Njie B, the conqueror is undoubtedly Gambia 's leading local based reggae musician. His emergence four years back has injected the Gambian reggae scene with a new dose of optimism.

Born in Farafenni, a renowned provincial town in the northern part of The Gambia, Njie B became a music fan with the inspiration of his dad. His debut album which is out to support the fight against the world's most popular pandemic HIV/AIDS was exclusively sponsored by the National AIDS Secretariat.

The young sprouting reggae star made his first public appearance in his native town. His impeccable sense of rhythm and perfect singing power certainly impressed his own people. Encouraged by this success, Njie B wasted no time to storm Serre Kunda, the biggest town in The Gambia.

His first single See dem coming was an instant hit. It became the favorite song of most of the reggae DJs in the country. This infectious single, which was recorded at the Sunland Record Studio own by an ex-popular American rapper, epitomized Njie's style – upbeat lyrics and strong melodies. See dem coming was a good formula applied in gaining the attention of youngsters. Gambian youths still flock at night clubs, beaches and community centers to see the conqueror's performance.

The name Njie B is on the lips of every Gambian music lover and he appears to be every where. Despite criticism for not being original in his beats and voice, he still retains a great fan base and his popularity continues to spread like a wild bush fire.

Njie B who is very busy recording a couple of singles for the summer, was caught up by onegambia and in this interview he talks about himself, his profession and the performance of music in his country.

Why do you call yourself Njie B, the conqueror?

When I reflected over my history I noticed that Njie means a lion and the name goes with every thing good. So I felt I am a lion, from a royal family. I am a lion that is out to conquer every thing that's evil.

Sometimes you call yourself Zion Man. Why that name?

That name is just to show my entity. I am an African and that is what Zion Man means. Also, some people outside find it difficult to pronounce my time; this is why I felt the Zion Man is necessary to help those people.

Why reggae and not other music like hip hop or zouk?

Reggae music is positive and with it the message is always clear. There is equal right and justice in reggae music.

Many critics said your second album was a rush. You left yourself to be exploited by an unknown producer.

If you listen to people sometimes you might get to the wrong direction. Sometimes they can tell you wait and even were you wait they will do nothing. The guy who produced my second album is a Gambian youth and he is so humble. When he came to me, I thought he was joking, but later he informed me that he loves every thing am doing and wants to put his money in me. I was not that much interested in the money or fame, but just want to ensure that my messages reach every one.

How is the album in the market?

We duplicated thousand copies and right now as I am talking to you every thing is finished. I didn't even give the album enough promotion, something that I still regret.

Why Gambian musicians can't provide anything more than one thousand copies of their album for the market?

Sometimes it's not a problem from the musician, but it has to do with management and finance. People here; don't believe in their own musicians. They are always scared to invest lot of money in them. If I have enough money I would have copied thousands of my second album and it will reach all parts of the country.

With thousand copies you don't expect any musician do make profit. Don't you think it's a waste?

It's all about management. It depends on how you spend your money.

How much money do young Gambian musicians like you request for a single night show?

It depends on the musician. There is no fix fee. I don't usually disclose it, because that's the responsibility of my manager. Sometimes we negotiate with the promoters.

Most of the time Gambian musicians lack good management. Are you a victim of this?

My brother is managing me. He is my blood brother and I am next to him. He works with the Medical Research Council, but usually dedicates lot of time for me and my music.

In your own candid opinion, how do you see reggae music in The Gambia ?

The first time I drop my reggae single, many people called to find out if I am Gambian or Jamaican. Reggae is big and I happy that I am part of those who are making this happen in my country.

What are some of the problems young musicians like you encounter?

Studio recording is a major problem. Our studios here can't record satisfactorily. Also finance is a problem but God is helping in that area.

Many critics say your beats are not original. What do you have to say to that?

I am a musician and if anybody brings an instrument and wants me to sing on it, I will do it. Reggae music is always like that and this why we the reggae musicians are always creative. The last time Buju Banton came to my country I asked him about it, and he said there is no problem in that. He said let me continue with it, until at a time I can pay for my own beats. Frankie Paul also told me the same thing.

We live in a community where carrying dread locks is associated with criminality. Are you comfortable with your dread locks?

I am very proud of my dread locks, because it's my natural hair. Rastas are more loving than many people wearing ties and pretending to be big men. Yes it's true that my people hate the dread locks, but if you bring money to the community you are always respected. It's a very confusing mentality. Since I started my dread locks I noticed lot of changes in me. I always pray to God to help me, in order to also help the poor people.

With regards to your voice, many people are saying you imitate Bush Man and Luciano.

Voice has nothing to do with imitation. People are born with similarity, so if they say I imitate Bush Man or Luciano or whosoever, its respect for both of us. Coming with the same voice is common in reggae. Turbulence go like Sizzla, Jah Cure like Micheal Rose, Luciaono like Dennis Brown. To be honest I can't even sing any of Bush Man or Luciano's songs.

Do you think you are potential enough to create big waves internationally?

Well people have started justifying that. They said I am big. In my heart I know I can do it.

You did a single with Frankie Paul. How comes that single is still hidden?

Like I said our studios are poor. It was not properly recorded, as I wanted it. Frankie has taken it to UK to work on it, but still I can't get my copy. I was very happy to work with a big star like him and he too was very impressed. Frankie said my voice is like that of Luciano when he was young.

What do you have to tell your fans both locally and internationally?

African is number one. As long as you are black you should know that we are all one. I don't segregate people, I love every one. Repatriation has started gaining consideration now. Its time for us to unite and African governments should start creating estates for all those who wish to repatriate. Jamaican musicians have been singing about the mama land for so long, its time for us to show them love. I see no difference between me and Luciano or Capleton, because I believe we are all the same. We are all black people from Africa .