News

By Alieu Ceesay 

Germany-based Gambian artist MLB Di Papa has made a significant mark on the music scene with the release of his debut album, ‘The Gentleman.’

The new album, a unique blend of MLB Di Papa’s dedication to quality music and his commitment to addressing social issues, features collaborations with renowned Gambian artists T. Smallz, Jizzle, and Hussain Dada. 

Reflecting on the personal journey that led to the creation of the album, MLB Di Papa shared, ‘After releasing my debut EP back in 2022, the positive response from fans and some great music veterans inspired me to push my boundaries—not just to entertain, but to inspire and educate people through my music.’ He further explained, ‘The album is called ‘The Gentleman,’ and the messages are simple: being gentle as a person, especially towards women. We’re living in an era where violence against women has been rampant; they’re often discriminated against when they should be loved and respected.’ 

The album’s creation involved significant collaboration with other prominent Gambian artists. MLB Di Papa noted, “Linking up with the brothers was necessary because I’m trying to represent where I came from musically. I feel really honored to have them on this project. The first collaboration was with T. Smallz, whom I’ve known for a long time. He’s always given me positive advice with his own experience.” 

Living in Germany presented challenges and advantages for MLB Di Papa during the album’s production. He acknowledged, ‘There were challenges as well as advantages. Almost all my productions are done back in The Gambia, which makes it harder. But having my recording studio at home makes it easier; I don’t necessarily need to rush anything. This unique situation has allowed me to take my time and perfect my craft.’ 

MLB Di Papa’s manager emphasized the importance of quality production and strategic planning in the album’s success. “Music needs quality, so we decided to work with Jlive Music. We believe with Jlive Music, we can get what we want as far as good quality production is concerned,” he said. 

He highlighted MLB Di Papa’s passion for music, adding, “MLB’s music will continue evolving because of his love for music and being somebody who always wants to experiment with new sounds and ideas.” 

The production process was smooth despite the challenges, thanks to careful planning and execution. “Well, I don’t think there were challenges because everything was set at the right time to favor the artist. MLB started working on the album in Germany, so when he came to The Gambia on his holiday, he did the final touches, and it was a smooth process,” the manager explained. 

Looking to the future, MLB Di Papa has ambitious plans for promoting “The Gentleman.” He revealed, “The Gentleman album will be officially launched here in Germany, and my management will share more information soon. The album launch will be followed by a tour across cities in Germany and probably Europe.” 

With the release of “The Gentleman,” MLB Di Papa showcases his musical talent and aims to inspire positive change and respect within society. The album is available on all digital platforms, and fans are encouraged to follow MLB Di Papa on his social media channels (https://www.facebook.com/mlbdipapa)  for updates on upcoming projects and events.

Source: The Alkamba Times

By:  Bakary Ceesay

 MLB Di Papa, German based Gambian artiste has released his debut album ‘The Gentleman’ comprising ten tracks available in all digital platforms worldwide.

The album is produced by Jlive Music and featured one of the popular Gambian artistes includes T. Smallz, Jizzle and Hussain Dada

 MLB told Voice Vibes   that the Journey of ‘THE GENTLEMAN’ album began with his musical journey  he  found out the important role his  father played in the musical journey of so many great musicians internationally, from that point, he  had to do a deeper research of what music meant to him.

 “This journey has been a very fun one because I’ve chosen to make the best of every challenge that I’ve had along the way no matter what. But believe me, it has not been a simple journey of progress. There have been many ups and downs, and it is the choices that I made at each of those times that have helped shape what I have achieved”

 He added that: “Now, many could say it has to be easy for me because of what he has achieved. To be honest, his journey has shed the light for me to see what path I need to take, but my journey is self-made. It’s the best feeling now, because I don’t really feel like I owe anybody. I needed to have a journey of my own to tell my kids tomorrow. To even discuss my journey with my family, I have to set an example”

 According to him, when he was a kid, he used to listen to the great Gambian IfangBondi, Sotokoto Band and the great music of the ’80s, 90s. I still remember myself as a young boy when my father gave me my first cassette Walkman and a copy of the album “SANJO” by IfangBondi and “Gumbay Dance” by Sotokoi and the late Abdel Kabirr (RIP). Nothing makes me happier then than listening to those albums.

 “I start my journey with a big challenge just like so many artists from scratch. We all suffer from acute blindness at times and I constantly tell myself that I should be the only one to define my worth and what I’m capable of and how I perceive myself. And that I should never source that worth from other people, especially strangers and social media. They don’t know the length of my journey or who I am as a person”

 Life is a constant journey of trying to open your eyes. Mine has began and my eyes are starting to fully open up. I’m really thankful to everyone who has been part of my journey.

 A wise man once told me, “You have to appreciate the slow grind because success is not going to happen overnight it can happen overnight”. So I’m overwhelmingly grateful for the support over the years. To my Family, my team, my management my producer and friend JliveMusic and my fans no words can describe how grateful I’m. This has been a pretty unpredictable journey. And y’all contributed in one way or the other in the making of my debut album which signifies my journey through the years. It’s a collection of 10 well composed songs which I’ve written full of energy, love and compassion.

 “I officially unleashed my debut studio album titled THE GENTLEMAN: https://lnk.to/the gentleman! Go and stream it live,”

 About MLB

Modou Lamin Beyai, best known for his stage name as MLB which is inventive synthesis of his birth name. MLB is a Gambian Afro- pop/Afro-beat, Dancehall and Reggae Musician. He was born and raised in the Gambia, but currently lives in Germany.

 MLB was living in the slums of London Corner in the Gambia. He started music at a very young age, inspired by his late father, OUSMAN BEYAI, a Guitarist maestro, song writer, composer, arranger and sound engineer. His father was also member of the great Ifan-bondi Band and played with music veterans like Jaliba Kuyateh, Abdul Kabirr (Lie Ngum) the late Paps Touray, Musa Afia Ngum and Yankuba Saho and many others both in The Gambia and Abroad.

Singing became his hobby at a very early age but unlike his father MLB’s desire was to become a professional soccer player. Sadly his father passed away in 2014. MLB’s music has so much impact as he entertain and spread positive message across his fans.

The contents of his lyrics are 0% violent. Always make sure his music connects emotionally and touches the hearts of his listeners. Professionally, MLB started music in 2019.

However, he knew music was going to be a lifetime career for him in early 2014 and as well understood it is part of his genetics. Getting into the real music business, he began as a mobile DJ in 2010, in the process his aim was to be a music Composer and Producer. In the same 2014, he wrote his first song ‘I Need You’ which depicted love.

 MLB has four maiden hit singles and has just released his anticipated debut Extended Play called ‘Levels’ which contains seven hit tracks.

 After performing in Germany in different cities includes Bremen, Hannover, Stuttgart, Konstanz, Tuttlingen with some of Gambian top artistes includes Jizzle, T. Smallz and Hussain Dada he decided to go back to the studio to produced his album ‘The Gentleman’ available worldwide.

Source: The Voice

By:  Bakary Ceesay

 MLB Di Papa, German based Gambian artiste has released his debut album ‘The Gentleman’ comprising ten tracks available in all digital platforms worldwide.

The album is produced by Jlive Music and featured one of the popular Gambian artistes includes T. Smallz, Jizzle and Hussain Dada

 MLB told Voice Vibes   that the Journey of ‘THE GENTLEMAN’ album began with his musical journey  he  found out the important role his  father played in the musical journey of so many great musicians internationally, from that point, he  had to do a deeper research of what music meant to him.

 “This journey has been a very fun one because I’ve chosen to make the best of every challenge that I’ve had along the way no matter what. But believe me, it has not been a simple journey of progress. There have been many ups and downs, and it is the choices that I made at each of those times that have helped shape what I have achieved”

 He added that: “Now, many could say it has to be easy for me because of what he has achieved. To be honest, his journey has shed the light for me to see what path I need to take, but my journey is self-made. It’s the best feeling now, because I don’t really feel like I owe anybody. I needed to have a journey of my own to tell my kids tomorrow. To even discuss my journey with my family, I have to set an example”

 According to him, when he was a kid, he used to listen to the great Gambian IfangBondi, Sotokoto Band and the great music of the ’80s, 90s. I still remember myself as a young boy when my father gave me my first cassette Walkman and a copy of the album “SANJO” by IfangBondi and “Gumbay Dance” by Sotokoi and the late Abdel Kabirr (RIP). Nothing makes me happier then than listening to those albums.

 “I start my journey with a big challenge just like so many artists from scratch. We all suffer from acute blindness at times and I constantly tell myself that I should be the only one to define my worth and what I’m capable of and how I perceive myself. And that I should never source that worth from other people, especially strangers and social media. They don’t know the length of my journey or who I am as a person”

 Life is a constant journey of trying to open your eyes. Mine has began and my eyes are starting to fully open up. I’m really thankful to everyone who has been part of my journey.

 A wise man once told me, “You have to appreciate the slow grind because success is not going to happen overnight it can happen overnight”. So I’m overwhelmingly grateful for the support over the years. To my Family, my team, my management my producer and friend JliveMusic and my fans no words can describe how grateful I’m. This has been a pretty unpredictable journey. And y’all contributed in one way or the other in the making of my debut album which signifies my journey through the years. It’s a collection of 10 well composed songs which I’ve written full of energy, love and compassion.

 “I officially unleashed my debut studio album titled THE GENTLEMAN: https://lnk.to/the gentleman! Go and stream it live,”

 About MLB

Modou Lamin Beyai, best known for his stage name as MLB which is inventive synthesis of his birth name. MLB is a Gambian Afro- pop/Afro-beat, Dancehall and Reggae Musician. He was born and raised in the Gambia, but currently lives in Germany.

 MLB was living in the slums of London Corner in the Gambia. He started music at a very young age, inspired by his late father, OUSMAN BEYAI, a Guitarist maestro, song writer, composer, arranger and sound engineer. His father was also member of the great Ifan-bondi Band and played with music veterans like Jaliba Kuyateh, Abdul Kabirr (Lie Ngum) the late Paps Touray, Musa Afia Ngum and Yankuba Saho and many others both in The Gambia and Abroad.

Singing became his hobby at a very early age but unlike his father MLB’s desire was to become a professional soccer player. Sadly his father passed away in 2014. MLB’s music has so much impact as he entertain and spread positive message across his fans.

The contents of his lyrics are 0% violent. Always make sure his music connects emotionally and touches the hearts of his listeners. Professionally, MLB started music in 2019.

However, he knew music was going to be a lifetime career for him in early 2014 and as well understood it is part of his genetics. Getting into the real music business, he began as a mobile DJ in 2010, in the process his aim was to be a music Composer and Producer. In the same 2014, he wrote his first song ‘I Need You’ which depicted love.

 MLB has four maiden hit singles and has just released his anticipated debut Extended Play called ‘Levels’ which contains seven hit tracks.

 After performing in Germany in different cities includes Bremen, Hannover, Stuttgart, Konstanz, Tuttlingen with some of Gambian top artistes includes Jizzle, T. Smallz and Hussain Dada he decided to go back to the studio to produced his album ‘The Gentleman’ available worldwide.

Africans in Germany. Gambian Artist MLB debut Album. MLB Di Papa, a Gambian artist based in Germany, has released his debut album, “The Gentleman,” which features ten tracks and is available on all digital platforms worldwide. The album, produced by Jlive Music, includes collaborations with popular Gambian artists like T. Smallz, Jizzle, and Hussain Dada.

MLB shared with Afronews Germany that the journey of creating “The Gentleman” began with his own musical path. He discovered the significant role his father played in the careers of many great musicians. This inspired him to explore what music truly meant to him.
Read also: Meet Jah Lightning, a sensational Ghanaian reggae artiste making waves in music

“This journey has been enjoyable because I’ve made the best of every challenge, no matter how tough. But it hasn’t been a smooth ride. There have been many ups and downs, and the choices I made during those times shaped my achievements,” he said.

He added, “People might think it’s easier for me because of my father’s success, but my journey is my own. It’s important to me to create my own path, so I can share my story with my kids and family. I want to set an example.”

As a child, MLB listened to great Gambian bands like IfangBondi and Sotokoto, and music from the ’80s and ’90s. He recalls getting his first cassette Walkman and albums “SANJO” by IfangBondi and “Gumbay Dance” by Sotokoi from his father, which brought him great joy.

“I started from scratch, facing big challenges like many artists. Sometimes, we all doubt ourselves, but I believe I should define my worth and capabilities, not others, especially not strangers or social media. They don’t know my journey or who I am,” he explained.

MLB emphasized that life is a constant journey of opening your eyes, and his has just begun. He is thankful to everyone who has supported him along the way.

“A wise man once told me to appreciate the slow grind because success doesn’t happen overnight. I’m grateful for all the support over the years. To my family, team, management, my producer and friend JliveMusic, and my fans—no words can express my gratitude. This journey has been unpredictable, and you’ve all played a part in making my debut album, which represents my journey through the years. The album is a collection of ten songs filled with energy, love, and compassion,” he concluded.

You can stream the album here: The Gentleman

Source: Afronews.de

Modou Lamin Beyai, best known for his stage name as MLB which is inventive synthesis of his birth name. MLB is a Gambian Afro- pop/Afro-beat, Dancehall and Reggae Musician. He was born and raised in the Gambia, but currently lives in Germany. MLB was living in the slums of London Corner in the Gambia. He started music at a very young age, inspired by his late father, OUSMAN BEYAI, a Guitarist maestro, song writer, composer, arranger and sound engineer. His father was also member of the great Ifan-bondi Band and played with music veterans like Jaliba Kuyateh, Abdul Kabirr (Lie Ngum) the late Paps Touray, Musa Afia Ngum and Yankuba Saho and many others both in The Gambia and Abroad.

Singing became his hobby at a very early age but unlike his father MLB’s desire was to become a professional soccer player. Sadly his father passed away in 2014. MLB’s music has so much impact as he entertain and spread positive message across his fans.

The contents of his lyrics are 0% violent. Always make sure his music connects emotionally and touches the hearts of his listeners. Professionally, MLB started music in 2019. However, he knew music was going to be a life time career for him in the early 2014 and as well understood it is part of his genetics. Getting into the real music business, he began as a mobile DJ in 2010, in the process his aim was to be a music Composer and Producer. In the same 2014, he wrote his first song ‘I Need You’ which depicted love. MLB has four maiden hit singles and has just released his anticipated debut EP called ‘Levels’ which contains 7 hit tracks.

By: Bakary Ceesay

MLB, Germany based Afro-Pop Reggae Dancehall Artiste is set to release his new audiovisual called ‘Daddy’ available in YouTube.

Daddy, song was produced by Jlive Music and the video is directed by Jannikpaul media dedicated to his late Father Ousman Beyai, a guitar maestro, songwriter, composer, arranger and sound engineer.

MLB BIOGRAPHY

Modou Lamin Beyai is best known for his stage name MLB which is an inventive synthesis of his birth name. MLB is a Gambian Afropop/Afrobeat, Reggae and Dancehall artiste currently based in Germany.

He was living in the slums of London Corner in The Gambia where talents are abundant among the youths and that was the best experience for him.

Growing up in this place taught him lot about the struggles and realities of life. That’s why he is always proud of what this place has made him to become.

Music is his everyday life. The feeling of joy when he is singing or listening to good music is unimaginable. Music sweeps away all his worries so one could say that music is his strength.

MLB started music at a very young age, inspired by his late father, Ousman Beyai, a guitar maestro, songwriter, composer, arranger and sound engineer. His father was also a member of the famous Gambian Ifan-bondi Band and played with music veterans like Jaliba Kuyateh, Abdul Kabirr (Lie Ngum) the late Paps Touray, Musa Afia Ngum and Yankuba Saho.

Although his initial dream was to become a professional soccer player, his father encouraged him to become a musician at a tender age. MLB’s father who passed away in 2014, used to tell him that music was his way, that he could not escape it. He soon realised that he was destined to become a musician.

MLB’s music has so much impact as he entertains and spread positive message across to fans. He discourages violence in his lyrics and always makes sure his music connects emotionally and touches the hearts of his listeners.

In 2014 he wrote his first love song ‘I Need You’. MLB has four maiden hit songs and has finally released his anticipated debut EP called ‘Levels’ featuring seven tracks. It’s already available in all digital platforms worldwide. He is currently working on the studio for his debut album coming soon.

Article By: Njie Baldeh

Ousman Beyai, a veteran Gambian guitar maestro, songwriter, composer and arranger, who died on Thursday in Brighton, England, was laid to rest on Friday afternoon.

The Soto Koto Music Band and Record Company Worldwide Inc, of Banjul, The Gambia, expressed “deep sorrow” and regret to announce the death of guitar maestro, songwriter, composer and arranger Ousman Beyai who died on Thursday in Brighton, England, Oko Drammeh chief executive officer of the record company announced.

“The late Ousman was a member of Ifangbondi Band, Gelewar Band. He played with Musa Ngum, Soto Koto Band leader and arranged all the Sotokoto Hollywood recordings in Los Angeles,” he said.

Drammeh noted that Ousman wasa sound engineer and worked with Jun Murakawa the sound engineer of the film ‘The Tinatic’ in Catle Oaks Studios with Frank Jones Snr; in Hollywood on all Sotokoto recording projects.

He performed at the African Music festival in Delft, Holland, on many occasions with many bands as anchor musician, guitarist, bass player, keyboardist and vocalist.

He also played in the Amsterdam scene with Alain Eskanasi in the studios and on stage together with drummer Pim.

Ousman later made Groningen, North Holland, his home and ran a night club called Jarabiekuta.

He was a music maker and an event organiser. He has two daughters living in The Gambia and was a sincere man who loved his family.

He is best remembered as the assistant of the Legend Paps Touray, the singer, the king of Gambian music.

Beyai singlehandedly arranged and mixed the Soto koto Band album of Paps Touray – Mandingo Beat, Jaliba Kuyateh and Abdel Kabir.

He recorded many albums in many projects of world music.

“We will miss his genius, his midas touch and his charm. May the Almighty God have mercy on him, forgive him if he has ever sinned and grant him a place in heaven in a perfect place for his soul to rest in eternal Peace.”

FROM STARS TO ROOTS

[quads id=2] 1970, Ghana – The auditorium of Legon University, Accra, was packed to capacity. There was an atmosphere of restless expectation awaiting the arrival on stage of the SUPER EAGLES of The Gambia. The devastating performance of highlife, soul, Cuban, reggae and western pop songs which followed, faultlessly delivered by men in sharp suits, revealed why this band from The Gambia had become West Africa’s number one superstar attraction. West Africa had just completed its first decade of independence and was in the throes of anti-colonialist sentiment, pan-Africanism, and ‘Say it loud, I am Black and Proud’.This was the last time I saw Super Eagles, and like many others I mourned the ‘break-up’ of the band soon after, leaving us only the legacy of their all-time classic album ‘Viva Super Eagles’. Unknown to their thousands of fans, this was not the end of the story, but just the beginning in one of the longest-running sagas in African musical history.

 

In actual fact, leader BADOU JOBE and vocalist PA TOURAY had taken a deliberate decision to end Super Eagles at the height of their popularity. Being true revolutionary pan-Africanists and musical pioneers, they had become increasingly disturbed by the music they were playing and the image they presented, despite the greater fame and fortune that was theirs for the taking. They radically gave it all up to go back to square one, back to the roots, to create something African for Africans, to challenge the cultural imperialism of the west which still gripped the continent.They went into the bush to sit at the feet of the griots – the master drummers and the old maestros of the kora, xalam, balafon – the guardians of a thousand years of culture and tradition. After two years of exhaustive research and hard practice, Badou Jobe and the few musicians like Paps Touray, Ali Harb, Karamo Sabally who had felt inspired to join, came back with a unique new music, born from their amazingly rich heritage. To their modern electric outfit, including the novelty of an electric organ, they had added traditional drums which, next to the drumkit’s chromium sheen and the fancy sunburst of the guitars, looked like alien objects from another planet.The new repertoire, painstakingly composed according to the rules of their griot teachers, had meant a struggle with unfamiliar scales and mind-boggling rhythm structures. They proudly coined their music the AFRO MANDING SOUND after the legendary Manding empire, cradle of their West African culture.By 1973 the group had shed their eagles’ feathers to reappear as IFANG BONDI (‘Be yourself’), a fearsome Mandingo spirit which puts the newly initiated to the test and seeks out evil-doers within society.