FOROYAA Newspaper (Serrekunda)
Musa Barrow
23 April 2008
interview
In this continuation of interview with Dr. Olugander, the dreadlock musician looks back at his musical career. The self styled artist who described himself as a revolutionary musician also talks about his perception of society.
Foroyaa: How many tracks does your rather popular album entitled "Little Gambia" contain?
Olugander: The album contains eleven tracks and a promotional jingle for Africell.
Foroyaa: Are you currently working on any album due to be released sooner rather than later?
Olugander: I'm currently working on a new album which is due to be released this year. Before releasing the album I am working with Kebba Taylor who is one of the best base guitarists around. I want to record with live bands. There is no doubt in my mind that it was because of my performance with live bands that I won the award which was disclosed earlier. Clearly, performing with a live band does add some flavour to one's music.
Foroyaa: When exactly can music lovers eagerly anticipating your new album expect it to be out?
Olugander: I cannot give an exact date as to when this new album will be out. However, I can say with a great deal of certainty that it is going to be this year, 2008. Already, all the songs have been written. We are just waiting for the production before it is released and spread internationally on CDs.
Foroyaa: Were you not astonished by how Little Gambia turned to be so popular especially among school going kids?
Olugander: It was quite amazing how this track turned out to be the people's favourite. Little Gambia was like an anthem and every Gambian had to love it. This is because it talks about Gambian culture, unity and beauty. It is a song that sells Gambia's culture on the global stage. The song also gives an explanation of Gambia's geography and most importantly it portrays Gambians as people who truly embrace their cultural identity and are proud of it.
Foroyaa: Another popular track in your last album was the one dedicated to Gambia's under twenty footballers. How did that come up?
Olugander: As I said earlier Olugander is always proud of his people. Just like any other Gambian. I try to show the whole that I'm proud of my footballers. It was basically my love for Gambian football that led me to come up with that song. I sang that Gambia's under twenty football team were warriors and that none of their opponents would have an easy ride over them.
Foroyaa: Your song projected that Gambia's under twenty was going to do well before the tournament actually kicked off. How on earth did you know that the boys were going to do well?
Olugander: Having seen the performance of the boys before the tournament there wasn't an atom of doubt in my mind that the boys were determined to do something. Although our wish for the cup to Gambia did not materilised they should not be seen as losers; instead they are victors who have done exceptionally well for their nation. This song was also the first track dedicated to the under twenty to have been recorded in this country.
Foroyaa: How do you see the state of music in Gambia. Is there any ground for optimism?
Olugander: As I can see things some amount of progress has been registered by the country's music industry. However, the demise of M.J. has done a severe blow to the industry, with his lineup called Smile Coast Lineup. It has really made a good impact. The boys have really done their best and the department responsible for art should give more support to the young artists. Having said so, Gambians should also appreciate and accept Gambian music whole heartedly.
Foroyaa: Don't you think Gambian air waves are being dominated by foreign music?
Olugander: It is quite unfortunate that some DJs in this country have chosen to play more of foreign music than Gambian music on our radio stations. Such DJs need to understand that they are doing a disservice to Gambian music. In other countries like Senegal more air time is given to native music than any other music. As a result I'm calling on all DJs in this country to give Gambian music more air time so that our objective of taking Gambian music to the highest height can be realised.
Foroyaa: How do you view the bringing of high profile musicians to The Gambia? Is it a threat to Gambia's music industry?
Olugander: There is in fact nothing wrong with bringing high profile international musicians in this country. As a matter of fact some of Gambia's upcoming artists have got their inspiration from these international super stars. It gives an opportunity to upcoming Gambian artists to interact, or in some cases, perform with renowned stars. Such opportunities can only have a positive impact on Gambian music. In fact to bring some of these stars in Gambia is in itself an achievement.
Foroyaa: How big a problem would you describe the threat of piracy to Gambian music?
Olugander: Piracy is without any question a big threat to Gambian music. It's quite unfair that one records his music which requires a great deal of money and do all the necessary promotions only for it to be illegally copied and sold by people who had not contributed anything. This act deprives artists a great deal of money which they deserve. As far as I'm concerned; I'm registered with a Senegalese copyright bureau. As such I'm paid royalties. Any music can also be listened to at www.myspace/olugander. However, there is a need to establish a copyright bureau in The Gambia. This is regardless of one's registration in Senegal. It does not go far to protect one in Gambia. In addition Gambian musicians should try and do their own things.
Foroyaa: What do you mean by musicians should try and do their own things?
Olugander: That is to say it is high time for Gambian musicians to shy away from using instruments of Jamaicans and instead use their own instruments. I have created my own rhythm known as promised land rhythm whichis purely made up of Gambian instruments. All the rhythm I use in my music is strictly Gambian. Others should also embark on similar initiatives.
Foroyaa: Apart from being paid royalties what are some of the benefits that one enjoys if registered with a copyright bureau?
Olugander: In Senegal one's music is not played both on radio and television until one is registered with a copyright bureau. One cannot sell his/her music until and unless one is registered with a copyright bureau . Copyright bureaus also issue identification cards for artists which enable them to travel to other countries.
Foroyaa: As far as you are concerned are you aware of any attempt aimed at establishing a copyright bureau in The Gambia?
Olugander: Although I have heard that a copyright law was going to be established, but I must say until now I have not seen anything.
Foroyaa: Apparently, the message in your music is reminiscent of one who is a revolutionary artist. Would you describe yourself as revolutionary artist?
Olugander: That description is quite appropriate. I always see myself as revolutionary musician who is there to champion the cause of ordinary people. I don't only sing for the common man, but I also associate myself with him. This has even reflected in my style of dressing. As an artist I believe one should not live a lavish lifestyle or dress too expensively.
I would always look to musicians for whatever they do. Sometimes living a lavish lifestyle can have an adverse impact as young people who do not have the means may try to emulate this luxurious life. As a resort some may result to dubious activities in order to fulfill their desires.
Foroyaa: Certainly, to be a revolutionary musician is not without its risks. Are you aware of the possible consequences?
Olugander: I'm quite aware of the possible consequence of being a revolutionary artist. However, I'm equally ready to pay whatever price it takes to fight for the cause of justice. Certainly, fighting justice is a noble and sacred cause. Even the threat of death would not bar me from this right cause.
Furthermore, it is worth pointing out that the man who inspired me, Lucky Dube, was after all gunned down. Yet still his message for justice still lives on.
Foroyaa: Could you tell us a bit about your educational background?
Olugander: I started my education at St. Charles' Primary School and emerged with flying colours. I spent three years at St. Peters High School as a technical student. Later, my desire for music compelled me to join St. Augustine's High School where I was a lead vocalist until graduation in 1999.
Foroyaa: What would be your advice to aspiring musicians?
Olugander: Let them work hard, be positive and allow criticism. Certainly they can learn a lot from positive criticism. Let them also remember that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
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