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Momodou
Denmark
11855 Posts |
 Posted - 16 Apr 2008 : 20:41:56
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Arts & Music
Gambian Artist Denounces Praise Singing
With Musa Barrow
In this edition ,Art and Music Column speaks to Abdou Juwara, (alias Philanthropist) who vows to launch a crusade on all forms of injustices.
Foroyaa: Could you introduce yourself to readers?
Philanthropist: My original name is Abdou Juwara and I am from Brikama.
Foroyaa: How did you start your artistic career?
Philanthropist: Although I was a fanatic reggae fan, it was never my intention to be a musician. I believe it was predestined that I have to be a musician.
Foroyaa: What actually inspired you to become a musician?
Philanthropist: Clearly I have got my inspiration from God. It was my desire to spread the divine message that really motivated me to become a musician. Undoubtedly this divine message if spread would make the world a better place for all to live in harmony.
Foroyaa: When did you start your musical career and how many tracks or album have you released?
Philanthropist: Actually began my musical career in early 1997. And I have recorded nothing less than nineteen singles. However, only six tracks are currently being promoted.
Foroyaa: Among these six singles currently being promoted which one was the first to be released?
Philanthropist: The first to be released was the track titled “how can we prosper?”
Foroyaa: How was the track received by music fans?
Philanthropist: Well, the track was well received by the audience, as it was frequently played over both West Coast Radio and Radio FMB.
Foroyaa: When was this single released?
Philanthropist: This single was released in the later part of 1998.
Foroyaa: Where was this single recorded?
Philanthropist: This single was recorded at Aden Studio in Bakoteh.
Foroyaa: When can music enthusiasts expect your debut album?
Philanthropist: Currently am working hard in order to come up with my debut album. Music enthusiasts can expect this album as soon as possible.
Foroyaa: As an artist what are some of the constraints you face?
Philanthropist: As every Gambians artist would tell you, the main constraint we face is finance. Finance is not forthcoming. Most Gambian musicians have been left to struggle on their own. In this country, musicians who promote products and services of companies and those who praise political leaders are mostly likely to get financial assistance. Musicians like me who do not want to praise any one or promote any company find it almost impossible to get any kind of support. It is quite apparent that even GRTS plays the sounds of musicians who are praise singers. As far as am concern the art of music is all about spreading reality and positive message.
Foroyaa: As you have just pointed out, musicians who praise people are likely to get help. Having known that why do you to stick to spreading what you called the reality rather than praise people?
Philanthropist: As an artist, it has never been my intention to enrich myself. I became an artist simply because I want to spread the divine message which can have a positive impact on humanity as a whole. As one can read from my name I am here to serve humanity as best as I can. But not to unnecessarily praise people who may not even deserve it.
Foroyaa: How do you view those artists who instead of singing about the realities praise people?
Philanthropist: People have different intentions of becoming musicians. Some have chosen music simple to earn as much money as possible. Some have also chosen it because they feel compelled to spread the divine message and fortunately for me I happened to fall under the second category. I believe a musician should talk about issues affecting the people.
Foroyaa: How do you see the state of music in this country? Does the future look rosy and bright?
Philanthropist: Well, the musicians are working quite assiduously. However support is not forthcoming. Nevertheless, DJ Mo and DJ Matabaruka of West Coast Radio and Yiriwa FM respectively are working to promote Gambians music. They deserve commendations.
Foroyaa: You have single out DJ Mo and Matabaruka for constantly playing Gambian music. Are other DJs not playing enough Gambian music?
Philanthropist: Most of the DJs here are notorious for playing foreign music at the expense of Gambian music. Recently I was in Senegal and I noticed that only Senegalese music is being played on their radio stations. This promotion of Senegalese music has now made Senegalese music a force to be reckoned with on the international stage. It has been suggested that now “Senegalese Music trails only behind American Music” It is time for DJs in this country to promote Gambian music by playing it on their shows frequently.
Foroyaa: When did you first performed on stage and how did you feel?
Philanthropist: The first time I performed on stage was back in 1997 at Brikama Youth Centre. On that particular night I performed with “Rebellion, the Recaller”. The feeling I had that particular night is unforgettable and it still lingers in my mind.
Foroyaa: How was it like performing alongside “Rebellion the Recaller?”
Philanthropist: It was a wonderful experience to perform alongside Rebellion. Let me put it this way, before we start our musical careers, Rebellion had since been a good friend and brother of mine. After both of us discovered that music is our path, we jointly formed a foundation known as the Inspired Ones.
Foroyaa: What has this foundation achieved?
Philanthropist: This foundation aims to encourage Gambian artists to sing about real issues rather than praise people. We believe any artist who has this concept is an inspired one.
Foroyaa: What type of musician would you describe yourself?
Philanthropist: Clearly, I’m a revolutionary artist who is out to launch a crusade on all forms of evil. I’m out to ensure social justice as well as freedom for all. I work like to put an end to corruption.
Foroyaa: What advise would you give to your fellow artists?
Philanthropist: I would challenge my fellow musicians to persevere despite the enormous difficulties they face. Clearly, to be a musician in the Third World is not easy. However, we should try and live up to the principles of our profession. Let us talk about real issues rather than praise sing. There is also the need for better cooperation among Gambian artists. It is only through cooperation that we can take Gambian music where it rightfully belongs to.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
Issue No. 44/2008, 16 – 17 April 2008
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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