Back and Next - Back and NextMaslaa Bi’s releases third album and new single “Alel” (wealth)
In April 1998, the Maslaa bi, a mbalax, salsa, dancehall, rap-group was formed in the heart of Banjul, the capital of the Gambia. This 4 man group created a style, reminiscent of old cultural songs and innovatively added the present day mbalax/salsa, dancehall beat with local chorus rap. This unique style has left the crew in a world of its own.
Maslaa bi is one of the most outstanding groups in the Gambian music scene. Their hit song in the debut album “Merro” – a home made version of “Guantanamera” – won the Gambian rap-award for the “best single” in July 1999 (www.africanhiphop.com).
The album titled “Bu Nui Merro” recorded in The Gambia and released in 1999 featured guest artists like Mass Lowe (backing vocals), Ahmed Choin, Agata Colley, Mustapha Faye from Youssou N'Dours band (arranger) and Thio M'baye (percussion). In 1999, they were invited as guest artists to perform at the Miss ECOWAS beauty contest in The Gambia. They also performed alongside Youssou N'Dour at the Senegalese summer outing as guest artists at the invitation of the Senegalese National TV. Maslaa bi have staged their own shows and also opened shows for artists like Baaba Maal, Daar j, Frankie Paul, Lucky Dube to name a few. They also produced several video clips which gained national attention in The Gambia and Senegal.
Maslaa bi’s second album “Waxtaalnal ko” was released in 2001. It was ranked as one of the most ever sold albums in the Gambia at that time. The single ‘Waxtaanal ko' added several miles to the group’s speedy journey to stardom. It has a little spice of mbalax, a full spice of Latin American calypso and rumba. It was the promotional single for that second album which was recorded in Senegal.Both albums (Bu Nui Merro & Waxtaalnal Ko) were produced by Soul Sound- Jollof Promotion in UK.
Masla bi, during their 3rd anniversary celebration released a new single “Duman” which is a wollof version of Shaggy’s “It wasn't me” song. One of their singles “Music” was featured in the “One Gambia” compilation album produced by the Suns of Light which gave an overview of Gambian music of the new millennium. In 2002, Masla bi went on a tour of the U.K.
After five years of silence, B Nui Merro Production proudly presents Maslaa Bi’s third album and new single “Alel” (wealth).
The album is going to be out in 2008 and the single is already out at www.myspace.com/maslaabigambia .The single can be downloaded there. The album is already recorded at maslaa bi studios in Nottingham.It took awhile to release the third album because the boys have being working not only for Senegambia but the international community as well. We know it took a bit longer than the fans expected but the boys have being working to be more professional in the music scene. Maslaa bi has been in studio with the person that adds spice into their music who is a well known person call Mustapha Faye of “Super Etoile”. He is the person that made the first two albums and he did the third together with Maslaa Bi .The arrangement was done by Mustapha Faye, the vocals are done by Nas, Tonton Bala, El Pacco and DJ Gunman, Korist Jalikebba Suso and percussionist Karim Mbaye (Cho Mbaye's brother).
The group is still with same members which shows that we are highly committed to the music owed to our fans. The message we got for our fans and the entire music industry is that we are still together and is going to be better this time. The group is working on an international project for the third album to be marketed internationally. All other promoters are welcome if they want to work with the group - as for the fans we are always going to give you our best. Contact info: gadasound@hotmail.com or jobizshowbiz@hotmail.co.uk
See Also - See Also