Singing traditional African songs accompanied with drumming is no different from singing reggae in a band with modern electric equipment says Nu Chilly, another Gambian reggae singer based in the United Kingdom. In his own words ' The feelings I have when drumming are the same feelings when I sing reggae '.

1. Nu Chilly is an interesting artist name. Could you share with our readership your real name and how you became known as Nu chilly

My birth name is Wally Bobb. I got the name nu chilly from people calling me chilly willy, which was a very popular name in my hometown, Bakau. The ‘willy' was later dropped and to be known nu chilly.

2. Whilst in the Gambia you had been vocalist for a group singing traditional Gambian music accompanied by drumming. You are now a well-known roots-reggae singer. Why reggae and how different is singing reggae in comparison to traditional Gambian drumming?

I played in a group called roots calypso in Bakau. There is not much difference between the two. The feelings I have when drumming are the same feelings when I sing reggae.

3. Do you share the optimism with most people that Gambian music is slowly but gradually heading the right direction?

I feel with the right promotion Gambian music will be appreciated worldwide

4. Can you name a few things that when addressed properly will go a long way in boosting Gambian music to a wider audience? e.g copyright act

I think better promotion with  the hardwork of promoters and the producers to push it to  the highest possible level  , also to link  the right  record companies and distributors

5. Your debut album is done and a few promotional songs are already out so what is holding the release of the  album?

I am trying to release it in the u.k but right now I need financial support to make this happen soon. This will enable me to release the album in the Gambia and other countries.

6. Any specific reason the album is titled ‘Da Reformed Spirit'.

the album is  entitled ‘the  children' instead  of Da reformed spirit. Da reformed spirit goes with nu chilly , a name given by my producer Hakim

7. In the song ‘black and beautiful' which happens to be my favorite, you deliver strong messages mainly to our sisters to be proud of what they are i.e being black and not involve themselves in skin bleaching. What feedback have you so far received from people who have listened to it?

Positive feedback is what I always get from anyone who listened to the tune in europe .

8. The tune itself is great but any specific comments from people about the messages in the song considering the fact that skin-bleaching is still popular

I still see it happening   today  and that's why I wrote the song. And it happens in  all the  black communities and also for black people  to love  themselves   and other people  no matter what colour they are.

9. Any Nu Chilly music video in the pipeline?

I am working on a video right now, the production is not quite finished

10. Last summer you had the opportunity to play alongside other Gambian reggae artists in London, namely Mandingo, Mystic MC and Rebellion D'recaller. I'd say BIG UP to Ruben and his team for the great effort and dedication, what'd you think?

It  was a good promotion and and  an opportunity  to work  with   Gambian  reggae  artists for the first  time in the u.k. I want to thank all the promoters  like  lamin champion sound, Lye cham , Ruben ,and Pa Njie   who put  things together. I do also ok with other international artists in the u.k  in bigger venues  and wider audience  who makes it more international and big  its also helping the western world to be ware of the  african artist.

11. If you have the opportunity to co-record with a few Gambian singers which three would that be?

Rebellion da Recaller, Omsla baru and Njie B

12. Any words about your planned anniversary bashment?

we are working on a anniversary bashment with Gambian artists in the u.k and europe mid june/july.In Birmingham and London . After this event I will start to work towards the launch of my album and plan to invite other artists to perform as well.

Thanks for offering us the interview

Big respect to all my fans in the Gambia , a big shout out to all the DJs and media who help to promote my album,and give me the support I need. Please watch out for the album inculding some new tunes.one love.nu chilly.

FOR MORE INFO CONTACT NEW CHILLY RECORD LABEL.

NEWCHILLYDE@YAHOO.COM

TEL 0791 934 6934

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/LYRICALCHILLY