Probably one of the smallest countries in Africa both in size and population, The Gambia can boast of a rich and diverse music culture owing to a multi ethnic and cultural society... More…
Maslaa Bi
In April, 1998, the Maslaa bi, a mbalax, salsa, dancehall, rap-group was formed. They created a style, reminiscent of old cultural songs and innovatively added the present day mbalax/salsa, dancehall dance beat with local chorus rap. This unique style has left the crew in a world of its own. Masla bi is one of the most outstanding groups in the Gambian music scene.
Their hit song on the debut album “Merro” – a home made version of “Guantanamera” – won the Gambian rap-award for the “best single” in July 1999.
The album titled “Bu Nui Merro” recorded in The Gambia and release in 1999 featured guest artists lika Mass Lowe (backing vocals), Ahmed Choin and Agata Colley, Mustapha Faye from Youssou N'Dours band (arranger) and Thio M'baye (percussion). I
Masla bi was invited as guest artists to perform at the Miss Ecowas beauty contest in The Gambia in 1999. They also performed alongside Youssou N'Dour at the Senegalese summer outing as Guest artists at the invitation of the Senegalese National TV.
Malsla bi released their second album “Waxtaalnal ko”, in 2001. It became one of the most selling albums in the Gambia . The single ‘waxtaanal ko' added several miles to the groups speedy journey to stardom. The song ‘waxtaanal ko' has a little spice of mbalax, a full spice of Latin American calypso and rumba. The single ‘waxtaanalko' is one of the six songs featured on Masla bi's second effort. It's force has given it the capital band for the wonderful album. The album was recorded in Senegal . Both albums were produced by Soul Sound Jollof Promotion, UK .
At their third anniversary celebration a new single was released. It was called “Duman” and contained a wollof version of Shaggys “It wasn't me”. The song “Music” was featured on the album “One Gambia”, a compilation which gave an overview of the new Gambian music.
In 2002 Masla bi went on a tour in the U.K. And now they are working on their third album.
