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Momodou
Denmark
11839 Posts |
 Posted - 25 Oct 2007 : 01:16:28
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Interview With DJ Mo
The role of DJs in modern music is such that some do argue that music would not have been where it is today had it not been the pivotal contributions of DJs.
In this interview Foroyaa puts under the spotlight DJ Mo who is without a shadow of doubt one of the nation’s revered and experienced DJs. He has over the years brought many upcoming Gambian artists to the limelight.
By Musa Barrow
Amazingly, DJ Mo is known almost through out the length and breath of this nation, but only by the name DJ Mo. Tell us something about yourself?
My real name is Modou Sireh Jallow and I was born in Banjul on the 8th of February 1965. I also did both my primary and secondary education in Banjul.
Which schools did you attend?
I attended Campama Primary School and later proceeded to Crab Island Secondary School.
When did you first engage yourself in this business of music and what motivated you to do so?
I started my DJ career as far back as 1982. My motivation for choosing this particular career is to promote love, unity and peace which I believe music can bring.
Given the negative perception towards being a DJ, how did you cope with the pressure and manage to establish yourself?
Well, as far as I am concerned I have always had the conviction that the job of DJ profession can be as noble as any other job. As you rightly pointed out it is not easy during the starting, but my objectives of becoming a role model and proving a point have always driven me through out.
In addition, I would like to tell all those doubting thomases that the job of DJ is also a lucrative venture.
Don’t you think the behaviours of some DJs who promote all sorts of immoral actions, is contributing to the negative perception surrounding DJs?
I totally concur with you that some DJs are not in any way helping our cause, but you should understand that in every group there must be some undiserable elements.
But it would be totally wrong to judge all DJs by the actions of the few. I am myself a law abiding Dj who does not under any circumstances condone illegal and irresponsible behaviour.
What is the role of DJs as far as music is concern?
DJ has a very indispensable role in music. In addition to promoting musicians, DJs are also tasked to inform and entertain audiences through the music they play. All good DJs play songs containing positive and conscious messages. DJs who play songs promoting immoral behaviour should cease to do so.
As an experienced DJ, how would you describe the state of music in The Gambia?
Frankly, prospects do not look that much great for musicians in The Gambia. If you look at the number of cassette sales just five years ago and compare it to the number selling now you would definitely notice a significant drop. As far as this decline is concerned, I have no doubt that the musicians themselves have contributed to their own down fall.
In what way do the musicians contribute to their own down fall?
Recently, many upcoming Gambian artists have been sponsored by profit making companies who invite these upcoming artists to perform in free shows. As an artist, how can your cassettes sell when you are being viewed on stage frequently at no cost.
Are you saying that the signing of upcoming Gambian artists by profit making companies on contractual basis is not good for the young artists?
Yes, the signing of young Gambian artists by profit making companies is not all good for their future career. The only thing these young artists can earn from their contracts is daily cash.
After having interviewed some upcoming artists, they pointed piracy as one of the obstacles they face. Do you share their opinion, if not what do you think is their problem?
Well, I do not think piracy is a problem because you only pirate a work which is in high demand. Their works are not that much attractive to attract the attention of pirates. Basically, I think the problem is young artists seem not to have an exclusive right over their brand name.
Everybody can use their names even without their knowledge.
Do you share criticism that our young and upcoming Gambian artists do not play traditional Gambian music?
I do not share that criticism in modern music regardless of the style of music you play. The most important thing is how appealing are the messages you send across.
What do you think are some of the shortcomings of Gambian DJs?
In The Gambia now, anyone who distinguishes the play and stop button can claim to be a DJ without even undergoing the necessary training. It is very disheartening to hear some DJs putting songs to the wrong
artists. These type of DJs need to update themselves.
Before joining West Coast Radio which radio station did you first work for?
I first worked at Radio 1 FM from 1992 - 1993.
Over the years you must have amassed a host of experience?
Yes, infact before becoming a radio DJ I was a club DJ at Safari Night Club in Brikama starting from 1982.
How would you compare being at the helm in a radio studio and club as DJ?
For one to be a good radio DJ, one is expected to promote and introduce the artist whose songs are being played, while for that of club DJ one has to be creative and respond to the demand of the audience immediately.
Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts with our readers.
Thank you very much. It’s a pleasure.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 125/2007, 24 – 25 October, 2007
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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