Malang
Touray, aka Jalex, was born in the town of Bakau, in the Gambia. The
Grandson of a famous Griot, Jali Foday, he has been inspired by music since
his early childhood - an inspiration that came from his grandfather's great
work as a cultural musician.
Jalex has evolved his own, very distinctive style of music, which he titles
"Afro-Afric". The first single came back in 1997. Entitled Afrika Kairo (Peace
in Africa), his first track made comment on the state of Africa at the time, and
called on all Africans to open there eyes, and see what the constant fighting
and unrest is doing to such a beautiful continent.
A brief spell as a member of a band, Dextrous Squad, followed, but was not long
lived. The band split, but Jalex continued to develop his musical style and
songwriting skills over the next few years, performing as a solo artist.
The release of Kana Kideh, on video clip, led
to regular plays on GRTS, on shows such as Goudi Samdi.
A chance meeting in February 2006 brought Jalex
together with Gary Jones, a British national, and the sponsorship that such a
talented artist deserved had been found. First a website was developed, then the
recording of the album, followed by production of CD's in the UK, and the recent
video clip for Duniyaa. The success of Kana Kideh has been repeated, and this
clip too is played regularly on GRTS.
The new Hit Album "Soma Alfaa" was released in
the Gambia in February 2007, to wide acclaim on TV and Radio in the Gambia. In
March 2007, Jalex's song "Nmala Moola Bi" was voted the winner of West Coast
Radio's "Smiling Coast Riddim" competition, by the station's listeners during
the on air vote, beating songs by a line up of Gambia's finest talents of today,
such as Njie B, Heartbreaker, Marion....... Jalex's distinctive, melodious voice
and lyrics appealed to the public, and the fact that he remains true to who he
is and where he is from, singing mainly in Mandinka on all his songs, has led to
a great deal of respect from public and media alike. Mention the name "Jalex",
and the reply will come "Yes....he's the guy who sings in Mandinka...."
As for the future....who knows?
The CD continues to be popular in the Gambia.
Jalex has recorded a promotional video and jingle for Gambia's Number One TV
show, Goudi Samdi, hosted by Ansumana Drammeh, as well as working with Africell
to produce a jingle and other promotional work.
March 2007 saw the first order for CD's from a
shop in London, UK.
Interest in this extremely talented and
versatile artist continues to grow, and an international breakthrough is widely
expected, and will be thoroughly deserved.
Contact: www.jalexonline.com
Watch video
