In this exclusive interview, a Gambian Musician King Marong, who is based in Australia explains his musical journey which takes him to the Australian City of Melbourne. The musician who is a true promoter of traditional music also talks about his experience in foreign land.

Foroyaa: Could you introduce yourself to the readers?
King Marong: Well, my real name is Ebrima Marong and I was born and brought up in Bakau, Wassulung Kunda. I’m currently based in Melbourne, Australia where I play and teach Gambian cultural music.

Foroyaa: How did your musical career start?
King Marong: My musical career started right in Gambia here. When I was young I played drums. Before I moved to Australia I had a musical band called Roots Kunta Kinteh that performed with another band known as Roots Manding. In addition, I also performed for the “Chosane” Band, a traditional musical group. I was once with the National Troupe of Gambia for a duration of one year.
Foroyaa: What inspired you to become a musician?
King Marong: Well, as a lad I was influenced by my neighbours who were musicians. But, I must also say that even as a young boy I had an incredible talent when it came to playing drums. During my childhood days I was the drummer of my Christmas club although I was going to school, I realised that my future lies in music. Upon this realisation, I decided to choose music as my profession. Through it I travelled to Australia where I lectured traditional Gambian music in colleges and universities. Furthermore, I also make traditional Gambian musical instruments and teach African village lifestyle to Australians.
Foroyaa: Can you tell something about your educational background?
King Marong: Well, due to my early engagement in music, I could only complete secondary education in Gambia. I attended Bakau Primary School as well as Latrikunda Secondary School. However, when I travelled to Australia I furthered my studies.
Foroyaa: What did you read when you furthered your education in Australia.
King Marong: In Australia, I read Business Management. This was so necessary, because I run a business. Furthermore, I also read English Language which is so essential for day to day communication. As a musician, English Language is so important in terms of writing songs. Another indispensable skill I learned was computing and information technology.
At this stage of the interview the manager of King Marong, Lamin Sonko, alias Original L, said what inspired King Marong to become a musician was his desire to share his experience and knowledge with the people.
According to Original L, King Marong has experience in different spheres of lives and wants to unveil his experience, so that people can compare their own experiences with that of King Marong with a view to curving a way forward.
King Marong’s Manager further stressed that in addition to his musical prowess, King Marong also produces his music and at a high quality.
Foroyaa: It is quite apparent that music has been an inextricable part of your life since your childhood but when actually did you turn to be a professional musician?
King Marong: Basically, I can say that I have been a professional musician since the age of twelve. At one time, we used to play and perform in hotels as well as at ceremonies.
Foroyaa: When was your debut album released?
King Marong: My first album was released in 2000. It was released when I arrived in Austrialia. However, the songs in that album were written in Gambia, before I travelled. But, due to lack of certain facilities I could not produce it here.
Furthermore, I produce my own music through my label. There are different companies that distribute my music.
Foroyaa: What is the title of your debut album and now many tracks does it contain?
King Marong: The title of my first album is “Bantaba Binaleh” and contains twelve tracks.
Foroyaa: Where was this album recorded?
King Marong: Well, it was recorded in Adelade, South Australia. I produced it through my label. Self production was so necessary that I was relatively unknown in Australia. My music was also alien to them. Apparently, it would have not been easy to wait for producers to come and produce me. This was the reason why I decided to take the bull by the horn by producing my music myself. I took my own initiative by producing my music and as time goes on the people gradually began to appreciate my music.
Foroyaa: What does it take to produce by oneself as an artist?
King Marong: Well, it takes hard work, dedication and endurance to produce by oneself. At the end of the exercise, it works out very well.
Foroyaa: Could you shed more light on the title of your first album, “Bantaba Bindeh”, which sounds interesting?
King Marong: Well, it is worth pointing out that this title is a combination of two words. Firstly, ‘Bantaba’ means a centre where people in communities normally gather. It is also used to stage meetings as well as festivals. In Gambia, every village has one such centre.
The other word Bindeh is also a local language meaning to clear or clean.
Having separately looked at the meaning, the two words that comprise this title, one can safely say that it promotes community spirit and togetherness.
This is because the community meeting points can only be cleaned if there is unity among the members.
Foroyaa: Do you know how your debut album was received by music enthusiasts?
King Marong: Well, if what I heard was anything to go by, the album was well received by music enthusiasts. Some people called me expressing how much they appreciated the album.
Nevertheless, as a beginner I was elated to hear those positive comments. But, I did not allow myself to be carried away by those by nice comments. This is because I knew that I had a long way to go and there was still room for improvement.
Remember, music is a dynamic industry that keeps changing and improving by the day, so as a prerequisite if one is to keep in touch with the latest development, he/she has to be alerted.
Foroyaa: What is the title of your second album?
King Marong: The title of my second album is ‘Kaira Duwa’ and it was released a year after my debut album.
Foroyaa: How many tracks does it comprise?
King Marong: It consists of twelve tracks just like my previous album.
To be continued