The Gambia's Afromanding star of recent years, Jalex, aka Akuntu, last Friday returned home after  a one month visit to the United Kingdom.

Akuntu's whose visit was meant to explore his natural talent to the international scene, has earned him a great recognition in the field of music after his spectacular performance on the eve of the Gambia's 43rd independence at the vision's night club in London, UK.

Speaking to What's On in an exclusive interview, Jalex described his trip as a resounding success noting that his main goal is to reach international stardom .

"My trip was facilitated by my UK based  Manager,Gary Jones .This trip could not have come at a more opportune moment than now when a vast majority of both Gambians and non-Gambians at home and abroad show much appreciation and interest in my music. My trip actually pave the way forward in my quest to become one of the Africa's most famous Afromanding artist. This is what all artists, most notably, local ones are looking forward.

As an artist, international appearance is a necessity as it go a long way in exposing him and marketing his or her product''he said

Jalex added that his product which is his album called the 'Soma Alfaa'  received a good market from both UK-Senegambians as well as other citizen in Europe.

The young star who is struggling to reach international stardom also realised the importance of international exposure as it gave him the  opportunity to commend  his fellow Gambian  artists who haven't yet experience such a trip.

"Its only by such opportunities that an aspiring artist know his stance in the music industry," he said.

He finally heaped praises on Gary Jones, his  UK Manager for such a wonderful gesture accorded  to him, noting that the gains he earned  from the trip cannot be over-emphasized.

"I wish to thanked  Yaram Arts in London, a Gambian Society in UK for inviting me as the special artist to perform with the Senegalese Assan Gaye on the occasion of the Gambia's 43rd independence celebration," he said .

It could be recalled that Jalex recently earned himself three outstanding awards since he stormed the country's entertainment  industry. He was  earlier awarded as the  best upcoming UK-Senegambian artist of the year, Gamspirit best Solo artist of the year  and recently grabbed another prestigious award being the  best  afromanding song of the year "Kana Kideh" by Gambian Talents  Promotions at a ceremony held at the Kairaba Beach Hotel .