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Momodou
Denmark
11840 Posts |
 Posted - 12 Nov 2007 : 16:38:18
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JUNIOR K. VOWS TO SPEAK FOR THE VOICELESS
By Musa Barrow
In today’s edition of Art and Music, Foroyaa speaks to a young talented and upcoming Gambian musician whose humble background and consciousness make him unique in his own way. In this interview Junior K shares his opinion with readers on a wide range of issues. He talks about his perception of society, the mass migration of African youths to Europe, African unity and the recent murder of South African Reggae star Lucky Dube.
How did you acquire the artistic name Junior K? What does the K represent?
Well, this artistic name Junior K was given to me by my fellow ghetto members. And as for the letter K, it means “King”.
What is your original name?
My real name is Michael Athanase Sambou.
Where were you born and which schools did you attend?
I was born in Kololi village. I attended St. Therese’s Primary School, but never completed high school. This was why the situation then was so stressful on me and as a result I was attracted to music because of the overwhelming solace it provides.
What inspired you to become a musician?
My inspiration to play music was from God. In addition to that, my mother who was herself a choir singer also had an influencing effect on me. Initially, when I was going to school my ambition was to become a medical doctor. However, the dramatic change of heart to become a musician instead was like receiving a spiritual message from God making me to become the voice of the voiceless.
So far, how many singles and albums have you released?
Well, so far I have released only one single which was entitled “Tell Me Why.” I am yet to release an album and this is because I don’t want to rush and release an album just for the sake of releasing one. I would like to release an album which is educative as well as informative.
So when can we expect an album from you?
Although I cannot tell you any specific time, I am however currently working on it. So you can expect my new album very soon.
Why was your first single entitled “Tell Me Why”. And how was it received by your fans and music enthusiasts?
I was myself surprised by the popularity of that single, “Tell Me Why”. It really turned out to be one of the favourite songs of music enthusiasts.
When was this single released?
“Tell Me Why” was released early this year, in January 2007, to be precise.
Which recording studio recorded this first single?
It was recorded at “Bul Doff” studio which was owned by the late Modou Jammeh. Undoubtedly, this Modou Jammeh was an indispensable figure in Gambian music.
What are some of the problems or obstacles facing upcoming Gambian artists?
In The Gambia here musicians do face a lot of obstacles. For example, investors are reluctant to invest. Some of them have the feeling that music is a casual thing and not knowing the enormous benefits that music can bring to a nation.
What are the benefits you think music can bring to a nation?
Music is a very dynamic industry. It has the ability to put a particular country right in the international arena.
What would be your respond to those critics who say it is only failed people who take music as their career?
Those who say so do not know what music is about. Infact, contrary to what they think, playing music requires a high degree of intelligence. For one to excel in music, he/she should do thorough research.
What would you say to those critics who say upcoming Gambian artists do either imitate the Jamaicans or Americans musicians?
Those critics are entitled to their opinions. But I believe music has no boundary. Infact, what they consider to be Jamaican music has its roots right here in Africa.
Do you have a manager?
I am yet to have my own manager, although I am currently working towards getting one. I am working with a label known as “Yagana” world. This label is working with a host of upcoming Gambian musicians.
Recently, a host of upcoming Gambian musicians have signed contracts with profit-making companies with a view to promoting the services and products of these companies. In return, the musicians are to be provided with a financial package. Have you entered into any such contracts?
At one point I was closed to signing one for Africell, but due to some inexplicable reasons things stalled. I am currently in touch with Comium with a view to signing a deal with them. However, nothing has been signed yet. Let me also make it clear that I do not want to sign one. I want to sign a contract which is lucrative as well as tangible and concrete.
What type of musician would you describe yourself?
I describe myself as a musician who singles about the realities that prevail. I am that type of artist who represents the voice of ordinary people in the street. I believe that all musicians should speak about the concern of the masses.
What is your perception of society?
My observation of society is that there are too many evils going on. While the poor are getting poorer everyday, the affluent are enhancing themselves at the expense of the poor.
Are you one of those musicians ready to promote the cause of the ordinary man?
Of course, I’m ready to be the voice of the ordinary man. My humble background (someone coming from the ghetto) means that I cannot afford to pay a deaf ear to the issues concerning the poor members of society.
You have just made mention of being a ghetto musician? What does it mean to be a ghetto musician?
Being a ghetto musician means being closer to the ordinary people. My background as a ghetto musician helps me to comprehend quite well the issues affecting the ordinary people. In this position, one would be able to understand how they feel.
What do you think is the role of musicians in consolidating peace in society?
Musicians have a very prominent role in consolidating peace. I feel it is the duty of every musician to consolidate peace through the music he/she plays. Infact ,even music as an industry can only flourish when peace thrives in society.
As you are aware that recently one of Africa’s most prominent musicians, the South African reggae star, Lucky Dube, was gunned down. What is your reaction to that tragic and sudden development?
When I heard the news of Dube’s death, I must confess, I was completely terrified. Dube’s death is a lethal blow to African music. Those who murdered him have robbed the continent of a true legend whose music really teaches and preaches listeners. I have no doubt in my mind that he was murdered by wicked and evil people who hate the cause he represented which is liberation and justice for all. I would like his children to continue his legacy.
What action would you want the South African government to take with regards to Lucky Dube’s murder?
I would like to see the South African authorities to take immediate action and make sure that the perpetrators of this horrendous crime are brought to justice.
If you look at the continent of Africa it is plagued with various problems such as wars and diseases. In your opinion what do you think is the way forward for Africa?
Before the white man arrived in Africa, the continent was united and that Africa was then one of the most progressive continents. I believe if Africans want to regain that lost glory, the only solution is total political and economic unity and the elimination of the current artificial boundaries whose only purpose was, and is, to exploit Africans.
It I got you right you are totally in line with African politicians who are calling for African unity?
Yes, I totally concur with the views of those African leaders calling for African unity. It is the only way out for this great continent.
Recently, an overwhelming number of African youths have embarked on dangerous journeys on the high seas with the ultimate objective of reaching Europe. How do you see this?
Migration has a very deep root in the history of humankind. These African youths have got every right to move wherever they want to go on the face of this earth. Having said that, I would want to tell the youths that there is the need to realise that life is precious. They should not embark on these journeys in boats which are not sea-worthy.
Don’t you think this mass migration of African youths is triggered by failure of African governments to provide employment opportunities to the youths?
African governments’ failure to provide job opportunities for the youths has indeed contributed to the mass exodlus of African youths to Europe where they hope to seek greener pastures. But as I said earlier, for African governments to be able to provide those job opportunities there has to be complete unity. And unity brings strength.
What is your relation with fellow musicians?
I have very good relations with my fellow musicians. All musicians are one family working toward the progress of the music industry in this country.
When you first started playing music, how supportive have been your friend and family members?
Both my friends and family members have been very supportive to me. But some outsiders thought I was crazy when I first began my musical career.
Earlier you spoke about reggae music, could you shed more light on the origins of reggae music?
The origins of reggae music can be traced back to the local African musical instrument known as “Jembe”. This local instrument gave birth to what we call reggae music. As Africans when they were taken to work on plantations on the other side of the Atlantic they took along these drums.
Earlier you described yourself as a revolutionary musician. So how do you see those musicians who sing praises of people?
As far as I am concerned singing praise of people is utterly inappropriate. No one deserves to be praised except God. Basically it is rubbish to sing praises to people.
It is understood that you have joined one famous international website dedicated to musicians. Tell me about this website?
Yes, recently I have joined this famous international website which is dedicated to promoting musicians. My site’s address is www.myspace.com/juniorkinggambia
Thank you very much for sparing your time to give us this interview.
It’s a pleasure.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 133/2007, 12 - 13 November, 2007
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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