Hi folks! This is taken from today's Weekend Observer, Gambia. Quite an interesting interview. Happy weekend. Momodou Bojang --------------- Weekend Observer. October 8 - 10, 1999 FACTS ON THE ARTIST: ELIE NACHIF By Eric Orji Production Gods like Quincy Jones, Teddy Riley, Dallas Austin, Jarmain Dupry and Puff Daddy, sometimes become performers. But they never do it alone. They either invite an extraordinary artist or sing with one of their protégées as duet. Quincy Jones used James Ingram on his song "Just Once", while Teddy Riley does it with 3 other guys as Black Street. Puff Daddy is always in the company of Mase, and Jarmain Dupry's first attempt was with his protégée, Da Brat. Elie Nachif, a versatile singer, producer and studio owner, is standing out as a solo artist and producer with a long list of albums. The handsome and charming dude who pilots the long-stride-throwing Yellowgate Studios, simply made me happy and proud. For years, he has never given anybody what he gave me. My very little heart couldn’t carry the feeling of his acceptance, caring words and mature approach to musical issues that I’ve been yearning to discuss with him. Elie is too large to describe. Our discussion went thus: Eric Orji: When did you start music? Elie Nachif: (Laughs) I've been asked this question many times before and I would always answer “on the day that I was born.” Eric: Did music in any way disturb your formal education? Elie: No, I simply made music one of my subjects. Eric: When did you go professional? Elie: Some years back when I was in London. Eric: Who taught you all the production tricks that brought about your sensitive listening ears and your unique style of fusing singing with music? Elie: It came about naturally from an inner desire to be original and creative. In music and other forms of art, you do not have to strictly follow laid down styles and rules. It pays to be intuitive sometimes. Just follow your instincts. Eric: You have to your credit many high quality and strikingly attractive radio and television jingles here in The Gambia and abroad. How do you feel when people describe them as excellent? Elie: I really appreciate great comments. This helps me become even more determined to improve and work harder at giving my best. Eric: Name a few notable and popular albums that you've been part of. Elie: That's a huge list, both, Gambian and Non-Gambian, I certainly would not want to offend anybody by mentioning only a few and not the others. Eric: Why the name Yellowgate? Elie: (Big laughter) Because the gate is Yellow! (More laughter). Eric: How do you feel about the non-appreciative attitude that we always hear of, concerning some of the young artists you have helped? Elie: Ingratitude is a very common human weakness but it is most disappointing when it comes from institutions or from people you would expect better from. I would not go the extra mile with an artist who does not appreciate my sweat and contribution to his or her own success. Eric: There are rumours that Yellowgate will soon be sold. How true are they? Elie: Selling a few items here and there to upgrade the standard of the studio does not mean selling off or closing down the studio. And even if the entire studio was to be sold, it would only mean re-investing in a bigger and better venture with Yellowgate. Eric: You have had your own album? Elie: One…Broken Promises. Eric: When was it released? Elie: 1996. Eric: What impact did it make? Elie: GREAT! It was in the papers for a few weeks. I appreciate the support from many people, both here in The Gambia, and abroad. Eric: Do you intend doing more albums for yourself? Elie: Definitely yes! Although at present I am quite busy working on other artists’ albums. Eric: Have you ever performed in a concert? Elie: Yes, many times when I was in the UK, which I enjoyed very much, but I prefer what I am doing now, working away from the spotlights! Eric: People say you are shy and don't like publicity, why? Elie: People are free to say what they feel but that does not necessarily make them 100% right. We all love a good reputation with the public but it is also important for people to respect other people's choices. The choice to appear on TV is the same as the choice not to appear on TV, for example. I prefer to work away in my studio. It keeps me very busy. It is a real bother when people try to get you to do what you do not choose to do or stop you from doing what you would really like to do...even the law frowns on such behaviour (naughty smile). Eric: Studio biz...is it a money-making venture in The Gambia? Elie: In The Gambia? Not really. We are still in the budding stages in the music and entertainment business. And so at the moment it is more of investing in helping to promote Gambian-produced music at home and abroad than making the same kind of money as our counter-parts from studio business in other more developed countries. Hopefully, when things improve and we begin to talk of royalties and copyrighting, then, perhaps we may start making money. But for now, we need to go one step at a time. Eric: Why did you choose The Gambia? Elie: Why not The Gambia? I’m a Gambian and I’m proud to be here doing what I’m doing, no matter how tough it gets from time to time. Eric: What other ventures, apart from music, are you into? Elie: I am fully committed to music. Eric: In your personal view, what is the Gambian industry like? Elie: Complex. I'd rather not try to figure it out. Eric: Thank you for your time Elie. It has been a real pleasure talking to you. Elie: You’re very welcome. The pleasure was all mine. ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html ----------------------------------------------------------------------------