INTERVIEWS & PROFILES

SUCCULENT    

Welcome to SLMTV BASE the one and only Bockarie Aruna aka Succulent d Sugarman

What can you say about yourself?

I am a sierra Leonean by nationality basically am a musician songwriter, movie director, and actor.

The entertainment business how it all started?

It all started in the early 90s after the war.

What was your first song and was it a hit?

I was at paradise family with Jimmy B where I did my first song and it was on a compilation

So that your turning point of your music carrier or something else please be brief?

Not really but it was a very good start as a rising star

After the song at Paradise what was the name of your first album and why the title?

Well I titled it Da tumba dae because I always have my eyes on my wife’s bombom and  you know how we African men think when its come to tumba.

How many albums do have so far and which of them would you class a success and why?

 My first album, because it was a mega hit across Africa and Europe

With your present management compare them briefly?

Am presently not working with any management but hopefully am planning to work with one of the biggest management soon. For my past management they were so many error and mismanagement, poor commitment and no proper promotion and above I not convenient with any of these management.

Wow how you end making hit songs on this your new album without a management, how does this happen to be?

Well, I can say hard work, focus, structured and to be able to know what the people need and its happen through  quality product  and I always give them the best

Which of your song is the best of all and do write your songs?

All my albums are mega hit but my best song is lover boy lover girl. I write all ma songs and even write for some of the biggest artists u can think.

With all this, what can you say about your musical carrier?

Am going strong and bigger than ever, still creative and infarct I am the most creative artist  in the SL industry I didn’t say that the BBC action media did.

Now you are in the movie world what prompted you to make the move?

Because I was in a drama group since I was 7 years and now I can write script, act and direct as well.  

Is it that you are leaving music for movie?

No way  music and movie can go on together because it’s almost the same art because it has to do with inspiration, body locomotion, creative abilities, facial expression, sound and entertaining .

NASSER  AYOUB
Born Salone borboh.
it all started with a collabo ft Daddy Saj, 05/06.
1st song was 1 love ft Daddy Saj.
i would say it was a hit, because fans still request for it on radio play as we speak.
Turning point was 2012.
I love all my Songs :)
I usually write, and always open to song writers. E.g. Edward of 441 writes.
My music carrier so far is Amazing.
I’m enjoying every bit of d Success it brings.
It all started when Jimmy B. said camera loves me :)..
I would never leave Music for Movies.
My target is to one day direct and Star My Film.
Love both worlds

 Dannee J


Daniel Jermaine Anderson known as Dannee J was born & raised in the western part of Freetown sierra Leone. He attended Ronsabs Prep school, AIS(Guinea) & Sierra Leone Grammar school. Dannee J started singing at tender age of 8yrs, started performing on stage at 12 and started proper studio recordings in 2009 when he released a mixtape in Gambia. He moved to United Kingdom in 2009 pursuing his music career and also Degree in marketing. His gr8 personality, milky & sweet voice has rapidly attracted attention from the public(especially ladies). Dannee J is presently said to be the fastest rising salone UK based star after his recent release of singles including INSAI YA, BELIEVE ME and TUMBA ft Rhage & Silva stone. The UK base singer's debut album titled 'Stories Of Life' is expected late this year and we all expect it to hit not only local but also global. We also understood he's got his first UK soon

SALONE ACTRESS

Vision:

My vision is not to shortchange myself, but to be an artist of dignity, integrity and standing up for what I believe. Pushing myself beyond boundaries. Above all else make my Country Sierra Leone Proud and bring hope to the young children, that anything is possible with self -confident, determination, drive, passion, and prayers.

Amin.... 

·        Born in (Jan 31^st) West Africa Sierra Leone raised in the United States. (11/1993)

(Don’t like including the year because I don’t look my age.

·        First performance (Play) ever was back home in primary school St. Michael

(Stage Theater) I believe I was 9yrs. Old.

·        Raised in a house with 6 siblings all girls being the oldest (though spoiled rutting)

I always felt I had to prove myself, always the leader never a follower set example for my younger ones.

·        Took some Drama classes in Middle School

·         Education: BBA Tourism & Management from Strayer University and LP Nursing 

(So I have always been focus to be around helping people, caring, educating, or just entertaining them based on my career path)

·         Mentors

1.     Mr. Frenard Ganda Director CEO of FMPP and creator of Sierra Leone’s            

2.     Ms. Aanatu Bundu-Kamara Actress/ Executive Producer and Owner of Aramak Golden Production.

·         Found my calling for Acting back in 2009 (I had just set up my first ever “Facebook” account came across this guy call Mohamed famously know as “Fullani Twins” he had a status up, in reference to “casting call for Sierra Leonean Movie Actors and Actress needed inbox me.”  So I did. We get the talking he said “well you have the face for it, when can you come to Maryland and meet with the Director?”) I was so excited I said “what about tomorrow?” he said “ok.” Met the Director read some scripts, did some dialogues with Mohamed and couple of days later we meet up again on location we were playing around to relax ourselves and entire time the Director (Mr. Ganda) had his Camera rolling, he said “I think we have something good here” next day we met up again he had edited the material showed it to us. Needless to say we were shock and were in disbelief in what we saw. He posted it up on “Facebook” and “YouTube” and the community was going crazy about it, they wanted more and we delivered. One thing my fans have always said about my work was “wow! You are so natural when you do it.”  They actually gave me the name “Salone Actress” so I Proudly embraced it and started using it since.

·        WORKS

·         2009- “LOV @ WAR” (1^st Sierra Leonean Soap Opera) (Leading Role shoot over 25 episodes)

·         2010- “LOVE TRAPPED”  (MY 1^ST FULL FILM)  (Leading Role)

·         2011- Co Host Ghawood Angel Production Premiere and Awards

·         2011- Casted for New Reality TV Show “Jew for Jim (one of the top 10 ladies) (Nigeria Actor Jim Iyke)

·         2012- “Family Secrets Soap” (Leading Role first 12 episodes cut for a movie/ Premiering in Sierra Leone Dec.)

·         2012- True Love (working tile) (2^nd FULL LENGTH MOVIE) (Supporting Lead Role)

·         2012- Guest Appear on the ABC Ch7 “The View” LIVE shooting Show

BOOKINGS

·         2013- Sierra Leone International Film Festival Promo Commercials

·         2013- Vickie Fornah Album Release Promo Commercials

·         2013- Family Secrets Soap Promo Commercials

I’ll play any role that interpret art and feels comfortable to me, but also keeping in mind that I’m a role model to young girls and women. I DON’T INTENT IN LIMITING myself. I have passion for what I do and I believe I am the only person that can get in my way in become the best. I have no plans on doing that.

SHADOW BOXXER

                                                             

                                                              

     SLMTV BASE. Shadow Boxer Welcome to SLMTV BASE what is your name?

I was born Algassimu Sahid Jarr Jr...but my performance name is Shadow Boxxer
What can you say about yourself?
I am a God fearing individual. Loving, passionate, caring, careless or irresponsible at times with certain things, funny. And Oh Yeah....I'm a beast when it comes to expressing myself with words
      SLMTV BASE. The Music business how it all started?
A long long time ago I heard a KRS One record called "My Philosophy". I was blown away by what he was doing with words. But said to myself, I can do that. And someday I will be able to do that exceptionally well.

     SLMTV BASE. What was your first song and was it a hit?

Don't remember the name of it....I was 11 or so. Lol.....and NO it definitely wasn't a hit.

     SLMTV BASE. Was that the turning point of your music carrier or something else please be brief?

I still believe my career hasn't reached its turning point. Even though I have been rapping for a while, I still believe my career is in its infant stage. Its hatching. I haven't even walked yet.

     SLMTV BASE. What is the name of your first album and why the title?

My first album/mixtape was called "Thrilla In Manilla"....my name is Shadow Boxxer and I figured I surrounded it with a boxing concept of that magnitude.

     SLMTV BASE. It was released on which record label?

Under WAF Entertainment.

     SLMTV BASE. How many albums do you have thus far?

Only two mixtapes. The previously mentioned one and the one I released in Jan of 2013 called "Love, Pain & Drugs". I am working on one as we speak. This will be an album.

     SLMTV BASE. Which of them would you class a success and why?

Both of the mixtapes were. They reached the people they were meant to reach. The music inspired a lot of people. Thats success to me. In their and my own way they were highly successful.

     SLMTV BASE. How many management have you worked with?

Only the team we had under WAF Ent. I am now working with some new folks that I chose not to mention at the moment.

     SLMTV BASE. You are classed as a hit master how does this happen to be?

I don't know if I would say hit master. But I make really good songs. People need to take the time out to listen to the music. A lot is being said in them.

     SLMTV BASE. Which of your song is the best of all?

Oh wow. I don't think I have an honest answer for that question. If u ask me today given I had a very productive day, I would say "Epiphany" off of my latest mixtape. But ask me tomorrow it might be "AnotHER Song" off the same mixtape. I guess I just love all my songs really.

     SLMTV BASE. Do you write all your songs?

Yes. But won't turn down the script of a very good writer or story teller.

     SLMTV BASE. As a hip hop artist what can you say about the beef issue in the Sierra Leone music industry?

Beefing in hip hop is common. Very common. Rappers or MCees have really big egos.
But the challenge or duel should be left on the mic. Its called "Battling". U could say the worse thing about an oponent and afterwards shake hands while leaving there mutually respecting each other. I think the beef issue in the salone music industry is more than just that. Its all idiotic to me really. Lets get money.

     SLMTV BASE. People compare you to be the best hip hop rapper in Sierra Leone, what is your take?

My take is their's as well. This what I believe. Lyrically I can do anything any salone rapper can do. But no one can do what I do. So in reference to that. Yes! I am the best!

     SLMTV BASE. Do you think you have an impact in S/L music industry if not why.

My impact right now is very minute to the one I know and will leave on the salone music industry. I am inspiring a lot of people from what I see and hear. It makes me happy. I

Maryzo Designs

The name is Amizo Bah a top Sierra leonean designer with her brand Maryzo Designs a contemporary African design house that targets the young brave,beautiful and sophisticated woman coming to age.
She started the brand in 2009 after moving back to Sierra Leone from South Africa where she studied fashion design at the Central Johannesburg College.
her shop is now based in Aberdeen 41b Sir Samuel Lewis Road ,where she stocks a line of ready to wear designs and custom made pieces

Ellen K

1.       Welcome to SLMTV BASE what is your name?

Thank you. My name is Ellen Salimatu Nannette Keister

2.       Who and what are you?

I am simple girl with a simple plan I always say, however, I’m a 33 year old hard working femaleJ born in the USA to Sierra Leonean parents Edward and Salimatu, Temne by tribe. I grew up in Sierra Leone,  went to the USA where I studied  Psychology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and acquired a Bachelors’ Degree. I moved to Sierra Leone in 2008,  and I work as a TV Presenter and also have my own entertainment company called Reems Entertainment.

3.       With all these functions how do you manage to cope with the day to day demands?

I don’t know how I manage to do it, but somehow someway I do, To God be the Glory for that. I stay positive, take life as it comes, work hard and play hard.

4.       What is the name of your TV program and what motivate you to do it and?

It is called Ur Airtel Playlist and is powered by one of Africa’s biggest GSM companies called Airtel. The motivation I get is a lot of people are learning from me and I can’t dissappoint the fans, they love the show and always looking forward to whats happening next, and I just have a passion for Entertainment.

5.       What it is all about?

It showcases videos from different artist all over the world, people text in and vote for the videos they like and it all boils down to the hottest top 10 video that they want to see and I can say Sierra Leoneans love their artist and some other African artist that its more like an An African top 10 now(laugh)

                                                        

6.       As a TV presenter how do you rate your program with respect to your viewer’s response?

I think my program is considered one of the best and most watched shows in Sierra Leone, when u walk around the streets and everybody knows who you are and what you do, tells you, you are being watched,lol, and based on texts, facebook comments, I know my show is well appreciated, I know it, I hear it and I myself enjoy doing it.:-)

7.       Please tell us what it is like to be the most influential in woman in the industry, a promoter, CEO, manager and a presenter?

It is not easy at all runnig a company and present a show, it’s a lot of work that needs to be done, because I do everything professionally, so its a matter of coming from one to the other, I can be having a headache today but when its time to shoot my show I have to, after I’m done with shooting,  my artist might have a show somewhere, I have to make sure I run there as well, one can affect the other, cause my artist and I may have a show on the same day. In other words, I will have a show to host and they’ll have to perform somewhere else, times like that, I don’t like, cause I want to be there to see my artist perform but then duty calls for me too…As far as the industry as a whole, its even more pressure, cause u have to be careful on decisions you make, I have a lot of people looking up to me, coming to me for advices,listening to their songs to pick out singles for them and dats because you are trusted, so in other words, I don’t only work for me, I work for all in the industry and because my opinion matters or is needed, I have to make sure I know what I’m saying be truthful and make good decisions. It feels good sometimes but it can be hectic sometimes too.

8.       How many artists do you have in your label and what’s your take on the industry with all the beefing.

I have 3 artist on my label, the best R&B group in Sierra Leone called  441, a new female rapper Empress P and a singer based in the Uk  Dannee J. About the beefing, I think its ridiculous, I think it don’t make sense, I think ego plays a part in it, I don’t get dissed and don’t respond, I’ll look like a coward, I think I’m the best, nobody can stop me, that attitude is what leads to beefing, which is wrong, I can’t control what people do or say but at the same time, we are working very hard to squash all beefs in other for us to grow as an industry.

9.       Who do admire the most in this industry

For me personally, I admire DJ Boxx not because I know him personally but more so because he never gives up, I look up to him, cause he has been thru the worse with the artist, he is always almost giving up but the love for the industry always brings him back, I think that’s great, cause the way I see the industry, we can’t give up, we have to keep pushing and make sure things are done the way its suppose to.  I always say no matter what happens, you have to go thru DJ Boxx, whether its help with promotions or some form of advise, I bet you he has something to say.:-). I admire people that don’t  give up, because of that I keep my spirit up.

10.   What advice do you have for upcoming promoters/managers

The advice I will give to promoters/managers is this, everybody wants us to be there like Nigerians, we can’t well not right now, reason being, we don’t have the money, however, some of us meaning us all, have the skills, the little advices, the links, so if you are looking at that, you will never invest  your little money or time, you just have to come and  help, the artist need help, we don’t have a lot of managers and if at all you do come in, eventho its business, however, its about the industry, its about Sierra Leone, you are needed, so come out with a positive attitude and don’t give up. I believe in our talents, we just have to work together to attract investors , most of our artist have what it takes, what we don’t have is money and dats what goes together with talent nowadays.

Looking at the music industry how do you see it thus far and what is your expectation for the year to come?

I think we are doing well, I have listened to some new talents and I’m saying to myself, we got it Naija has nuthin on us, except money, I think if we all decide to work together, push the right people, get financial help, get the right songs, videos, we will be on these channels getting recognition. I think most artist are listening, learning and ready to work, improving their art.

11.   What next for you as a woman you have not accomplished yet in industry?

I don’t think we are where we need to be, I feel like that’s the goal, I want to be able to see our Sierra Leoneans out here representing for us, showing off the GWB, I won’t relent, I will work hard, I will help, I will advice and until I start seeing out videos on MTVBASE< CHANNEL O, TRACE, SOUNDCITY coz that’s where it starts, I won’t give up.. For now, I’m still at the starting point and I will not give up.