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Ismaila Oussou Njie (Señor) Best of Faateleku September 2001 aNOnym reCOrds ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Click here to buy it now at CD Baby!! September, 2001 aNOnym reCOrds.... The legendary ex-Super Eagle belts out his greatest hits on Faateleku Vols I and II, brilliantly recorded and produced by Elie Nachif of Yellowgate Studio in the Gambia. Review From the Global Village Idiot: Once one of the major forces in Gambia's great Super Eagles, Njie decided to rework some of the old material over two volumes of Faateleku. The best tracks have been condensed onto this disc, and it's a reminder of a classic West African (although strongly Western-influenced) sound. He's still got a killer voice, and with the rise of African music, he no longer needs to dilute his sound to find an Occidental audience. Is it great? Not completely, it could have been rawer, but as a reminder of how things were, and how they can be tastefully updated, it's excellent. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I thank Allah The Almighty (S.W.T.) for giving me the chance to make people happy. I also thank my late father Modou Njie Beachmaster (who left us very early). My dear mother Adji Sainabou Jobarteh for taking care of us - since and still. To my brothers and sisters, Dawooda, Mammy, Yandeh, Shiek Omar, Pa Njie Shorty, Lamin, Sally, Sira, Aunty Mary and Yazid Bensouda. To all my relatives, friends, fans, well-wishers, supporters and especially to those who helped me in my musical career. To my mother particularly, who initially never wanted me to become a musician, but later on gave her blessing. And to these fine people who in so many ways helped me down the line, B.B. Njie, Daddy Njie, Solomon Baba Preirra, Ola Coker (Jazz), John Thomas (Teacher), Alh. Babou Sowe, Jimmy Coron, Modou Cham, Sogi Sock, Badou Jobe, Paps Touray, Pa Lamin Drammeh, Laba Sosseh (El Maestro), Joseph Marcellin Kwa, Malick Secka, Sammy Ndame, Arnadou Bah, Femi Peters, Kaba (Mi) Jallow, Mousthafa Ndiaye (Gomis), Annie Dixon-Belle, Adji Awa Saho-Savage. Adji Bada Toure, to my management team George and Obiozor. To Aunty Haddy Njie and Ousainou Jobe of Faateleku, my friends and family in the U.S.A. especially to Katirn-Rohey for his extraordinary help. To master Habib Touray, my look-alike. To the Coker family in Hartford, Tom Ola, Bev, Lemu and Nerissa, Pastor Joseph E. Jackson, Brothers Vassell and Tyrell, Sisters Rhone, Nelly, Tyrell and Elsa Smith and the rest of the congregation. To Elie Nachif (Ello) of Yellow Gate, I say as usual, a big "Thank You!" To Elie's dad, family, friends and staff, I say it's been wonderful, "Let's do it again." Last but not the least, to my dear children, ShiekBoy, Yazid, Pa Modou, Yandeh, Amie and Absa, I say "Thank you all for your Love, Support and Respect." Oussou NJIE Senor Hartford, June 27, 2000 Bio Born in May 27, 1945 in the city of Banjul (formerly Bathurst), The Gambia, a small tourist nation in West Africa, Oussou began a childhood journey filled with thrilling experiences, fantasies and achievements. Recalling the heyday, when Oussou and his peer groups cruised around his 'Halfdie' neighborhood, sending signals that their love for music was genuine, an elder brother (maag) of the music maestro, Benedict Biram Njie, a.k.a BB, proudly recalled Oussou's penchant for entertainment. "Oussou's peers and he would spend the whole day at the family compound, 27 Buckle Street, listening to musical ideas and compositions. His compound, thus, became a base where groups assembled to rehearse, plan and organize some form of entertainment activities." During Oussou's school days, people like Pap Touray, Modou Cham, Badou Jobe and a host of others meet regularly at Foyer Dancehall (Hill Street) to exchange musical ideas, make compositions and stage public dances. By then, they were all living in Buckle Street and it's environs. At school, Oussou excelled and was always admiwhite, encouraged and supported by his teachers. Unfortunately for the young Oussou, his father had passed on when he was 9 years old, leaving all the burden of his upbringing to his mother. His mother did not at first support his deep interest in music, but finally gave her blessing when she realized how talented and determined he was in music. During their last days at school, Oussou and his compatriots became more deeply involved with music, rehearsing at Modou Cham's residence at Hill/Buckle Street. A few months before sitting for his final secondary school examination in 1964, Oussou abandoned school and joined his colleagues in the newly formed band, Eagles - owned by Malick Secka, on a tour of Sierra Leone. Membership in the Eagles consisted of the cream of Gambian talents; Modou Cham, Tom Ola Coker Jazz, Pap Touray, Badou Jobe, Sammy Ndame, Marcelin Joseph Kwah. Oussou was then 19 years old and the youngest member of the Eagles. They were the first band to travel outside The Gambia in those days. On their return to Banjul during the Christmas season of that year, they became very popular, and performed in all the dancehalls in Banjul; Mammy Louisett Bar, Foyer Hall in Hill Street, UAC and Banjul Tennis Lawns in Orange Street and Clifton Road respectively. As with all bands, some members left the group and others were motivated. These developments led to the decision to become independent. In that era, independence was not easy for musicians. Only established promoters owned musical equipment and the resources to sponsor groups. The decision for independence was a huge problem for the Eagles, but in 1968, Badou Jobe, Modou Cham, Pap Touray and young Oussou, decided to save their allowances at every engagement to purchase instruments. Several prominent Gambian businessmen and politicians were approached to assist the band to acquire instruments but to no avail, until a diamond dealer, Solo Darboe, invested in the band. This led to the formation of the Super Eagles. Super Eagles became very popular amongst Gambians and in neighboring Senegal, as they touwhite all the nooks and crannies of the Senegambian region. Their shows were always sell-outs! Between 1968 and 1971, the Super Eagles made waves in Republics of Ghana, Togo, other parts of West Africa, as well as the United Kingdom. Oussou's fame soawhite as the band performed. He was, and is loved, by people everywhere, for his sonorous voice, warmth, and bon homie! Dated: July 2000 Story narration by BB Njie Written by Obiozor Williams EC For: Faateleku Management, Banjul, The Gambia. < Lyrics WOLLOF 1. NOOU - YOOU OUSSOU NJIE (SALAAM ALEKUM i. Salaam Alekum yain wa Africa Salaam Alekum wa Senegambia Salam olbolem nit ku nyule ii. Salaam Alekum Yeah Salaam Alekum Yeah Salaam Alekum Yeah Salaam Alekum Yeah iii. It is said that the older Palm wine gets the better Oussou you have no comparison, I lake off my hat and prostrate before you being so fatherly and helpful. Salaam Alekum Mausakonko Salaam Alekum yen wa Kerewan Salaam Alekum Janjangbureh Salaam Alekum Yeah Salaam Alekum Yeah Salaam Alekum Yeah Salaam Alekum Yeah Solo Salaam Alekum Yeah Salaam Alekum Yeah Salaam Alekum Yeah Salaam Alekum Yeah Salaam Alekum yain wa Africa Salaam Alekum wa Senegambia Salaam Alekum mbdemni ku nyule Solo Salaam Alekum Yeah Salaam Alekum Yeah Salaam Alekum Yeah Salaam Alekum Yeah Salaam Alekum Yeah Salaam Alekum Yeah Salaam Alekum Yeah Salaam Alekum Yeah ENGLISH NOOU - YOOU OUSSOU NJIE - GREETINGS FROM OUSSOU NJIE i. Greetings to all Africans Greetings to all Senegambians Greetings to the entire black race G - r - e - e - t - i - n - g - s G - r - e - e - t - i - n - g - s G - r - e - e - t - i - n - g - s G - r - e - e - t - i - n - g - s ii. Greetings to you residents of Banjul Greetings to you residents of Brikamal Greetings to you residents of Basse iii. Old Palm wine is for more nourishing than the fresh one. Oussou you have no equal, I take off my hat, And prostrate before you You are so fatherly and helpful. Greetings to all Mansakonko Greetings to all in Kerewan Greetings to all in Janjangbureh G - r - e - e - t - i - n - g - s G - r - e - e - t - i - n - g - s G - r - e - e - t - i - n - g - s G - r - e - e - t - i - n - g - s solo G - r - e - e - t - i - n - g - s G - r - e - e - t - i - n - g - s G - r - e - e - t - i - n - g - s G - r - e - e - t - i - n - g - s Greetings to all Africans Greetings to all Senegambians Greetings to the entire black race Solo G - r.- e - e - t - i - n - g - s G - r.- e - e - t - i - n - g - s G - r.- e - e - t - i - n - g - s G - r.- e - e - t - i - n - g - s WOLLOF SUMA REW - GAMBIA (GAMBIA MY BELOVED COUNTRY) I Gambia suma rew, sopa na la Ndah chi yoou la Judo Gambia suma rew nop na la Ndah Te your la amm Gambia suma rew, Buga ne la Ndah te ya fi gen. Gambia suma rew gom na la Ndah te yow la ham Gambia suma rew, sunu man yi dan nenge la woi. Hiff amut, mars amul fi Bu ken hulo, Bu ken it heeh. Solo ENGLISH SUMA REW GAMBIA - GAMBIA MY NATIVE LAND Gambia my native land I adore you for You are my umbilical cord Gambia my motherland I love you for You are my only possession Gambia my beloved country and cherish you for you are just the best Gambia my native land I believe in you for you are all that I know Gambia my native land our forefathers Had sung songs of praises on your behalf for Thirst and hunger are still unknown to us We say no to quarrels, we say no to fights. Solo ENGLISH SUNU CHOSSAN - OUR CULTURE i. Children of Africa let us join hands and strive together Singing the same songs and of the same tune White settlers (colonialists) had deceived our forefathers Dividing them and putting one against the other Chorus: Repeat same as above ii. As a result of which some speak French Others speak English Still others speak Portuguese Whilst the remainder speak Italian Let us join for a cultural revival And rekindle our ways of old Whilst reviving our faith in the gods. chorus WOLLOF CHOSSAN SUNU 1. Halleli Africa, negne len Andador. Boka bena Holl, Bokit bena ba at Toubab yi nahon negne sunu mam ya Haja leh len, fenhanteh len Chorus 2. Beh nyi di laka francais, nyi Angalais, nyi Portugaise, nyi Italien, Negne pen andador delu chossan. Di def negne dan deffeh Gonnit che yegne gomon. chorus. ENGLISH SOSSEH i. Throughout the female community in Banjul I prefer Sosseh Sosseh is well behaved Sosseh is of exemplary Sosseh is committed Sosseh is of immense benefit Sosseh is pretty And is so generous Sosseh I adore you, Sosseh I love you Solo WOLLOF SOSSEH i. Mbolen janhi Banjul Sosseh ma len genal Mbolen janhi Banjul Sosseh ma len genal Sosseh yaru na Sosseh am na faida Sosseh farlon na Sosseh amna ngerigne (Repeat) Sosseh tarou na Sosseh tabbeh na Sosseh neh nyama, Sosseh neh nyama. Solo ENGLISH NDOW SI i. The woman is rare gem Thus she is on everybody's lips As she attracts the attention of bystanders and passers by ii. My woman is truly kind-hearted The first glimpse of her lends cwhiteence to this And as she passes she is everyone's focal point Ah! What a woman! My woman is unique No time for frivolities and known for high moral standards She retains her impeccable image as she strolls along Ah! The unique woman. WOLLOF NDOW SI i. Suma ndowsi toubab la Nit nyang ko wahanto Fumu rombe nyumg ko set Ah suma toubab ii. Suma ndowsi yarram la Soko giseh ding ko ham Fumu romba nyung ko holl Ah kena ki iii. Suma ndowsi kena la Amul charhan te du foor Fumu romba ken duko jow Ah kena ki Repeat i same as above Solo ENGLISH MAAG I do not know who has no senior But I Oussou Njie am bless with plenty Male and female seniors alike And now I want to reminisce on some i. Badou Sowe, Michel Azziz, Edi Jobe Lead on for Super Eagles emulate you Kebba Cessay, Badou Jangum, Kenbugul Njie being Others seniors worthy of the salt and seniors That cannot be dispensed with iii. We are never to be torn apart distance separates only physically Proximity renders abundant hope I do not know who has no seniors But I Oussou Njie am blessed with plenty WOLLOF MAAG Howna kan mor amul ai mak Wai mau Oussou Njie amna jorr ` Yu gorr ak yu jigen Tei ma faateleku chi njena i. Babou Sowe, Michel, Azziz, Edi Jobe Dohal len Super Eagles jittel negne len ii. Kebba Cessay, Badou Jangum, Kenbugul Njie Yen tego legne chi ndah for len nekut dou neh iii. Sunu sorreh yenai sugne halat Sunu jeggeh yenai sugne yakarr Howna kon amul ai mak Wai mam Oussou njie amne jorr ENGLISH ADUNA AMUL SOLOH - A WORLD OF UPS AND DOWNS i. This is a world of ups and downs sadly enough None can possibly grab all to eternity Being deceptive it can easily lead one astray Each one of us has experienced loss of a dear one A classic example being that of Oussou Lion Njie A case in hand depicting that life is full of ups and downs Another case in point is that of Malang Gassama Just to show that life is full of ups and downs. ii. A world it is of ups and downs sadly enough None can possibly grab all to eternity Being deceptive it can easily lead one astray Each one of us has experience loss of a dear one A classic example being that of Albert Ali Herb To show that life is composed of ups and downs Another case in point is that of Boubacarr Fofona Lending cwhiteence to the world's uncertainties. iii. This is world of ups and downs my friend None can possibly grab all to eternity Being deceptive it can easily lead one astray A classic example being that of Musa Diab An example showing that life is full of ups and downs Another vivid example being that of Ebou Jallow (cock) Depicting that this is a world of ups and downs. Reflect on Malang Gassama's short life span and see The uncertainties of the world. Reflect on Albert Ali Herb to see that This is a world of ups and down WOLLOF ADUNA AMUL SOLOH i. Aduna amul soloh ndeyssan Bena nit dossou ko muna jehal Aduna kerri nahi kai la Kufi neh am ngasa nit kou jitou Set len chi "Oussou Lion Njie" Ngen ham neh aduna worri nem la Set len chi "Malang Gassama" Ngen ham neh aduna amul soloh ii. Aduna amul soloh ndeyssan Bena nit dossou ko muna jihal Aduna kerri nahe kai la Kufi neh am nga sa nit kou jitou Set len chi "Albert Ali Herb" Ngen ham neh aduna worri nen la Set len chi "Babucarr fofana" Ngen ham neh aduna amul soloh Solo Aduna amul soloh suma wai Bena nit dossou ko muna jihal Kufi kerri nahe kai la Kufi neh amga sa nit kou jitou Set len chi "Musa Diab" Ngen ham neh aduna amul soloh Set len chi "Ebou Jallow" (cock) Ngen ham neh Aduna amul Aduna amul soloh ndeyssan Bena nit dossou ko muna jihal Aduna kerri nahe kai la Kufi neh am nga sit nit kou jitou Set len chi Oussou Lion Njie Ngen ham neh aduna amul soloh Set len chi Malang Gassama Ngen ham neh aduna amul soloh Set len chi Albert Ali Herb Ngen ham neh aduna amul soloh Set len chi Babucarr Fofana Ngen ham neh aduna amul soloh Set len chi Musa Diab ENGLISH BADA TOURE i. Bada Toure Oussou Njie is indeed grateful to you For your charm attracts everyone to your side The children love you and adults cannot reject you Therefore Bada, may you live long. 0 ii. For you endeavour to strengthen the strong And strive to reach down to help the week Therefore the children love you and the adults cannot reject you And so Bada, may you live long. Bada Toure Oussou Njie is indeed grateful to you Oh ya oh! Bada Toure Oh ya oh! Bada Toure Bada Toure Oussou Njie is indeed grate to you Oh ya oh! Bada Toure Bada Toure Edu Haffner is indeed grateful to you Oh ya oh! Bada Toure Bada Toure Papa Touray is indeed grateful to you Oh ya oh! Bada Toure Bada Toure your magical charm draws everyone to your side Oh ya oh! Bada Toure Bada Toure Ola Coke is indeed grateful to you Oh ya oh! Bada Toure Bada Toure modou Cham is indeed grateful to you Oh ya oh! Bada Toure Bada Toure senemi is indeed grateful to you Oh ya oh! Bada Toure Bada Toure Super Eagles indeed indebted to you Oh ya oh! Bada Toure. WOLLOF BADA TOURE i. Bada Toure Oussou Njie garem na la Ndah Bada Toure yow for neh dou wait Haleyi buga negne la the mack nyi banyun la Kon Bada Toure yal nga fi yagga ii. Ndah kou reh nga reh leh ko The kou joi nga joi leh ko Haleyi buga nega la the mack nyi bangnugne la Kon Bada Toure yal nga fi yagga Bada Toure Oussou Njie garem na la Oh ya oh! Bada Toure Oh ya oh! Bada toure Bada Toure Oussou Njie garem na la Oh ya oh! Bada Toure Bada Toure Edu Haffner garem na la Oh ya oh! Bada Toure Bada Toure Pape Touray garem na la Oh ya oh! Bada Toure Bada Toure yow neka dou wait Oh ya oh! Bada Toure Bada Toure Ola Coker garem na la Oh ya oh! Bada Toure Bada Toure Modou Cham garem na la Oh ya oh! Bada Toure Bada Toure Senemy garem na la Oh ya oh! Bada Toure Bada Toure Super Eagles garem na la Oh ya oh! Bada Toure ENGLISH MANDALLY - EXPRESSION OF WONDER OR AMAZEMENT etc. i. You youths of today Come let's join hands to play and laugh together And avoid fighting and petty squabbles. ii. If only you lend me your ears then I shall narrate Narrate to you what we did at Ndarr If only you lend me yours then I shall narrate to you Narrate what I did at Ndarr iii. We left in a boat and anchowhite at Kaolaxk Joined the train from there and arrived at the centre of Ndarr When we arrived at Ndarr we booked in to Saraba We visited Sud we visited Tenjigaine We visited Lordo and also visite Get-Ndarr Thus I shall ask our man to tell you a bit about it Residents of Ndarr are so kind hearted and accommodating Residents of Ndarr are so kind hearted and accommodating Residents of Ndarr are so kind hearted and accommodating For when we diened The likes of Aja Fatou kept company The likes of Binette Faal and Mere Sukaina The likes of Alioune Kah and that of Pa Lamin We visited Kaolack Ndangane They hailed us with Mandally At Dakar they hailed us with Mandally At Bignona all hailed us with Mandally At Ziguinchor all hailed us with Mandally At Ndar - gueche all hailed us with Mandally At Diourbel all hailed us with Mandally At Bargny geche all hailed us with Mandally At Bamako all hailed us with Mandally Right back to Banjul all hailed us with Mandally At Serrekunda it was also Mandally Mandally Prescribes mind power and not physical force Mandally to all the light skin ladies Mandally to all the dark skin ladies Mandally to all the dark skin ladies Mandally prescribes mind and not physical power and not brute force Mandally to all the light skin girls Alagie Babou Sowe hailed us with Mandally Maisa Haddy Faal hailed us with Mandally Aminta Derr hailed us with Mandally Ola Coker Jazz hailed us with Mandally Alhagie Babou Sowe hailed us with Mandally Yazid Bensuda hailed us with Mandally Rohya Toura hailed us with Mandally Saffiatou Mbye hailed us with Mandally Alhagie Dawda Njie hailed us with Mandally Maisa Haddy Faal hailed us with Mandally Jaha Ceesay Madenel hailed us with Mandally Alhagie Babou Sowe hailed us with Mandally Maisa Haddy Faal hailed us with Mandally Aminta Derr hailed us with Mandally Ola Coker Jazz hailed us with Mandally Alhagie Babou Sowe hailed us with Mandally Yazid Bensuda hailed us with Mandally Rohya Toura hailed us with Mandally Saffiatou Mbye hailed us with Mandally Privacy Policy All AWP items © AWP 2006