Humanity Starz returns from Visa For Music

VFM is the first professional market of Africa and Middle-East music. The project was born from a paradox: on the one hand, the lack of visibility for African and Middle-Eastern artists at an international level and, on the other hand, a very important artistic dynamism and musical creation from these musicians.

Visa For Music aims at highlighting African and Middle-Eastern artists. Visa For Music is an essential and major meeting place for music professionals.

Gambia's Humanity Starz band was invited to partake in the VFM ahead of a possible performance next year. The band's lead vocalist Alieu Badara and its manager Mbye Bittaye represented the group.

Upon returning, Bittaye said the event provided a chance to network with artists around the world. “It also prepares us for larger audiences to get used to our music," he added saying that the band will release an "international album" next year.

He revealed that Badara was among the recommended artists that had a studio session at Hiba recording studio, one of the best studios in Africa. Badara, he said, has collaborated with Moroccan and Gabon artists.

Humanity Starz was formed in 2004 when it was comprised of 14 people and under the auspices of the Gambia Red Cross Society through a two-year project funded by the Icelandic Red Cross. They have released three albums Aduna, Jotna, and After Taste. After the project, the band operated independently, spending four years learning instruments. In February 2015, Humanity Starz released two promotional singles ‘Kenen’ and ‘Maakyaw,’ after which they performed in festivals in Cassamance and Venezuela. The Starz have worked with Gambian artists and Senegal’s Wally Secka and Pape Diouf.

“We need more support from Gambians," the band said, "and we appreciated those who have been there for us. There is no other artist who can take Gambian music abroad other than us. We feel that we are the best in this country."