Dr Olugander is one of the promising sprouting star musicians in The Gambia. With only a single album in the market, his name is gaining popularity like a wild bush fire. In this interview with onegambia , Olugander talks about his new developments and his failed contract deal with Paradyme Records in the USA .

Following the release of your debut album, can you tell us what has been happening?

I have been concentrating on the promotion of my music; Trying to see how best to increase the copies of my debut album. I only produced thousand copies and all are finished in the market. This time around I want it in CD, for the international market. Currently there is demand in Guinea Bissau and Casamance. They really love my song in manjago.

Did you record any single after the album?

I recorded two, When Gander Comes and Run the Place . These are promotional tracks for my coming album.

Tell us about the new contract deal between you and the Independent Electoral Commission (I.E.C)?

I started working with the I.E.C since in the last elections in 2001. This year too they contracted me to raise awareness on free and fair elections.

How much money are we talking about in this contract?

I don't want to reveal that to the public

Hope you and all those contracted are treated fairly?

As far as I am concerned it's a fair deal. They paid for the studio and video production and besides we are all adequately compensated. All the songs recorded will be put in a CD and distributed for public consumption.

When do we expect your second album?

I don't want to let the cat out of the bag. All I can tell you is that we are working on it.

You are now carrying dreadlocks, what motivated you to do this?

It's an inspiration I got. I don't care how people view me. Down here if you carry dread locks you are isolated and considered a criminal. There are people who go on with ties but are worst than criminals. My dreadlocks is five months old.

You play variety music. When do we expect you to specialize in a single type of music?

Music has no limitation. As far as I am concerned a musician should be versatile. You should be able to entertain in different styles.

Would you like to be signed by a label company?

Why not, I think every young musician needs that. When I am signed it will reduce the burden on me, because at the moment I am financing myself. When signed it will offer me the opportunity to work on my songs with greater attention.

What happened to your record deal with Paradyme Records in the US ?

Those people are corrupt. They wanted to fool Gambian musicians. After Hamaleh G I was the second to come in contact with them, with the aid of the internet. A representative from Paradyme visited the country in 2001 and according to them they came purposely to scout for new talents. They expressed their willingness to sign me, but we did not agree on payment. I made it very clear to them that I value my talents and would not let anybody to exploit me.

Many people said you guys allowed yourselves to be deceived by the US based label company. You all rushed to offer them your sounds.

We didn't rush. They needed samples of our music and that's what we provided. I don't know what happened to those sounds now.

Are you still in touch with them?

I was the first Gambian to cut off my link with them. I came to know that every thing about them was fake.

But Hamaleh G rap group benefited from them.

I am not sure how much Hamaleh G benefited but I have no doubt that these guys were only out to gather Gambian sounds. Currently their website is not active and there is no where one can contact them. Every thing about them is fake.

Tell us about the popular combination track you did with Sambou Susso and Freaky Joe a.k.a Singateh?

It was sponsored by onegambia.com . The song is aimed at encouraging Africans to desist from traveling to Europe through the “back way” dying in the deserts and waters for nothing.

You also did a bashment track .

It is called Run the Place . It is currently a big hit in The Gambia. Almost every day I hear it on the radio.

Any message for your fans?

Keep the faith; I will never fail you guys. I am a humble musician who values my fans.

Thank you for speaking to onegambia .

It's my pleasure.