It it often said that music has no boundry. The significant role music plays in the development of any nation cannot be over- emphasised.

As a result, its total development lies not only on artists but is a collective responsibility in showcasing the local talents in the country. Being a youth dominant sector, the Gambian music of recent has taken a new dimension, as we have witnessed the emergence of new sprouting stars that are just great. Recording studios, for instance, play  crucial roles in  that regard, as it does not only serve as a gateway to the public in terms of new releases, but also have in stock old and cultural music, among a host of other things.

In this week’s edition of What’s On, this columnist visited one of the most popular recording studio called Penthouse Recording Studio located  in the heart of the city of Banjul (in the Brikama Car park) and had an exclusive chart with the proprietor Mr Yaya Kuyateh alias Yakeni who provides the best among the lots. He is currently vibrating the capital city and beyond with latest hits and vibes earning him the most popular DJ and studio operator in th city and beyond.

He offers different musicial services- naming ceremonies, marriages ceremonies among a host of other rogrammes. He also gives out one of the best and most clear and digital recordings in the capital which earned him lots of clients as his products are extra-ordinary among the lots available. During the face-to-face chart, Kuyateh, talked about his business, Gambian music in recent years, constraints, among a host of other things. Enjoy and read the exclusive interview below.

Excerpts:

Could you tell us a little about yourself?
Well, my name is Yaya Kuyateh, I was born in Brikamaba Village in the Central River Region.

I attended Albion Primary School in Banjul and later proceeded to Banjul Secondary Technical School, where I completed  my secondary education. Besides working at my studio, I also  worked at the Fisheries Department as vessel observer which is contract basis. I normally go on sea for three months. After the three months, i am back home and concentrate on my business before the other turn comes.

I therefore want to thank my superiors at the Fisheries Department and my co-workers for the collaboration and understanding over the years as it is from there i earned my capital to start such a business. I ever had an excellent working relations with every staff since I started with them in 1994 and Insallah, I will maintain that momentum.

You have been in this business for sometime now. When did you establish this recording studio?
I founded this recording studio in 2006, but prior to that I was running a telecentre here. Since then, as you can see I have in stock a variety of Gambian music, Senegalese,Jamaican and even American stuffs. I also sell movies, DVD, reggae clips, Hip-hops an other types of music genres. However, over the years I noticed that stars like Jaliba Kuyateh, and other mixed tapes like One Tribe Sound, Fireman, and G-Faal are always on high demand.

What actually inspired you to open a recording studio, and not others?
Actually, I was introduced to this business by one friend called Alagie Njie, commonly called ‘Sheen’ who told me to go in for it as I will make profits. And after I go into it I realised that there is profit in it . Over the years it has been a successful one for me. I sell a wide range of cassettes, CD’s, and DVD’s. I also have in stock  other cassettes of The Gambia’s  renowned Islamic preachers  like Bun Jeng, among others.

Is this business  a profitable one?
Oh, yeah it depends on how you handle your business. Because, if you are in a business for years and cannot progress I think is better you quit that area. In every businesss one has to endeavour to do your utmost best in contributing your quota towards national development. So I think is the path am heading towards, despite being a petty one.  I also want to contribute my quota towards the socio-economic development of this country.

The country’s music industry in recent years has registered some giant strides. How can you assess the country’s music industry at the moment?
Well, the country’s music in generally is going smoothly, as we have seen the emergence of new stars. But I believe in the fact that if you release good music, people will obviously go for it. For artists like Jaliba Kuyateh, I have nearly sold out all his last two albums I have in stock.

Right now we have other young stars like Singateh and  Jalex aka Akuntu among a host of them, who are doing great. There is always high demand for these artists in my studio especially Jalex’s new album.  

2009 has been a bad year for many businessmen due to the fact it coincided with the credit crunch, which The Gambia is not spared? What are some of your constraints in that year?
Well, in business there are instances where you realise big profits and vice-versa. So if you are in the business, you have to realise all the factors. Normally, I witness decline on sales when the month is qurater way, but towards the end business gets back to normal. That is natural, and in business one has to bear with all these. Besides selling Gambian cassettes you also sell quite a number of Jamaican cassettes, mixed by our own finest DJ’s.

Which mixed tape compilation,do you think is currently hitting the chart in the country?
Right,we have few DJ’s who are doing great. Based on sales, I noticed few of them that I consider to be hitting the chart at the moment. These include Fireman’s  live concerts at Fajikunda, OneTribe Sound’s volumes one and two, and G-Faal’s volume five. To be honest these mixed tapes are currenly storming the country’s airwaves and are  always on high demand.

What is your  contribution in that regard?
Well, I think is based on the way they creatively mix their stuffs. Besides, these renowned DJ’s are  knowned for their versatile skills and that is why we always encourage them to keep it up.

Who is your favourite Gambian star?
(Laughs)….. It will be hard to pick one out of the lot but my best star is Jaliba Kuyateh. Since my childhood time, I used to listen to his music. Besides, he always chants about positive messages which are always  educative, entertaining and informative.

Your  final word?
Well, I want to thank all the artists and I am urge  them to keep it up. As far as Gambian music is concerned, I believe there is a future for it.