Whats On: Baba Suso Gambia’s new emerging force on the rise

Gambian music lovers and entertainment enthusiasts have for years yearned and prayed for a local artist who can raise high the flag of The Gambia, as well as rub shoulders with the best on the world stage.

Many around the world often wondered why, as a country, we do not have a music star whose name rings a bell like other artists such as Youssour Ndour and Salif Keita. Jali Baba Suso from Bakau Wasulung Kunda now residing in Stockholm, is  perhaps someone who can achieve this status. According to the Newswatch website, based in Sweden, the artist is yet to release an album. Anyone who has had the opportunity to see Jaliba Baba Suso live in action will attest to the fact that he is not only ready to take the Gambian local music industry by storm, but is also capable of mounting a stage anywhere in the world.

From the observation of the Newswatch team during the Gambian cultural show of 26th June 2008, Jali Baba’s music has been packaged not only for the Gambian market but the entire African continent especially the English-speaking countries and the world at large. Interestingly, though Jali Baba Suso does Mandinka tracks perfectly, the young man is still conscious of his cultural background and maintains his Afro-centric image. His African awareness and identity are vividly portrayed in the lyrics of his songs.

Unlike most local artists who go for rehearsals only when there is an impending performance, Jali Baba Suso, knowing very well where he wants to be with his musical career, his great vocal versatility, dynamic movements and general stage charisma gets those around applauding even during rehearsals.