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Momodou
Denmark
11839 Posts |
 Posted - 03 Oct 2007 : 22:12:04
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Jah Michael Ready to Champion the Cause of the Poor
By Musa Barrow & Madiba Singhateh
In this interview, Foroyaa unravels the story of an artist who described himself as a man on a mission. Jah Michael, whose ideas make him a unique singer, tells Foroyaa the rationale behind his beliefs. He also takes us through his musical career.
Foroyaa: You are known to music enthusiasts as Jah Michael, but tell us what your real name is, and why did you choose the name Jah Michael for yourself?
Jah Michael: My real name is Musa Jatta and the name Jah Michael is a reference to my religious beliefs, because Jah means God while Michael is a name of an angel known for mercy.
Foroyaa: When did you start playing music?
Jah Michale: Basically, music has always been an inextricable part of my life, starting from childhood days.
Foroyaa: So far, how many albums or singles have you released?
Jah Michae: I have so far released only one single entitled Smiling Coast.
Foroyaa: When was your debut single entitled Smiling Coast released?
Jah Michael: It was released exactly one year ago.
Foroyaa: Which studio recorded Smiling Coast?
Jah Michael: Smiling Coast was recorded by Bul Duff Recording Studio, which was owned by the late Modou Jammeh, who also played a very pivotal role in my quest to become a fully-fledged artist.
Foroyaa: Clearly, the late Modou Jammeh must have been an idol to you. How would you like him to be remembered?
Jah Michael: Without any doubt, the late Modou Jammeh was an idol not just to me, but to this entire generation of upcoming Gambian artists. He had mentored some and inspired others.
Foroyaa: What type of artist are you?
Jah Michael: I am a revolutionary artist who is ready to champion the cause of the poor in order to make sure that injustice and poverty are not just alleviated but totally eradicated.
Foroyaa: Apparently fighting injustice and poverty is a very daunting challenge how do you hope to accomplish this mission?
Jah Michael: Yes, fighting against injustice and poverty is a tough challenge, but I must stress that it is not insurmountable. And I hope to accomplish my mission through singing about the two menaces mentioned above and make sure that concrete action is take to address them.
Foroyaa: As an artist, how do you see society?
Jah Michael: There are many social vices existing in our society. Corruption is rife and endemic and our hospitals sometimes run out of drugs.
Foroyaa: What is your response to those who may say that singing against some of these malpractices could land you in trouble. Is Jah Michel ready to pay whatever it takes to expose these malpractices?
Jah Michael: As far as I am concerned, failure to expose and despise these malpractices means deviating from the mission assigned by God. I am ready to pay whatever price it takes to make sure that corruption and all forms of malpractices have no moment of respite. I will condemn them in the strongest terms possible, constantly and relentlessly.
Foroyaa: Recently, many rising Gambian artists have attracted sponsorship from companies. Has any company approached you with a view to promoting their products and services?
Jah Michael: Until now, no company has approached me with such a proposal.
Foroyaa: Would you consider such deal, if you have been approached?
Jah Michael: Yes, I might consider such deals in the future.
Foroyaa: By having contracts with companies to promote their products and services, will that not compromise the principles you said you stand for?
Jah Michael: No contract shall compromise my principles. If signing one means compromising what I stand for, then I have to terminate such a contract.
Foroyaa: Young Gambian artists have often come under criticism for not playing traditional Gambian music. Critics do say such musicians either imitate the Jamaican or the Americans. Which school of music do you belong to?
Jah Michael: First of all I believe that the criticism is unfair because music has no boundary. I am a Jamaican inspired artist. Let me also put it that Jamaican music also has its root back in Africa.
Foroyaa: After having talked to some artists, they expressed their desire to become icons. Do you also hope to become an icon?
Jah Michael: The issue for me is not to be an icon; the message I send is the most important thing for me.
Foroyaa: What is your relationship with other artists?
Jah Michael: The relationship is rather cordial.
Foroyaa: When can we expect your next single?
Jah Michael: You can expect it any moment from now.
Foroyaa: Finally, to take you back, how old are you?
Jah Michael: I am 27 years old.
Foroyaa: Thank you Jah Michael for the interview
Jah Michael: It’s a pleasure.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 116/2007, 3 - 4 October, 2007
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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