Gambia's Sparklyn Black to launch 'Strong Man'

Sparklyn also worked with Trusters Productions to shoot a 35-minute short movie based loosely on the song. It is designed to explain in detail the 'back way' syndrome in his country. The song outlines constraints that youths are facing in the country, and why they are embarking on the risky journey.

"The movie company will launch the movie and my new song the same night…on November 27," he said to journalists. "I feel like all the artistes who sang about the “back way” only explained the risk attached to the journey but did not explain why the youths are risking their precious lives to take the dangerous journey. So in short, my new song called 'Strong Man' is what inspired the movie."

Franklin Adim, the movie director of 'Strong Man' said he has been in movie productions in The Gambia for four years.

Adim added that Sparklyn is a positive and a revolutionary artist who has a lot to say about issues affecting the society.

"When we listened to the song," he said, "we felt we can do something with it. We wrote the script and did a 35 minute movie. Sparklyn himself is the main character and the movie features 45 cast members. They will all be present on the day of the launching. The song of the year 'Strong Man' will be officially launched that night and the movie premiered."

He noted that movie director said after the launching they want to take the movie to schools and inform the students about the dangers involved in taking the ‘back way’.

Fatima Jawo, manager of Sparklyn urged the public to come show support. She said there will be a performance of dancing group, drama performances and few motivational statements would be featured, disclosing the top artistes lined up to light up the night.

Artists to perform include Sambou Susso, Tapha artiste, Youtha, Royal Messenger, Lady Quincy and Karafa Music will be mixed by DJ Kalaras.

Originally published in The Voice on 13 November.