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.
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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Music Musicians
