FOROYAA Newspaper (Serrekunda)
Musa Barrow
12 July 2008
interview
In this exclusive interview with Art and Music Column, Pa Bobo Jorbateh talks about his musical career. The Brikama born artist also gives his opinion on the state of Gambian music and the way forward.
How did you start your artistic career?
Pa Bobo: I inherited the art of music from my father, who also inherited it from his parents.
Having inherited the art of music from your parents, did you just jump and became a musician?
Pa Bobo: I inherited the art of music from my parents through learning. In the process of learning, I was taught how to play the Kora. Actually, I started learning how to play Kora when I was six years of age.
When did you first travelled outside The Gambia?
Pa Bobo: My first trip out of this country was in 1988 when I was only eleven years old. In that year, I was invited to the United Kingdom by the BBC and World of Music Arts and Dance Magazine to perform with my age mates at different venues across the UK.
What is the name of the first musical band you joined and when was it founded?
Pa Bobo: The name of the first musical band I joined was "Kaira" band. It was formed in 1988, following my return from the United Kingdom. This band was formed by me and my friends. As a band, we used to play Kora and drums. It is worth pointing out that the word "Kaira" in the Mandinka language means 'Peace'.
What is the name of the first album released by "Kaira" band and when was it released?
Pa Bobo: The title of our first album was "Pa Bobo Nata", which means 'Pa Bobo is back'. This album was released in 1999 after our return from a world wide tour. From 1999 to date, we have released many albums namely; "Kaira Nata, Dua, Peace Love and Unity, which was a compilation, and our last album to be released was titled "Sama Alphal" meaning 'Elders of Tomorrow.'
Where did you record the above mentioned albums?
Pa Bobo: The two albums titled Pa Bobo Nata and Dua were record at a mobile recording studio brought from United Kingdom by a friend of mine, while the one titled "Kaira Nata" was recorded by World of Music Art and Dance in United Kingdom. The album titled 'Sama Alphal' was recorded at a studio belonging to one man known as TJ. This particular studio is located in Bakoteh.
What was the purpose of your band's trip to Tripoli, Libya and who took you there?
Pa Bobo: The band was invited by the president of Libya to mark the end of sanctions imposed on his country by the West. Musical bands from all over the continent of Africa were invited to perform in what turned out to be a rather glamourous ceremony.
You have traveled far and wide across the world. How would you describe those tours?
Pa Bobo: I would describe those tours across various parts of the world as unique opportunities to showcase Gambian culture. During those tours, we had displayed Kora in an exquisite manner. This showcase of Gambian culture has, without doubt, helped to raise the people of the country. Although we the artists gain something, but the lion share of gains go to the country. As such, all necessary steps should be taken to make sure that Gambian artists are given support. I am calling for a conference where all the stakeholders in the music industry come together and discuss the way forward for Gambian music. The stakeholders include the media, government, promoters and musicians.
What in your opinion are some of the issues that should be addressed by this conference you are proposing?
Pa Bobo: Giving Gambian music more airtime and how to elevate Gambian music in the world. As a matter of fact, Gambians would appreciate their local music only if the songs are constantly played over he radio stations and TV. Furthermore, I am appealing for more airtime to be given to Gambian artists. Foreign music should be minimized with a view to giving our local music more popularity.
Does it not astonish you that you play cultural music when most musicians of your generation play either reggae or pop music?
Pa Bobo: Well, I play cultural music because that is the one I found my father playing. It is a responsibility upon me to hand over this cultural music to my children as it was handed over to me by my father. Most musicians who play either reggae or pop music are not musicians by birth. They became artists simply because they like the profession. It is worth pointing out that cultural music carry more weight than either the reggae or pop music.
How would you describe the importance of cultural music to a country?
Pa Bobo: Undoubtedly, the importance of cultural music cannot be over emphasized. It preserves the culture, tradition, custom and values of a particular group of people. Secondly, cultural music has the power to preserve a particular language. Though with this type of music, a particular language can either be revived or rekindled.
Probably, the title of your most popular song is Peace, Love and Unity. How did this title come about?
Pa Bobo: Clearly, this title is a reflection of the state of affairs of this country. The song acknowledges that there is peace, love and unity in The Gambia and also appeals to Gambians to further strengthen this peace, love and unity. This particular song is part of my contribution to encourage and support this peace, love and unity.
Who was the producer of Peace, Love and Unity as an album?
Pa Bobo: The whole idea emanated from two Israeli friends of mine whom I met in the United Kingdom. These two Israelis further came down to The Gambia where they collaborated and worked with GRTS resulting in the production of the album.
How many copies of this album were produced?
Pa Bobo: Over twenty five thousand copies were produced. And copies were distributed all over the world. The money gained from the venture was returned to the investors. In a nutshell, the album was aimed at promoting Gambia to the rest of the world.
At the time of its release, Peace, Love and Unity was virtually an anthem. How do you feel to be associated with such a popular song?
Pa Bobo: Well, I feel extremely proud to be associated with this song. I am really grateful that most Gambians like it and adhere to its message.
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