The Daily Observer (Banjul)
Sheriff Janko
20 June 2008
Stalwart -The poor people voice Aka Mental Assasin is another uprising reggae star struggling to reach international stardom.
Born as Yankuba Dibba in Bakau, the young star is widely known by his music sobriquet as Stalwart. His career in music dates back as far as his tendered ages when he use to perform at his former "alma mata" when they have white visitors.
He was inspired into music by one time world famous Jamaican star Shabba Ranks, thus naming himself at his childhood time after Shabba. Following the successful released of his second song called "Drive the Car", Stalwart began to make a name himself in the country's entertainment industry.
"When I discovered that people began to gradually appreciate my music. I later began put my works (Lyrics) into writing that eventually lead to the release of new opus. At that time, the country's music industry is developing steadily, thanks to trailblazers like Born Africans and Da Fugitivz's who inspired many other local talents into the music scene," he said.
Mental Assasin, with the support from his friends and well wishers, he developed his singing talents thus paving a way or the release of his first single called "Justice" in 2001, which was and still remains in address to the contemporarily situation.
Soon later on this single suffers a setback due to lack proper promotions.
"In The Gambia, when you mentioned "Justice' in music many DJ's see it as an attacking words aganist individuals or a sort of. But what I was trying to put across to the entire people is a positive message confronting the world at large," he said.
Due to his smooth and hardcore voice, he gained a lot of fans across the length and breadth of the country especially among the youth. Since then his music then as his versatile skills still continued to flourish in his lyrics.
Most fascinating aspect is that, Stalwart was a student while still under going music training. His academic results has surprise many people especially his teachers and classmates as he also did well in school. Stalwart is currently undergoing a course at The Gambia Technical Training Institute (GTTI).
He released another singles called "Drive the Car" which became a hit tune in the country .This later earn him the opportunity to be recognised by many promoters .
" I make several dub plates for many international sound in Holland, Germany, Sweden and even in The Gambia. However, I dropped my latest single called " Girls Magnet" produce by the late MJ of Bulldorf Records in Bakau," he said.
According to him, he was among the Alsamadeh Line compilation together with 14 other top rated Gambian big stars.
In 2007, Stalwart was featured in Promise Land Riddeem produce by Dr Olugander of the Ganders Production together with other Gambian big artistes.
"No Hearth," one of the most sensational track, he has demonstrated he is an artist of high calibre. Stalwart has been, over the recent years, tirelessly working to release his debut album but due to lack of funding this dream could materialise yet.
"Right now am corresponding with some records company to see how best they can produce and promote my stuffs Internationally,"he said.
The poor people's voice, as fondly called is undoubtedly a multi-faceted artist with a lot potential and skills to excel in the world of music one day.
"I want my fans to expect the unexpected, as I am coming with full force."
Watch out for something special from this new generation singer. For more information about Stalwart log on: www.myspace.com/akamentalassasin.
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