The
Gambia's Afromanding star of recent years, Jalex, aka Akuntu, last
Friday returned home after a one month visit to the United Kingdom.
Akuntu's whose visit
was meant to explore his natural talent to the international scene, has
earned him a great recognition in the field of music after his
spectacular performance on the eve of the Gambia's 43rd independence at
the vision's night club in London, UK.
Speaking to What's On
in an exclusive interview, Jalex described his trip as a resounding
success noting that his main goal is to reach international stardom .
"My trip was
facilitated by my UK based Manager,Gary Jones .This trip could not have
come at a more opportune moment than now when a vast majority of both
Gambians and non-Gambians at home and abroad show much appreciation and
interest in my music. My trip actually pave the way forward in my quest
to become one of the Africa's most famous Afromanding artist. This is
what all artists, most notably, local ones are looking forward.
As an artist,
international appearance is a necessity as it go a long way in exposing
him and marketing his or her product"he said
Jalex added that his
product which is his album called the 'Soma Alfaa' received a good
market from both UK-Senegambians as well as other citizen in Europe.
The young star who is
struggling to reach international stardom also realised the importance
of international exposure as it gave him the opportunity to commend his
fellow Gambian artists who haven't yet experience such a trip.
"Its only by such
opportunities that an aspiring artist know his stance in the music
industry," he said.
He finally heaped
praises on Gary Jones, his UK Manager for such a wonderful gesture
accorded to him, noting that the gains he earned from the trip cannot be
over-emphasized.
"I wish to thanked
Yaram Arts in London, a Gambian Society in UK for inviting me as the
special artist to perform with the Senegalese Assan Gaye on the occasion
of the Gambia's 43rd independence celebration," he said .
It could be recalled
that Jalex recently earned himself three outstanding awards since he
stormed the country's entertainment industry. He was earlier awarded as
the best upcoming UK-Senegambian artist of the year, Gamspirit best Solo
artist of the year and recently grabbed another prestigious award being
the best afromanding song of the year "Kana Kideh" by Gambian Talents
Promotions at a ceremony held at the Kairaba Beach Hotel .