lot of work! There is a lot
of energy that needs to be centralized under one surface, which will be the main
motive of all the promoters representing the Gambian musicians.
It’s not right that they promoter and support more Senegalese artist than
Gambian artist. They are the once who should stand up and make sure that our
voice get heard. It’s their responsibility to support uprising Gambian artist
and put them first before business out come. They should stand up and make sure
that our voice is not ignored.
Q: That is one way of looking at it, but from a business point of view it
could be justified by saying Gambians don’t turn out for Gambian artist shows,
so they go for Senegalese artist who the people like. It’s a shame, but do you
still blame them or the Gambian People?
A: On that I’ll have to be a bit partial and blame the promoters still,
because they are the once who should stand up and try and change people’s minds.
Q: Why is it that most Gambians don’t like the music that Gambian artists
play thus the lack of support for Gambian music. What’s wrong with Gambian
music? Is it the quality or the style?
A: That I have to blame on the producers who are involved in the production of
Gambian music. We’ve got the talent so we need to utilize it. More people need
to get involved so there could be more creativity to take our music forward.
Q: How about the Gambia government? Are they doing
enough?
A:
They‘re not doing enough but it’s still better than how it was back in the days.
No matter how small, it’s a change still. So we need to let them know that they
need to do some more for the musicians. God chose them to be leaders of our
nation, so it’s their responsibility to uplift the youth no matter what skill
they want to develop.
Q: So to sum it up Gambians need to put more effort towards our music?
A: That’s right everybody, the promoters, producers, the people and
the government, we all need to do more to uplift our music.
Q: Is there any body you would like to give thanks to?
A: First of all the Gambian people specially the youth “dem” who embrace the
vibe and supported me from start. Promoters like Waka for Presenting me, Max at
Majula’s sounds, the “Sons of light”, specially yourself Daddy Elie and the
Gangstars Promotion from back in the days. You were one of the people who
inspired me still. I give thanx.
Watch for The New Album The "ULTIMATE" Coming soon.
Interviewed by Daddy Elie
daddyelie@ukgambians.com
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