Profile: Jahbless, Gambian Musical Genius

Born in 1985 in Banjul, Jahbless came from a deep-rooted family in music, bitten by the musical bug at a very tender age. Jahbless was able to prove her critics wrong by releasing singles entitled ‘Yahya Jammeh’ and ‘Amie Yaffa’ respectively. With their breathtaking lyrics and high production quality, fellow surfers rapidly earned the artist critical acclaim.

Speaking in an interview with Entertainment, the Banjul-born artist said she is currently working round the clock on her first album which she promises to release when she gets a sponsor. However, she said inadequacy of funds is greatly pinning her down in her drive to reach stardom.

According to her, the album, which she is working on, is entitled JUP (Honest) and contains eight tracks on both CD and Cassette format. She explained, “So far I was looking for sponsors when I was launching my first single ‘Yahya Jammeh’ though I was supported by the president himself.”

Comparing music in The Gambia and beyond, the young female artist said that music is advancing gradually in The Gambia, adding that Gambian artists are also working hard to promote the music industry to the highest peak. Amie went further to explain that her intention is to be an musician, and promised to raise the flag of Gambia’s music. She once participated in Miss Bakau Beauty contest on 29 May, 2004, at the Sunbeach Hotel where she came out fourth position.

The young, talented artist was part of various dance groups in various hotels in the country. “I started music in 2001 when I wrote songs and trained my voice by singing for the children, performing at fashion shows, schools, and miming,” she explained.