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Cultural/Traditional Dances of The Gambia
 
 

The Gambia can boast of a rich and diverse music culture owing to a multi ethnic and cultural society. More…

Omsla Baru
Having escaped the cold Finnish winter weather and now settled in England, Gambian reggae singer Omsla Baru has just released his debut . In this interview with Onegambia he speaks about his career and music.

 

Q. reading you bio on your website one would assume you started music whilst living in Finland
A: (1) True my career as a singer took off while I was in Finland .

 

Q. how did you get into music and why reggae
A: (2) I was a DJ in Finland playing mainly reggae and African music, and was part of a group called N'Soniq before becoming a solo artist. While DJing I will play the B side of a record and sing pon it and the people's respond was great, there I decided this could be something I should explore futher. Why reggae? Well, reggae is all about peace, love and unity and that's what I stand for. I give thanks for the progress.

 

Q. You have just released and album entitled 'one step'. Is this your debut album
A: (3) Yes this is my debut album and I pray to the almighty that there will be many more to come.

 

Q. you describe your music as 'planet music'. can you elaborate
A: (4) ‘'Planet Vibes'' means there is no limit to where my music can go. It is for all races i.e. Black, white, Indian and Chinese. No limit

 

Q. How would you compare a career as a reggae musician in Finland to England where you now reside
A: (5) Reggae is big in Finland but not like England . You know… There are more chances in England when it comes to reggae and things a gwan good fi mi right now. Mi give thanks to the mighty one fi that.

 

Q. Do you aim at penetrating the large Jamaican and west indies community in Uk with your music
A: (6) As I said, there is no limit to who my music can reach. My producer is a Jamaican and we have big plans for the future.

 

Q. You have done a great song with Jaliba Kuyateh, do you plan to release a video of the song soon.
A: (7) Thanks for calling it a great song.Yes we have talked about the video hopefully soon

 

Q.Another female singer by the name Maimuna is featured on two of your songs
A: (8) I meet Maimuna through Lamin Champion Cham. Maimuna is a Gambian a very good singer. Look out for her in the near future.

 

Q.Any collaboration with other Gambian artists?
A: (9) Not yet, but I have plans to do a song with Dr. Olugander and I am ready to work with any Gambian artist.

 

Q.Will we see Omsla Baru performing in the Gambia anytime soon
A: (10) We are putting together a Gambian tour with Siddy Ranks and Dr. Olugander for the new year. People should look out for that.

 

Q.Any one you wish to thank for the support in the production and release of the album
A: (11) I would like to thank the Almighty ALLAH for giving me the opportunity to release my debut album. Thanks to my Mum and Dad for their support. I give thanks to my family who are always there for me. Calvin Smith my producer, Kambano Graphics for the art work. Ranking Fire and the Hi Tech crew in the Gambia , Jaliba Kuyateh and all those who supported me throughout the making of the album. Thanks to the radio stations and the TV in the Gambia and Onegambia.com for the support.

 

Q-any advice to fellow Gambian musicians
A: (12) My advice to the Gambian musicians is that ‘' together we stand and divided we shall fall''. Omsla Baru say so Just keep your head up and be proud to be Gambian

 

Q.Thank you for granting us the interview
A: (13) It's been a pleasure


 





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 
 
 
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