Ndey Nyang-Njie is one of Gambia 's leading female musicians. She started singing way back in 1987, when not many women were interesting in picking the microphone. She married to Oussu Lion Njie, a prominent Gambian artist who died whiles in Norway . Since the death of her husband, Ndey has been very rather quiet in the music scene. With the assistance of Ndanaan Bi Production, she released an album Li Ma Waar , paying tribute to her missing hubby.
It has not been easy for onegambia to secure an interview with the Gambian female star, because she was too busy galloping from Senegal to Mail, in order to increase her fan base. In this interview, which was held at her Bakoteh residence where she seems to be every ones friend, Ndey talks a lot about her self, her late hubby and many other things.
Tell us how you met the late Gambian music star Oussu Lion Njie?
I was marrying in France for nearly seven years and came back to The Gambia in 1987 after I got divorced. With the difficulties I encountered in Paris , I felt I should do music to enable me to forget the hardships and move on and at the same time share my life experiences with my fans. This is how I joined the Karantaba Band . One day we went to the Senegalese High Commission in Banjul , to get some papers as we prepare to perform in a town near Mbour. Thats where I saw Oussu. He was also looking at me and at the same time asking my band master about me. Later I had problem with the Karantaba Band and one day Oussu invited me for a chat. We started meeting frequently and he arranged for me to join the Mandingo Band, were he was the lead vocalist. Just a week after asking me out, he traveled to Sweden and later to Norway . We didn't see for nine years. I was also in Dakar , but usually come to The Gambia for short visits. During one of my short visits, we met again whilst he was also on a visit here and he asked for my hand in marriage. He appealed that he needs a lady, as he prepares to finally settle in The Gambia. We got married on the 29 th April 1994 .
Together we started a band, and in December 1995 we got our first son Bai Modou Lion Njie. We produced a couple of albums till in 1998 when he decided to visit his family in Norway . Unfortunately he passed away on the 6 th April 1998 .
In what way did your childhood prepare you for a career in the music industry?
I suffered a lot during my childhood days. My parents divorced at a very early stage. I stayed with different families. That sadness compelled me to sing. We are not griots but it's the loneliness and sadness that pushed me to sing and let my voice be heard. Music was like a room mate to me.
You have been very quite, since the release of your last album. What was responsible for this?
I was trying to put lot of things in order and besides I was on a tour in Senegal and Mali . But now every thing is okay.
You have a very nice singing voice. Don't you think if you give yourself enough promotion you will be able to gain international recognition?
I believe in that, because I have already been to Senegal and Mali . In Senegal I perform every day except on Sundays. In Mali they even proposed that I should stay there, but my family needs my presence and attention.
What happened to your late husband's band?
The equipment is still in my custody but I plan to take everything to Dakar very soon, to start my own band. Part of the equipment will be hired to generate income to help support myself and my family.
You sang about Jamfar (betrayal). Why?
There was a marabout who appealed to me to always sing about the realities of life. Lot of things happened to me in my life. Just one day I picked up my pen and decided to compose a song on betrayal. This song is still a hit in Mali , in fact it is my favorite song.
Another song Lima Waar which is also the title of the album, is dedicated to my son and the families that looked after and took good care of him, since his father's passing away in 1998.
Do you see your kids going into the music industry?
I don't pray for that. The way I suffered in my music career I don't want any of my children to encounter it. It might even be worst in the future. It's not easy in The Gambia.
So then you are not seeing any hope for The Gambian music industry?
Compared to other countries it's a waste to do music in The Gambia. I want to believe that's how some of my colleagues also see it. Like I always say, as far as Gambia is concerned, it is only good for rehearsals and relaxing to compose songs. Down here you can't make money from the music.
Then what keeps you interested in the music career?
My late husband. I want to play music till I die like him. I want to reach were he intended to reach during his days. He is a man that I really loved.
Seemingly you want to make Senegal as your new base. Don't you think the presence of too many musicians in that country makes your chance very slim? Why not stay in The Gambia and hopefully their might be changes.
In The Gambia, like I said earlier no one can make enough money out of music. We don't have good recording studios and producers. In other countries, producers run after musicians. In The Gambia, it's the musicians who produce themselves.
Tell us some of the promoters you work with in Senegal ?
I work with Omar Njie, Alias Diallo and the late Dodou Sowe. I also work with Ida Patra and one Basiru Lowe based in the States.
Where do you usually perform in Senegal ?
Sunrise , which is under management of Richardo Niass. He is also a promoter and currently he is my contact person in Dakar .
My dad also owns a five star night club called Guandiol in Thies.
Where do you see yourself in this career in the next five years?
Five years might be too much for me. What I pray for is let Gambian music reach all parts of the world by next year. I have done enough promotion for my music and inshalla my sounds will soon hit the international markets. Lot of promoters are interested in me.
Thank you and God luck with your music Thanks.
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