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Momodou
Denmark
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 Posted - 19 Mar 2008 : 18:04:38
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Arts & Music
Freaky Joe On The Threshold of Releasing Third Album - Part 2
By Musa Barrow
In this continuation of interview with Freaky Joe, the rising Gambian artist talks about his forthcoming album which is due soon.
In addition, the talented Gambian upcoming musician also dwelled into his four to both North America and Europe.
He used this opportunity to appeal for more air time for Gambian music on radio stations as well as the television.
Let us continue from where we stopped with him.
Foroyaa: What in you opinion are the shortcomings of Gambian musicians?
Freaky: Although upcoming Gambian artists have some short-comings. But over all they are really doing well. They have truly put Gambian music to another level. The positive nature of their songs is indeed amazing and extraordinary.
Foroyaa: Apparently you are one of those Gambian musicians who have travelled far and wide across the globe. When was your first tour and to where?
Freaky: My first tour outside Gambia was in April 2006. I spent six months in The United States. This tour was organised by African artists Association who are based in New York. This association who promotes African artists in the United States came across my music through the internet. Having been impressed they came all the way from United States with the ultimate objective of promoting me. They took full responsibility of all my expenses through out the tour. During my this first tour I had performed in eight states in United States.
In the following year precisely 2007 I visited the United States for the second time. The organizers of this second tour were Gambia Talent Promotion. The tour gave me the opportunity to do some promotional performances and recording in and around the city of Georgia Atlanta.
In the same year August 2007 I was also invited in London by Jollof art and Soul Sound for musical carnival and I performed in cities such as London, Bristol and Leeds.
Upon return from England also went to Sweden where I performed in Malmove and Stoeham. The same tour took me to Germany and Austria where I performed in both Bremen and Sluttgart.
Foroyaa: How were you received by fellow compatriots in both The United States and Europe?
Freaky: My first tour outside the country was a high stepping tone for me. Eventhough I had not yet reached Europe, but my United states tour was so successful that my music which could be accessed through the net and record stores had already reached Europe anytime I announce a tour fans always anticipate greatly. They are right in thinking that way because I shall always bring to them new stuffs.
Foroyaa: What were some of the things you learnt during these tours?
Freaky: I must saythat I have learnt a lot during these tours. It is only when am in the studio that one can realize what I have learnt. Previously, I was like any other artists, but now I know almost all the strategies on how to promote my music to another level. I know the strategy in studio, recording songs as well as many other strategies. These tours educated me and showed me how to go about things.
Foroyaa: What would be your comparison of the state of music in Gambia and those Western countries you visited?
Freaky: There isn’t much to compare about Gambian music and music of those countries. Those countries are developed while Gambia is developing. Artists in those countries have everything they need. They have enough of recording studios and production studios. Clearly we are not in the same category with those people. As such there is not an element of comparison.
Foroyaa: As a famous musician and at the same time a youth how do you see the plight of Gambian youths?
Freaky: As a famous musician at the same time a youth I feel it is the right time for me to spread my message of peace, love and oneness. I’m really inspired by youths who give me a lot of support. And I command a great deal of respect among youths.
Foroyaa: How do you view the mass exodus of Gambian youths to Europe in search of greener pastures?
Freaky: Infact myself, Sambou Susso and Olugander have a song on that which is forthcoming. This particular song is entitled keep the fate. In this song we try to discourage illegal migration to Europe by putting the case that Europe is not as rosy as we think it is. Despite some people amassing fortune in Europe, but the fact remains that it is as tough as anywhere. Without any regret I won’t encourage anyone to go to Europe through the sea, because it is simply dangerous and risky.
Foroyaa: Can’t you understand the fact that these would-be migrants are often driven by sheer poverty to embark on such sea journeys?
Freaky: Well, that is what they always say, but I do not believe there is that kind of poverty in this country that compels people to risk their lives. Given the country’s relative peace and job opportunities I believe one can really live a decent life here. Although travelling to other countries in search of knowledge and wealth is a good thing. But as a matter of fact Gambians who had never travelled beyond the boundaries of this country have managed to make a good fortune in the country here.
Foroyaa: Your next album is expected to be released soon what can music enthusiasts expect from it?
Freaky: Undoubtedly the forthcoming album is a classic one. The album has already been recorded in Germany with a record label called Mega Force. This label has signed me for two years. I’m to release CDs for the label in both 2008 and 2009. The title of this forthcoming album is wonders and sign. This album is a classic of roots reggae and dance hall. And its messages are after all very important and educative.
Foroyaa: Are all the songs on only CDs rather than tape cassettes?
Freaky: The record label that produced them only produces CDs, however, I would make sure that tape cassettes are available to my Gambian fans as well.
Foroyaa: When actually will this album be released?
Freaky: It is expected to be released in April, after I return from a tour.
Foroyaa: You are due to travel outside the country, where are you going to and what is the purpose of the tour?
Freaky: I am due to travel to the United States to record my hiphop album which I’m working on. The recording had already started but not yet completed. I am going toThe United States to complete the recording.
Foroyaa: Why have you chosen United States to record this album? Is it that this album is so sophisticated that it cannot be recorded here?
Freaky: The facilities are not here. I started recording it in Senegal but I have to complete it in The United States, because that is where my producer is based. If the facilities were in Gambia I would have simply done it here.
Foroyaa: Do you have a manager and a promoter?
Freaky: I have a manager, promoter, DJ, PRO, Secretary and advisers.
Foroyaa: To what extent do all these people help you in your artistic career?
Freaky: All these people contribute immensely towards securing my interest. Let me use this opportunity to applaud my manger Pa Ousman Joof who lives in Atlanta, Georga. He has always been giving me the necessary support without him I would not be where I am.
Foroyaa: Many young Gambian artists have been signed on contractual basis by some companies. Are these young artists gaining much from these contracts?
Freaky: Such contracts are often viewed with skeptisim. As far as am concerned Africell had helped me a great lot as far as my second album is concerned. They did the promotion in which they had spent a huge sum of money. All what they needed was for the logo to be put on my cassette. There is no doubt in my mind that Africell are have helped many young Gambian artists.
Foroyaa: Do you think young Gambian artists are being given the necessary air time on both radios and TV in order to get the much needed popularity?
Freaky: The air time being given to Gambian music on both radio stations and TV is very limited. More air time should be given to Gambian music. Am of the opinion that eighty percent of music played on our radios and TV should be Gambian music.
Foroyaa: Despite calls to play more Gambian music the fact remains that vast chunk of Gambian music fans do like foreign music?
Freaky: The reason why Gambian music fans like foreign music is because they hear more of foreign music than local music. The more they play Gambian music the more popular it becomes to Gambian audience.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 33/2008, 19 – 20 March 2008
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