entertainment

By Bakary Ceesay

DJ People’s Choice, Italian based awards winning Gambian International Deejay is inspiring the people through music in Italy and across Europe.

Raised in The Gambia, he spent his time listening to good music and inspire that music is a tool to spread positivity across the globe inspire him to take deejay as a career to entertain, teach, unify people through music.

Passionate and talented young DJ, dividing his time between his love for music and music production with his partner Joe Nevix, a well-known music producer at Afro-House.

Rising up from humble beginnings, the fastest rising DJ, based in Sicily Messina is one the  most booked disc joker as he is already booked for on 19^th February at Catania Stone Club, on 23^rd February at Carnevale Villafranca, Palermo Timeless Club, on February 24^th Messina and on 26^th March Catania Lua Beach.

He is among the top DJs that play in Villafranca Tirrena, an annual festival in Sicily Messina which used to attract over thirty thousand people. He is now a household name in Messina by uniting and entertaining people through music.

He is accredited by his professionalism and humbleness earned him the opportunity to work with many promoters, artistes, Djs, event organisers and radio stations in Italy.  He is currently managed by Get Money, a prominent Gambian booking agent based in Italy.

 “My priority is promoting Gambian music, reggae dancehall, reggaeton, recruiting young DJs who want to be professional Djs in future and I also build a studio with my partner Joe Nevix, called Afro-House, Latin-House and House Music, Joe, is an international producer and we are calling on all Gambian artistes to come forward and work with us,” he explained.

He added that Afro-House is working with ENC, one of Gambia’s finest dancehall artiste and Brezzy Boy, uprising Gambian artiste based in Italy. 

He called on Gambian artistes in Europe to come forward and work with the studio as their doors are open to all artistes for professional productions of songs, EP and album project.

Awards

Due to his commitment and hard work in 2017, he was award ‘Super DJ’ Sicily Messina and in 2019 he was awarded by West African Music Mixtape Awards Dj People’s Choice as ‘excellent best music Mixtape displayed on the annual West African music competition’

Reacting to these awards, DJ People’s Choice said this motivates him that he is on right track in impacting the lives of people through music.

He commended his partner Joe Nevix, of Afro-House and all the promoters who always believed in him by booking him to entertain the audiences.

He assured he will continue the journey in educating and entertaining people through music by spreading positivity, togetherness as one people in the world.

By Bakary Ceesay

Michael Dampha, alias  King Mike, chief executive officer Warriors In a Dance has resolved his readiness to promote Gambian artistes across the European markets.

In an exclusive interview with Pan African Visions, Mike, the Stuttgart based highlighted his activities and upcoming plans he and his team are doing in The Gambia, Germany and across Europe in their quest to promote Gambian artistes across the globe.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the interview with Pan African Visions Gambia correspondent Bakary Ceesay, with King Mike.

Pan African Visions: Can you please introduce yourself to the readers including your educational background?

Mike: My name is Michael Dampha a.k.a King Mike. I get the name from Dr. Olugander Abukpapa. I promote and support Gambian music. I’m also a booking agent for artists in Europe. I’m half a German and half a Gambian. I grew up in Stuttgart Germany, Filderstadt. I attended my school careers in the same city and learn two jobs, director and security.

Pan African Visions: What is your connection with Gambia and Germany?

Mike: I’m a half German and half Gambian with a great connection in the Gambia and also promoting Gambian music in Germany. And I often visit my family in the Gambia.

Pan African Visions: You have a music promotional firm called Warriors In a Dance can you please tell us when was it established and what was the main objectives?Mike: Warriors Ina Dance was established in 2015. Two friends of mine involved me in the Gambia music industry. And link me with Dr. Olugander Abukpapa, a Gambian artiste based in Finland. Dr. Olugander was my first artist who I bring to Stuttgart Germany. He was really humble and fair to me. We had nice show with much fun. So I continued working with him and many others artists from the Gambia. As well as artists from Jamaica also.

Warriors Ina Dance we are one big family under one umbrella promoting Gambia and Jamaica music in Germany and abroad. We are struggling and working hard to achieve our goals.  We organised nice party’s once in a month where people comes and enjoy the good music. We also invite all the time artists from Gambia or from Jamaica and Dj’s to perform in Germany.

Pan African Visions: What motivates you to set up Warriors Ina Dance promotional firm and how many people you are currently working with?Mike: My real partner is Mohammed Susso a.k.a Skinny Boy Susso. He knows all my plans and ideas. But we work with lot of people together and we have good chain works and high services.

We work with radio stations together in Germany and now in the Netherlands also for interviews and they plays and promotes Gambia music.

We work with a professional music studio together where I can go all the time with artists for recordings duplates and to make good quality music videos and internet interviews. We work with Teckle-Reisen together in Germany. He is our travel Agent and we can call or contact him 24/7. If we have questions or problems with the flight.

We work also with a nice and good hotel together which is not far from my home. And we can provide to our guests nice Gambian food. So that will not miss the Gambia. The hotel owner speaks perfect English in case any problems my home is not far. We are trying and wanted to organised our dance party once in a month in Mannheim in Germany. In the Gambia we are working with Axon Ova Chat Gullykid Promotion together from Basse and Gambia All Events. We stand in good contact and touch with them. Just let us see what is coming in the future. We dream big.

Pan African Visions: Which type of music are you promoting and what category of artists you are working with?
Mike: We promote dancehall, Reggae, Hip Hop, Gambia music and more. I work with Gambians and Jamaicans artists together.

Pan African Visions:  We have seen you are being working with some Gambian artists and Dj’s why do you choose to focus on Gambian artists?
Mike: My father was a Gambian.  I love the Gambia and the people. And I’m really happy to work with Gambian artists and Dj’s.

Pan African Visions:  Do you have any plans of sponsoring some young Gambian talented artists and expose them in European markets?

Mike: This is what we are trying now, with two or three Gambian underground artists.  It’s an exciting project. Support support and let people hear the good vibes.

Pan African Visions: How it is like working with Gambian artists both home and abroad because we have seen you are partnering with local promoters in Gambia?

Mike:  It’s nice and makes fun. I feel the love and the support. We are in good contact. And in the future we have plans and will like to do also things in the Gambia.


Pan African Visions:  How do you see Gambian music industry?

Mike: I see the Gambia music industry in a higher heights moves. We have lot of talented brothers and sisters in the musical arena. And the Gambia music flowing across the world. The world is watching, listening  and supporting the music industry.


Pan African Visions:  What are some projects in the pipeline for Warriors Ina Dance in the summer we are we going to see you bring some Gambian artists to tour in Europe.Mike: On the 27-03-2020 we are going to be in Mannheim Germany with Dj Ali Gee, the young general at club California. D’Angel from Jamaica will come to us on the 03-04-2020. Many Dj’s will be in the house on that day. Dj’s like Selekta Adi & Dj M.O.B from the Gambia will be there too. Many nice and big things are in the pipeline cooking up already. But it’s not allowed to talk about it. I just cross fingers and I hope the best.

We are in good contact with some Gambia artists. But T-Smallz a.k.a Katato, one of Gambia’s finest artiste will come to Europe this summer with us. We are really happy and proud to work with Katato Entertainment


Pan African Visions:  What is your visions in the next five years in both the Gambia and Germany?

Mike: My visions are to create more good links, partnerships, good party’s, concerts and big beats.
That the German radios and TV channels will plays Gambian music and support the Gambia music industry.

Pan African Visions:  Are we expecting a Gambian festival in Stuttgart in the next coming years?
Mike: In Stuttgart or in other places in Germany we have every year African Festivals. They’re many countries who attended it and represent their music’s and cultures. But we make this year for the first time After Show Party from the African Festival. And we hope we can continue this every year and to be part of the African Festival.

Pan African Visions:  What are some of your challenges in the music business in the past years?

Mike: I had many challenges and I learn many things from it. And I gained lots of experience in the musical arena.

Pan African Visions: Finally, what is your advice to Gambian artists, Dj’s, promoters and events organisers?

Mike: My advice is dream nice and big. No competition and bad mind.  Believe in yourself and work hard to achieve your goals. The streets and the people will see your good work, judge you and speak for you.

By Bakary Ceesay

Jarck Boy, Germany-based Gambian reggae-dancehall artiste has release a new song called ‘Always there’ as part of his new Extended Play, EP called Ghetto Defender.

The EP will contain six tracks and so far two tracks have been recorded at Chosan Bi Records. The two tracks are ‘Gambia kankiling’ with a video making waves now in various TV stations and online platforms and ‘always there’

Jarck Boy explained that The ‘Gambia kankiling’ song depicts that Gambians should come together despite our political, religious and tribal difference to move the country forward for the betterment of all.

He added that the second song ‘Always There’ is a love song depict then men’s should always be there for their loves ones like wife, finance and girlfriends.

According to him, the EP will also talks about youths in the ghetto their plights to stardom by inspiring and encouragement them to stand firm to live in a descent life in society.

He promised to release more videos from the EP. “After releasing my new reggae album from FULL100 MUSIC Label, am very   busy in the studio again working on his upcoming EP this year again. 2020 still alive. Jah mission continues to uplift and spread the divine love and unity, watch out for another conscious hit,” he said.

By Bakary Ceesay

Jizzle, Gambia’s afro-pop singer is the big winner at WahSahlat music Awards Gambia recently at a local hotel.

 Jizzle received four awards; Artist of the Year, Song of the Year for Turn by Turn on his Finally Album, Video of the Year with Nobles for Killer, and Afrofusion Artist of the Year.

The annual WahSahlat music Awards Gambia is usually organised by Brand Plus to reward artistes, producers, video directors and entertainment journalists.

 “I feel good about it, it’s just a great feeling you know. I believe that I got all of those awards because of the hard work and dedication that I put in my music, through-out these years. So I am really honored and send a big thanks to all the fans and supporters that voted and believed in me,” expresses Jizzle.

He continues, “The fans are always there for me making sure that Jizzle is up there. I feel so happy, so blessed. A lot of work will be done for this year and every other year, Man of Every Year, you know.”

After dominating the music scene all year, with Jizzle’s music being heard all over the country, Team Jizzle and Jizzle Kingdom are humbled to get recognition for the hard work that they have put into promoting and marketing the music.”

 Jizzle has been in such great demand that even after his successful stadium show in November; the holidays found him performing all over the country and currently he is on a nation-wide tour. Overjoyed by his awards, he is planning a youth family fun day and concert on April 18th 2020.

It will be day of laughter and music just for the children and their families who make up a large fan base for the artist. Jizzle also congratulates his fellow honorees and beams at the idea that together they are making Gambian music a strong international force representing the people and the culture. Jizzle is really excited about 2020; it will be an excellent year.

 He has many surprises in store for his fans including his Scorpion Extended Play, EP coming out March 6th. He has been crossing into mainstream markets and is ready to go out into the world and perform for his fans in other places.”

MARLEY75 To Feature Special Releases, Live Performances, Plus Rare And Unreleased Material from the Marley Family Vaults and Private Collection 

40 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF ‘REDEMPTION SONG,’ CELEBRATED WITH NEW MUSIC VIDEO PREMIERED ON YOUTUBE

(February 5, 2020 – Los Angeles, CA) The Marley family, UMe and Island Records have begun to roll out their yearlong MARLEY75 commemorative plans in celebration of the legendary cultural icon, Bob Marley’s 75th birthday and 40th anniversary of the timeless classic “Redemption Song.” 

In honor of Black History Month, now underway, and to mark the beginning of all MARLEY75 celebrations in 2020, the official music video for “Redemption Song” premieres today on Bob Marley’s YouTube channel. Created by French artists Octave Marsal & Theo De Gueltzl, the breathtaking animation, featuring 2,747 original drawings, uses powerful symbols to amplify the magnitude of the song’s timeless lyrics and importance in today’s world. The video highlights Bob’s contribution to the empowerment of black civilization, as well as his manifestation of hope and recovery for all mankind. 

Inspired by Bob’s homeland of Jamaica, as well as insights received from his family, the artistic approach was to illustrate the imaginary world of Bob Marley in a way that highly stimulates self-reflection. “From the history of Slavery and Jamaica, Rastafarian culture, legacy of prophets (Haile Selassie the 1st, Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X), as well as Bob’s personal life, we take the audience on a journey through allegories and representations.” Marsal and De Gueltzl reveal. The opening sequence invites the viewer into Bob’s guitar, a visual metaphor to Bob’s mind, and our own, in a quest for Redemption. Also, drawing from Rastafarian philosophy, another vital element of the video’s narrative is about valuing nature, our Earth and the Mother Land.

Watch the powerful visual for ‘Redemption Song’ HERE

The MARLEY75 celebrations will encompass all things music, fashion, art, photography, technology, sport and film, providing fans unprecedented access to archives from the legendary artist’s estate in new, thoughtful and innovative ways. Together with YouTube, new and exciting content is set to be released over the course of the year.

The inaugural MARLEY75 music festivities kick off this Spring, the first of many celebrations to come. Ziggy Marley and Stephen Marley’s Bob Marley Celebration will headline 
The BeachLife   Festival. This special, collaborative appearance will feature Ziggy Marley and Stephen Marley performing an extensive catalog of Bob Marley tunes in celebration of their father’s 75th birthday at the three-day immersive music, art, and culinary oceanside event.

In this digital era, Bob Marley remains one of the most followed posthumous artists on social media, and MARLEY75 will serve to bring his music and message to the digital foreground, reaching new audiences and perspectives with innovative content and groundbreaking technology. Special live events, exclusive digital content, recordings, exhibitions, plus rare and unearthed treasures will also be revealed throughout the year.

Bob Marley’s music continues to inspire generation upon generation, as his legacy lives on through his message of love, justice and unity, a sentiment needed more than ever in 2020. In conjunction with Tuff Gong and UMe, a division of the Universal Music Group, the Marley family will continue to ensure the highest quality, integrity and care is taken to honor Bob’s legacy and to celebrate one of the 20th century’s most important and influential figures.

One-quarter of all the Reggae listened to in the United States, is Bob Marley. Bob Marley’s Legend is the nineteenth-biggest selling album of all time and the fifth-biggest selling Greatest Hits package in United States history.

Throughout history, no artist has dominated the world of music quite like Bob Marley. A musical, political and spiritual icon of mythical proportions, both poet and prophet, Marley was the first Jamaican artist to give voice to the struggles of his people and the Rastafarian culture, and the first to gain worldwide fame. October 2020 will see the 40th anniversary of Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song.” Released in October 1980 and taken from his ninth album Uprising (Island Records), the song was inspired by a speech from Pan-Africanist Marcus Garvey’s “The Work That Has Been Done” and is considered by many as one of the greatest songs ever written in popular culture. In a time when political unrest and oppression feels more prevalent than ever, “Redemption Song” maintains a poignancy and power and acts as a long-standing testament to Bob Marley’s brilliance and voice for the people. Bob Marley’s music catalog has amassed billions of streams and sold millions of albums worldwide, while his hits compilation, Legend, remains the world’s best-selling reggae album and longest-charting album in the history of Billboard’s Catalog Albums chart.

Tune in and subscribe to the Official Bob Marley YouTube channel here for more upcoming content celebrating Bob’s legacy and contribution to the world.

Additional information on MARLEY75 events will be revealed soon.

ABOUT BOB MARLEY

Bob Marley, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, is notable not only as the man who put reggae on the global map, but, as a statesman in his native Jamaica, he famously brought together the country’s warring factions. Today, Bob Marley remains one of the 20th century’s most important and influential entertainment icons. Marley’s lifestyle and music continue to inspire new generations as his legacy lives on through his music. In the digital era, he has the second-highest social media following of any posthumous celebrity, with the official Bob Marley Facebook page drawing more than 70 million fans, ranking it among the Top 20 of all Facebook pages and Top 10 among celebrity pages. Marley’s music catalog has sold millions of albums worldwide. His iconic collection LEGEND holds the distinction of being the longest-charting album in the history of Billboard magazine’s Catalog Albums chart and remains the world’s best-selling reggae album. Marley’s accolades include inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1994) and ASCAP Songwriters Hall of Fame (2010), a GRAMMY® Lifetime Achievement Award (2001), multiple entries in the GRAMMY® Hall Of Fame, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2001).  For more information visit: bobmarley.com and facebook.com/bobmarley.

This Saturday at “DON’T DROP THE MIC” (DDTM) the spotlight will be on the charismatic “Kolly Dee” as he performs a few songs and crowd favourites.

KOLADE TOLULOPE ALADE aka KOLLYDEE is a Nigerian singer/songwriter, composer, recording artist, performer and Medical Doctor who came into the spotlight with the release of his unique cover of DRAKE’S HOTLINE BLING in 2015 and hit R&B/POP single “One More Try” in 2016. He has been combining a career in medicine and music and this will be his first headline gig in Nigeria.

The event will be held at “BOGOBIRI HOUSE” located at 9 Maitama Sule St, Off Raymond Njoku St, (off Awolowo rd), Ikoyi, Lagos. When asked what fans should expect from KOLLYDEE, His manager, Toks Asher Young said, “nothing short of an intimate unplugged performance that will leave fans satisfied and at the same wanting for more”. He assured that Kollydee always brings the fire for all his performances and that Saturday won’t be an exception.

The theme of the night is “Almost Famous” so expect the DDTM squad to be on hand to create some epic fame inspired musicals on the spot.

The event is proudly supported by Cool FM, Jameson and The British Council, BOGOBIRI HOTEL, Nigeria Info and Lagos Theatre Festival.

ABOUT DON’T DROP THE MIC

Don’t Drop The Mic (DDTM) is a themed urban variety show where artists create songs off the cuff, freestyle, perform, battle and “improvise” on the spot. Founded by Femi Aribisala (who also doubles as host for the show), Akin Solanke and
Joshua Iyamu.

Each show is given a particular theme which is presented to the audience, and this is used to inspire ideas and suggestions that are then translated into monologues, dialogues, songs and games for educative and entertainment purposes.

The program champions social interaction; its main aim being to provide a platform whereby “improvisation” is viewed as a necessary component for social sensitisation to various issues; and as an instrument for positive change; the dissemination of ideas, thoughts, perspectives and dreams. 

Dont Drop the Mic is more than just an event, it is a philosophy that encourages people to press on and never give up.

By Bakary Ceesay 

Show-me is 2nd Edition of the first digital live music forum dedicated to self-entrepreneur artists in solo and duo format is currently underway in Zurich Switzerland at the legendary Moods club from 24th -26th January 2020. A crowdfunding project by Show-me, music, community, and festival, Zürich. 

The project co-ordinators are Cameroonian musician, Blick Bassy (left), and Swiss journalist, Elisabeth Stoudmann (right). Coming from the same milieu but with different skill sets, their aim is to cause ripples in the musical world via the creation of Show-me.

It features the showcases of 10 of the best DIY artists of the moment, selected this summer via an online competition. Show-me also serves to connect these new independent artists with specially invited professionals who will inform and coach them.

Lastly, Show-me offers a collective music writing exercise in a professional studio that helps the musicians to forge contacts and practice group collaboration.

The goals of Show-me
Today, getting into the music business independently is full of constraints and difficulties. Show-me was created to allow these entrepreneurial artists to be seen and heard in the flesh by music business specialists, as well as online. Show-me also offers them several useful tools.

At the end of the event, each nominee will go home with: a booking date at a festival or club, the filming and broadcast of their showcase in HD, a series of quality photographs, advice from programmers, bookers and other music business professionals, and lastly, the chance to make a studio recording.

Last year, during the first edition of Show-me, some nominated artists were able to launch careers after their participation. 

By Bakary Ceesay

Kanifing Magistrate Court on Monday has convicted and sentence Ali Cham, known as Killa Ace, a outspoken Gambian rapper cum activist. 

Cham, has been found guilty on two counts and fined with D17, 500. 

According to prosecutors, Cham on or about the 29th day of October 2018 in Serrekunda, conducted himself in a manner likely to provoke a breach of peace.

Prosecutors also alleged that the defendant assaulted First Class 6407 Demba Bah on his left eye and mouth, whilst in due execution of his duty and resisted lawful arrest.

He is also charged with wilful damage to property.

Killa Ace pleaded not guilty to the charges levelled against him, but the magistrate found him guilty on all the 3 counts and fined him.

He has been ordered to pay a fine as follows; count one – Breach of Peace – D10,000, count two – Assaulting a Police Officer – D5,000, count four – Destruction of Public Property – cautioned and discharged.

Two additional charges include compensation to Police Officer Demba Bah – D2,000 and damage to an Officer’s Uniform – D500. Total fine to pay is D17,500.

Ace, an outspoken rapper told journalists after the judgement that: “I’m not violent, and I’m not a criminal as well the  real criminals are serving us and getting away with thier crimes”

He lamented that:  “It’s sad that I live in an unfair environment and totally disappointed by todays ruling but not surprised . After nearly losing my life for simply asking for a warrant, I’m turned into the villian by my own people”

According to him he is found guilty on two counts, breach of peace and assaulting a Police Officer. Ordered to pay D17,500.

I’m so discouraged and lost hope in this place. I have a life to live and a family that relies on me .

Anyways fine paid and back to my sad life knowing any minute any second this system is waiting for me around the corner.

“Blessings to all my good peoples behind me. I’m a victim,” 

By Bakary Ceesay

Dr. Olugander, alias Dada Gander Helsinki based Gambian vateran reggae danchall artiste has recently released seven tracks Afrobeat danchall album called ‘Bulma Bai’ (Don’t leave me) available in all online platforms.

The  album is also available on CDs and online digital distribution, streaming services like iTunes,  Apple music,  Amazon,  Tidal,  Deezer,  Spotify etc.

The album is accompanied by a video entitled Bulma Bai,  which is  the tittle of the album.

Dr. Olugander explains that the album is an afro cultural and afrobeat dancehall album strictly African meaning it’s not reggae.

According to him, the video was  premiered by  Reggaeville.com one week before the release of the album.

Vateran Reggae singer added that the  messages in the album are geared towards our cultural heritage preservation and upliftment, loves songs are in there, social life, songs based on real experiences social, musical, life struggles etc.

“I’ve been inspired by afro fusion music from inception,  anyone that knows Dr. Olugander knows that, so due to the high demand from my fans all over to revive my afro type pattern and music I decided to give strength by revitalizing culture this time, because it has it’s own market too, so I wanna please my fans in the Gambia,  Senegal,  Guinea Bissau,  Conakry,  Portugal,  Spain and Paris” he noted.

About Dr. Olugander

Dr. Olugander alias Phada Gander, is a Gambian dazzling home-grown performing and recording, philanthropic world-sought-after Reggae Dancehall artist based in Finland. He started his musical career at a tender age through the inspiration of his late grandfather “Oupa Kambai Joku” who was a great cultural musician in his hay-days.

Dr Olugander’s hard core rhythms could be compared with that of many great superstar around the world. What sets him among the rest in the pecking order is his professional manner of conducting his life which is free from liquor consumption and smoke.

He started his education at St. Charles Lwanga Mission Primary School in Faji Kunda and later proceeded to St. Peter’s Catholic High School in Lamin. Being someone who likes to explore, he moved on to St. Augustine’s High School, an all boys high school in the Capital city of the Gambia, Banjul where his musical career became heightened.

Abukpapa is agile, flexible and full of confidence on stage which makes his performances unique and awesome. His voice is silky smooth, original and he exhibits humility and love for everyday ordinary people.

He is a role model to the younger generation and a voice for the voiceless. He is so far the only known Gambian musician who keeps it simple and natural by avoiding smoking or drinking but still gets wild on stage with his teeming crowd of followers and admirers.

In 1997 he formed a crew named (CAP-SYL-MAD VIBES), a trio musical group that lasted for a year then later changed to Promised Land Crew in1998, comprising him and Capricon as main singers. The Promised Land recorded their first debut Album entitled “Too Late” at Yellow Gates Studios by Kebba Taylor in 1998, with their first hit single on television entitled “Babylon rule”.

The Promised Land Crew got a lot of exposure from showbiz impresario and arts columnist Dr. Obiozor Williams who first discovered their talents. The Crew got rave reviews on the Arts & Culture page in Daily Observer Newspaper.Their first shot at national prominence was during the 1st ever Gambian Music Award, May 2, 1998 at Palma Rima Hotel.

The Crew became a favorite for music fans at the “Fateleku” Nationwide Music Tour for all Gambian artistes initiated by Obiozor Williams alongside veteran star Ousu Njie Senor and late Uncle George Christensen of Radio 1 FM where over 40 artistes performed throughout the length & breadth of the Gambia in 1999.

In 2001, Capricon decided to quit music for the Islamic brotherhood ‘Markas’ which gave birth to Dr. Olugander’s solo musical career.

Dr. Olugander derived his title from his fans who regarded him as a musical doctor. The name Olu- means (God Father) while “gander” came as a result of his love for the male goose the “Gander” which is his favorite pet. “Abukpapa” is derived from his MAN-JAH-GO clan which means “father’s child.”

A fond lover of great stars like Cocoa Tea, Lucky Dube, Bob Marley, Bunny wailer, Dennis Brown & Luciano, he felt he could use music to bring great changes in the life of young people with his own original style.

CHARITY WORKS
Known for his philanthropic gestures, he was the first musician of his generation in the country to establish and register a charity foundation, Gander’s Production Foundation (GPF) embarking on giving back projects throughout the country in support of the poor through his musical performances.

GPF with the Motto “Each One-Support One” donated cooking items and food stuff to the disaster flood victims of the Gambia at the office of the Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia in December 2010. He also contributed to the rehabilitation of school toilets in Wassu Upper Basic Cycle.

As an ambassador of The Gambia Organization of the Visually Impaired (GOVI), he made a cash donation to the blind school of The Gambia in January 2013. He was also honored by supporting a Kenyan charity to donate to Kandaria Dispensary in Kisumu, Kenya in August 2015.

He usually organizes big annual events ‘Welcome Back Home Shows’ any time he returns from an international tour. These shows are always among the biggest platforms in the country, where most of the upcoming Gambian musicians got their first ever open air opportunities to be heard and known by their fans.

AWARDS
In 2008 he won the best reggae song in the Gambia. In 2009 he was given an honorary award & invitation to USA by (AGERA). Dr. Olugander is undisputedly the Gambia’s best international reggae ambassador & export, who has been jetting in and out of aeroplanes from Africa, Europe, Asia, Scandinavia, USA over the years.

ALBUMS
Group Album with “Promised Land” entitled-“Too Late”- 1998, Solo career albums, Pumak Aids- Advocate against Aids – 2004, Little Gambia- 25th April 2007, Stronger Dan Before- 24th December 2008, Friends on Journey- 2018

He shared stages and collaborated with big names like Luciano, Youssou Ndour, Glen Washinton, Yellowman, Sizzla, Capleton, Macka B, among many others.

His album entitled ‘Friends On Journey’ is a masterpiece in the world music industry. It’s a 14 track CD album that features big acts include Macka B, Mikey General, Siddy Ranks, and Turbulence.

By Bakary Ceesay

Cyrus Richard Togba popularly known as Cyrus Richie is a praise-worship leader, singer-songwriter and a recording artist currently based in Germany.

Born in Sierra Leone, Cyrus grew up in a God-fearing home where Christian values were instilled in him from a very tender age.

His commitment to Church activities which always kept him around the environ, helped him quickly discover his love for music and calling as a minister. Ever since Cyrus Richie became actively involved in the choir of every Church he joined.

According to him, “His journey with the Lord hasn’t been a smooth one,” but life experiences and challenges have strengthened his resolve to serve Him (God) more.

Having served in various ministries for years, Cyrus Richie made his official debut as a recording artist in 2018 after storming the gospel music scene with his first single “Most High God”.

He followed the well-received track with “Hallowed Be Thy Name,” released in January 2019.

The talented worshiper is set to kick-off the coming new year (2020) on a high note as he recently announced the release of a brand new single “Bow and Worship” featuring Gambia-based music minister Kalusian. 

Anticipation among fans has been heightened towards the upcoming release due on January 11th, 2020.

Cyrus Richie is happily married to Mrs. Fatmata Togba and they are blessed with four lovely children.

By Moji Danisa*

DJ Neptune is arguably one of Nigeria’s best entertainers whose craft easily places him amongst the top 5 A-list DJs in the country in the last decade.

Until now, DJ Neptune has played in the high stakes, perfecting and honing his craft with accolades from industry watchers, entertainment writers and fans. He simply could do no wrong. Its plan to see that he was a natural when it comes to disk jockeying; he was born to spin the wheels of steel, while also churning out many hit songs in collaborations with other artistes that has catapulted his image as an icon in his genre of entertainment all over Africa and the world.

DJ Neptune has played it so safe that he kept his private life out of the public which was one of his most admired traits. He was simply seen as serious, smart, good-looking and respectful. Not many know that Neptune is married to the beautiful daughter of a General and they have a beautiful daughter together.

With other stars beginning to keep it clean, the industry is now ready for stars that would uphold family values and be good examples to the young generation. TuFace has generally cleaned his act since he got married and has successfully changed his Casanova perception in the public sphere. Davido has such respect and love for his wife Chioma that he flaunts her everywhere and makes marriage look pleasing and that perhaps is why Whizkid has vowed to get married this year too.

While these stars who were hitherto seen as bad boys are moving into good boy mode, Neptune sadly seems to be sliding into disrepute as he is beginning to not only flaunt girls who are not his wife on the social media of all places and changing his once admirable wardrobe into what many of his fans feel is a deviation from the clean cut, sharp dressing Neptune they fell in love with, not his new found juvenile style of dressing which has got many in the industry whispering their disapproval behind his back. His admirers and professional colleagues believe he can do far better to dress hip but not silly in tight fitting pants that are short in length and hugs his crouch like a juvenile’s.

Undoubtedly, critiques view Neptune as the most promising DJ to step into the shoes of the well respected Jimmy Jatt…he has proven he can so far but industry watchers are worried that his new persona may negate that dream.

An entertainment reporter said: ‘Neptune seems to be derailing from what he is known and loved for, which is, a bit of mystery, distance from groupies and seriousness, it is my hope that he recognizes this fact and goes back to form because he is one of those set to rule the next decade…if only he does not allow these new distractions he seems to be embracing”.

* Moji DanisaEditor in Chief, Paparazzi Magazine Online