Interview with Showers Jalloh|Singer-Songwriter|The Afropop King
Your Name: Showers Jalloh
What do you do? I am a singer songwriter, an educator and a motivator. Presenter of Pikin to Pikin Tork an educational radio programmes for children-in Kailahun Southern Sierra Leone.
Where are you currently base? UK
How would you describe yourself? I am very relaxed or as I like to say ‘Feelaxed’, I am happy, enthusiastic, full of compassion and energetic. Flexible, focused and disciplined. The list could go on but will let the fans judge. Ahahaha!!
Role in the Sierra Leone Community: My role as an artist and a person in the Sierra Leone community, is to inspire the young generation, support the less privileged and to represent my country positively.
Your Challenges: This is a tough one as the challenges are numerous. From sorting out recording sessions to contacting radio stations, contacting promoters to organising gigs. People downloading your music and music videos illegally, etc etc. But the biggest challenge is funding. Also, being a musician in a world full of people who does music is always going to be tough but I believe in myself and in what I do. I learn from the challenges, they make me stronger.
Your proudest moment to date: This would be being able to collaborate with my brother to build a house for my mum and in April this year, I was able to sleep in my own house in Freetown. The feeling of entering my house and into my bedroom was just extra special. Another proud moment for me is the production of my music video ‘We’re Flying High’ I co directed and edited it.
Who inspires you? I have few people I can name and one of them is my brother Usifu Jalloh. We are very close and I learn from him every day. I am inspired by children, the environment, Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Fela Kuti, to name but few.
Why did you decide to do what you are doing now? I think it’s about knowing your talent, who you are, what you enjoy doing and what you want to do. I started singing as a kid in church so by the time I was 15 I knew music was my calling so I went for it.
If you were not doing your current job, what did you wanted to do as a second option? I wanted to be a lawyer and an IT specialist. I am still considering gaining those qualifications by the way so keep your ears to the ground.
Do you have any future dates planned such as events that you might want the readers to know about? Yes! I will be performing at Kitenge Festival on the 25 th June 2016 at White City Turf, London, and there are few international gigs in the pipeline. Keep an eye on my website which is www.showersjalloh.com for news on gigs.
Your advice and tips for individuals that want to follow your footstep/career path? My advice and tips would be research and study your craft, be patient, focus, set yourself a goal and have a plan to achieve it. Be positive, be strong, seek advice and learn from you challenges.
How can they contact you or social media links? You can contact me via the following:- Twitter/Instagram/Soundcloud: Showersjalloh – Facebook/YouTube: Showersmusic
