The Gambia's afromanding star, Jalex aka Akuntu has disclosed that his recent trip to Sweden was very successful as he had the chance to record new stuff as well as meet new artists there.

The young star has raised the country's image internationally as he is one of very few artists who stick to their culture. Following his cloudburst stage performance at the London carnival last year, Jalex has become  a big star and beacon of hope in the  afromanding genre.

His rapid rise to stardom has been evident in his concerts both at home and abroad. During his first concerts in Folks Park in Malmo, the young star performed in front of thousands of music enthusiasts comprising different nationalities in Sweden.

His Folks Park concerts was impressive. His hot stage appearances in the Scandinavian country earned him fans throughout the length and breadth of the country.

About the trip

Speaking to Whats On, the young afromanding star disclosed that his trip to Sweden was facilitated by a promoter based in Stockholm, who was working with a group called Foreign  Ngem Original Music `Promotions and the Reggae Warrors.

"These people wanted a Gambian artist to perform for them in Sweden, and I was eventually recommended. That is how the trip came about. I left The Gambia and had my first stage performance in Malmo," he said.

The Afromanding star further revealed that all the shows he staged were full to capacity. "Though only a few Gambians attended due to other commitments as it was on weekends when most Gambians are at work," he said.

According to him, the inspiration and experience he gained during these concerts cannot be over emphasised noting that all his shows were thrilling ones.

"The trip was really a fruitful one because it moved my music to another level. Also standing in front of thousands of people helped me a lot to develop my stage performances. Though, I sang in the local language,  I made sure before or after singing I translated the message I wanted to put across or the piece the particular track talks about," he said.

Jalex futher told What's On that met some Gambian artists in Sweden and also had the chance to perform on stage  alongside world famous artists like Jimmy Cliff and Khaled, who are big artists in Sweden.

New releases

"I want all my fans to expect big things  from me anytime. Am currently working on my second album which is to be released anytime," he disclosed
However, Akuntu as he is fondly called, has just released two new singles called "Bandiya" and "Animanboree" to be part of his much anticipated upcoming album. These new singles were recorded at Slowbit Records in Stockholm, during his Scandinavian tour.

However,  "Aninamboree" has just started making waves in the airwaves since he arrived in the country.

On these two singles, the young afromanding star, further revealed that they are wonderful masterpieces, noting that they talk about togetherness, unity, and peace among ourselves. "I know that my fans are really hungry for my new releases, but let them be patient as I have new stuffs for them in the pipeline to be released very soon. All I need is their support because its because of them, am out singing. So I really need  their  support," he said.

On the music industry in Sweden

On the music industry in Sweden, Jalex revealed that the music industry in Scandinavia is doing fine considering the opportunities.
"Sweden's music industry is big and there are a lot of African artists based in there," he said.

Upcoming tours

As a household name in the country's entertainment industry, Akuntu disclosed that he will embark on a Meet the People's tour sometime after the Ramadan. According to him, this will enable him to stage shows in major towns across the country and also meet his fans in the country.