By: Bakary Ceesay
Black Thunder, Switzerland based Gambian Reggae danchall artiste is expected to launch his Afro singles at Njaba Kunda Assembly Hall on 6th February 2021.
The singles includes ‘Jarabih Kano’ ‘Douwah’ ‘Tongnakeso’ and ‘Sanahuya’ features guest artistes including Jasseh B (Baddibou Boyo) and Maajaal to be back by Black Energy Sound music by DJ Skyba, and DJ Kalmax. The show is presented by Black Thunder Unity Foundation and proceeds generated in the show will be plough back to youth and women empowerment and community development initiatives in the Gambia.
Black Thunder said pointed out that these Afro song is part of the Afro album he is working on the studio and hopefully it will be released his year.
“I have been doing Reggae danchall for two decades now so I and the management team deem it necessary to record some Afro songs for my people who are not Reggae danchall fans,” he said.
He explained that the messages on these songs are pure cultural and traditional ways of people should be embrace.
Who is Black Thunder?
Born in the northern part of The Gambia, Saikou Kanteh, popularly known as Black Thunder, isa songwriter, reggae and dancehall artiste based in Bern, Switzerland.
His passion for music began when he was seven years old in a village where poverty iswidespread. Because of water and electricity deficiency, and low school system, from tender
age he was determined to use music to speak for the voiceless and for better conditions.
At that age he had already started a band with his friends. He later decided to consider music asa career of choice.
Shortly afterwards, he met a popular local producer called Papis whobrought him to studio. In 2002 he recorded his maiden single called ‘Liberate From Action’ at TJrecord.
In 2004 he relocated to Milan, Italy to pursue music studies for two years. After completing hisstudies, he went into the studio to record more music and later founded a band. His musical
journey began taking shape and saw him touring Europe with his band.
In 2009, he left Italy for Bern, Switzerland where he launched a solo career and signed contractwith Likkle Lion Record in Geneva. While in Bern, he continually recorded music, worked withdifferent producers and was regarded as humanitarian artiste.
In 2014, he signed another contract with Atomic Dog Record in Bern. In 2015, he toured The Gambia where he had eight concerts. All the proceeds were donated toschools, hospitals and youths development projects.
In 2016, he made his debut performance at Flag Flow High Senegambia, a musical platformmeant to showcase Senegambian artists in Europe where he was awarded as the best stage performer.
In 2018, he formed ‘Movementality’ as his performing band across the world now Basic Foundation Band.
Black Thunder and ‘Movementality’ are playing in Switzerland at African Festivals as well as inGermany, Italy, Malta and Austria in different cities.
In December 2019 he toured The Gambia again and also empower youths in sports, music andeducation by building schools, supporting football tournaments and mentoring young artists tostardom.
His hit songs are: ‘Sugar baby’ ‘She is angry’ ‘100 millions’, ‘Yes I Pray’, ‘Gambia be wise,’ ‘Loveagain’, ‘Can’t stop the fire’, Never Chat’, ‘Nation girls’ and ‘Jahouya’, ‘Give them visa’ , ‘World in
trouble’ , ‘Sexy Lady’, ‘Worriors’, ‘Jah on your way’.
He is currently working hard in the studio to produce an Afro album coming soon.
