Emerging Sierra Leone: MB Salone

Take ‘Winna’, his new single featuring colleague Alex Marley, for instance. The self-produced track houses everything from Afrobeats to elements of hip hop, R&B and dancehall. The song was published independently on major digital stores on 14 May. It debuted at number seven on the US iTunes Chart in the Worldwide category.

Born Mohamed Bailor Barrie, MB Salone is also behind 2018’s Da Plug, a 16-track beat tape characterised by heavy cultural elements, groovy bass and a radio-friendly mid-tempo bounce. The project also honours a number of MB Salone’s biggest production influences such as Johnny Juliano, Pharrell Williams and Dr Dre.

A year earlier, ‘Shorty Right There’, which he co-produced for Baltimore-renowned rapper Lil Key, was featured on MTV Network’s My Super Sweet 16 programme. This year, the artist foresees even bigger feats.

Music in Africa spoke to MB Salone as part of our ongoing Emerging series, which spotlights exciting new talent from Africa. The musician discussed his sound, experiences as a diaspora artist, forthcoming projects and vision for Sierra Leone’s music industry.

Music in Africa: How would you describe your sound and who are some of your influences?

My sound is universal, I’m attracted to so many different genres and vibes. Some of my influences are 2Pac, Jay-Z, Nas, Buju Banton, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Wizkid, Davido, H.E.R and Drake.

How would you describe your experiences as an artist in the diaspora?

I represent Sierra Leone to the max even though I was raised in the US I love the interaction I get from fans in Sierra Leone and I make sure I tap in with them regularly via Instagram, Facebook and Whatsapp.

What do you think of the current state of the music industry in Sierra Leone?

Sierra Leone’s music industry is on its way up and I’m proud to be one of the artists taking my country’s sound to an international stage. I love what Kao Denero has accomplished with being the ambassador of music for Sierra Leone, I also love the diversity in the art amongst my peers.

From a production standpoint, what do you think Sierra Leonean artists can do to harness the current explosion of African music globally?

I think we would have to come with a sound that is recognised by the world but also add our own touch of creativity to the mix so that people can know the origin of the sound.

What would you say is your unique contribution to Sierra Leone’s music landscape currently?

My unique contribution is my production style – no one does what I do with beats.

Are there Sierra Leonean producers you would like to collaborate with?

Yes, I’d like to collab with Sus Beats, his beats are really nice too. I want to collaborate with as many Sierra Leone producers as possible.

Aside from being a producer, you’re also an artist manager, blogger and social media marketer. How would you say these other disciplines have advanced your career?

Honestly, I would not be where I am today if I didn’t learn all of those different skill sets. In this landscape, you have to go for what’s yours and take it. Nothing is handed, especially if you have no budget. Being a producer alone wasn’t working for me, So I decided to learn what I needed to know about graphic design, photography, editing and so many other things. It led me to where I am now.

Has COVID-19 affected your creative process at all?

COVID-19 hasn’t really affected my work in a negative way. I work at the studio pretty much all day.

What can fans expect from your forthcoming EP and what is your vision for it?

My EP will consist of a mix of upbeat and slow tempo slappers all produced by me, the vision is to create a skip-free vibe that listeners can enjoy.

Aside from the EP, what other plans do you have in 2021?

The music video for ‘Winna' and more. I plan on having my first show in a few months too. Details coming soon.