A young Gambian lady musician struggling to reach stardom

Marion is another young Gambian lady struggling 24/7 to become a successful musician. Based in Bakoteh, not many people know her facially, but her songs are widely appreciated.

She began singing at her church choir at a very young age. Unlike most of her peers, she writes her own songs and needs little of no coaching to enter studio for recording. At school, she was always identified to entertain guests during occasions like speech and prize giving ceremony.

Shortly after completing senior school, she joined with a childhood friend to form a group called the Soul Mates. This group successfully recorded a single featuring- the Brainstorm Kliq. This single, "credit card" which was a radio hit, became a subject of controversy. In a live-phone-in programme, both Brainstorm Kliq and the Soul Mates claimed owning the track. This led to a fracas and the two groups are said not to be in talking terms.

Following the departure of Marion’s co-vocalist to the UK for further studies, the young lady continued as a solo musician. She was noticed by Africell and entered into a contract agreement with them. Almost all those thrilling and infectious Africell promotion giggles we hear on the radio and TV are done by her.

This sprouting music angel took the Gambian music industry by storm. She became a teen heartthrob. She already gained a reputation for her hostage act. In most of her performances I witnessed, she always leaves the fans screaming in their wake.

With few singles, fan response was immediate, with male musicians making up the bulk of the base. In fact most of her male colleagues in the music are using her to give more attention to their songs. She did thrilling combinations with musicians like Freaky Joe, Your Excellency and surprisingly she is the only female musician on the Smiling Coast Rythme compilation. This compilation is currently making big waves all over the country With no shadow of doubt; Marion is among the leading female musicians in the country. In an interview with What’s On, she disclosed that she is busy working on her debut album, expected to be out soon. What’s On also gathered from the grapevine that some promoters are arranging some external gigs for her?