Biography:
Jalex (a.k.a. Akuntu, real name Malang Touray) was born
in Bakau, on the west coast of The Gambia. His grandfather
was a famous Géwël who encouraged him as a youth to
pursue the Afro-Manding style of music combining his
melodic singer's voice with the traditional Afro-Mandinka
genre of music. He himself calls it "Afro-Afric".
Jalex's first hit single was released in 1997 and was
titled Africa Kairo which means
"Peace in Africa". Which tried to address
the issue of the numerous internal conflicts ravaging
the continent and urged Africans to see what was unfolding
before their very eyes.
He then joined a Gambian based group called Dextrous
Squad which was short-lived and soon disbanded. Jalex
however, continued to be a musical writer and singer
over the next few years.
The release of the single titled Kana Kideh on video
led to greater exposure for the singer. He was frequently
featured on Saturday nights as a guest performer on
the Goudi Samdi entertainment magazine on GRTS, the
national television station. This helped to make him
a household name across the Gambia and he has gained
a lot of respect and admiration because he tends to
perform his songs in the Mandinka language.
In the early part of the year 2006 a fortuitous encounter
with a British man called Gary Jones led to him being
appointed as the singer's manager and promoter in the
UK as well as The Gambia. A number of CD singles have
been recorded in the United Kingdom as well as a music
video called Duniyaa.
Jalex's album titled Soma Alfaa was released in February,
2007, to great acclamation on local radio and television
stations. The following month in March, his single titled
Nmala Moola Bi won the "Smiling Coast Riddim"
competition held at West Coast Radio.
He has indeed gained a household name in the Gambia
through his performances, radio and TV sessions. His
singles are often played on the radios and his videos
aired on the national TV. He has performed with a lot
of big time artists on several occasions. His new videos
which are also produced by Hi-Tech Production are set
to be released soon. Keep an eye out for this young,
talented and up coming artist.
| Discography
/ Music Downloads: |
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Myspace.com/jalexgambia
Address Contact Details:
PO Box 4541, Bakau KSMD
The Gambia, West Africa
Telephone number:
UK (+44) 7900 972036
Discography:
• Africa Kairo - 1997
• Soma
Alfaa - 2006
• Kana Kideh |
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