FOROYAA Newspaper (Serrekunda)
Musa Barrow
12 July 2008
interview
In this interview with Amie Cherry, a Gambian female artist ,she talks about her career. As the newly elected treasurer of Gambia Musicians Union, she also shares her opinion on what musicians expect from them.
Foroyaa: How did you start your artistic career?
Amie Cherry: Actually, I started my artistic career when I was young. During my primary school days I had joined my school choir. In addition to that, I was a member of my school's drama club, which gave us the chance to perform at concerts at various venues.
Basically, I started getting involved in music at the age of six.
Foroyaa: How did you become a dramatist for "Etty Ndanaan" and who were some of your colleagues?
Amie Cherry: It all started when I was working at Radio One FM as a DJ. One day, Every Mbye came and I had a live and interactive program with him. As I told stories listeners who sounded thrilled called and expressed delight. As a result, the proprietor of Radio One FM, George Christenson, challenged me to form a drama group. I then announced on the program that any one interested in joining a drama group could contact me. The first person to express interest in joining the group was Musa Njie, also known as flying lion. It was after the formation of the drama group that we used to have our shows on Radio One FM from 8pm to 9pm on Sundays.
Foroyaa: Apparently, you were also active as a youth activist. Could you explain your involvement in youth activism?
Amie Cherry: Its worth pointing out that I was one of the founding members of the Yeteh Drama Group of the youth organization called Youth Front Against Drug and Alcohol. This organization as the name implies was aimed at combating drug abuse and alcoholism, especially among the youth population.
The youth organization had the opportunity to travel to England on an exchange visit. During our one month stay in England, we visited many places where we showcased Gambian culture as well as participated in workshops all across England.
Foroyaa: Who were the organizers of this exchange visit to England?
Amie Cherry: The man behind our tour to England was Saul Sillah, the then Chief Executive of the organization and one of his brothers, Ousman Sillah.
Foroyaa: How was Pencha-bi group founded and who were the original founders?
Amie Cherry: It was one evening that myself and Musa Njie came together and sang a rather traditional song. We recorded a call from some people expressing interest in the single. We then came together and produced the single.
Fortunately, the single turned out to be a thriller. It was at this moment that we thought it wise that we continue as a musical group. The other members who joined the group were G-Malang, and Mathew.
Foroyaa: How many albums did Pencha-bi as a group released?
Amie Cherry: Pencha-bi as a group had produced two albums.
Foroyaa: How many tracks did these albums contain?
Amie Cherry: Both albums consist of six tracks.
Foroyaa: When was your first album released?
Amie Cherry: Our debut album was released in 1995.
Foroyaa: Almost all your songs were traditional ones. Why was Pencha-bi so particular about singing traditional songs?
Amie Cherry: It is absolutely right that most of Pencha-bi's songs were traditional. The reason is that we felt it necessary that to revive those songs. Apparently, our culture was on the verge of extinction. To avoid our culture evaporating into thin air, we considered it absolutely significant that we sang traditional songs.
Foroyaa: Was it right that Pencha-bi had a contract with Yellow Gates Studio which they (Pencha-bi) prematurely terminated?
Amie Cherry: It is right that Pencha-bi had a contract with Yellow Gates which we terminated. Clearly, internal disagreement within the group was one of the catalysts for the termination of that contract.
Foroyaa: What are some of the reasons that you would attribute the demise of Pencha-bi to?
Amie Cherry: The demise of Pencha-bi could be attributed to a host of factors. However, it is worth emphasizing that the demise had nothing to do with scrambling over money. Clearly, some members of the group were being promised to be taken to Europe within a period of three months. It was this over zealous desire to go to Europe that effectively ruined the group. When the boys approached my husband who was the manager of the group they were told by my husband that they could go to Europe.
Foroyaa: As a female how tough was it for you to become an artist?
Aime Cherry: It was desire that compelled me to become an artist. And it was a rather difficult decision that I made given the social beliefs of my society. Despite these beliefs I have been able to carry on. This is due to the fact that my desire to become an artist was a rather strong one.
Foroyaa: How do you view the state of Gambian Music?
Amie Cherry: Gambian musicians are indeed struggling hard. But it seems things are not working well for them. Our music industry is littered with lapses, thereby allowing pirates to prey on Gambian musicians. However, with the formation of a Gambian Musicians' Union we can look up to an optimistic future. All Gambian musicians are looking forward to a day when a copy right bureau is established in this country.
Foroyaa: With Pencha-bi, have you ever traveled outside this country?
Amie Cherry: Well, we had traveled to Senegal where we performed in many venues across that country.
Foroyaa: Thank you for your time.
Amie Cherry: It's a pleasure.
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