IRIE NATION SOUND SYSTEM – LINKING BELGIUM AND GAMBIA WEST AFRICA
24/7 POSITIVE VIBES, That’s our MOTTO and our MISSION : spreading positive reggae and dancehall music on the African Motherland and promoting it worldwide !
The Sound System is our main tool. It is now strongly established in Belgium and in The Gambia West Africa since 2003.
The sound system was created by Dj Ludo in 2003. Originally from Belgium, he’s spent more than five years in West Africa (Senegal and Mauritania but mostly Gambia). He realized that there was a great need for conscious music and also for quality sound systems.
After a few years, Irie Nation had become one of Gambia’s top sound systems. The Irie movements was doing great, linking with Gambian soundmen from all areas. We’ve been running hundreds of dances all over the country : from Banjul to Basse, Georgetown, Kudang, Soma, Bansang, Kuloro, Pirang, Sifoe, Brufut, Sanyang, Kartong, Gunjur and an incredible quantity of smaller places…
Thru those movements, we were able to work in unity with local communities like students associations, youths groups, sport clubs and many more. Irie Nation was bringing edu-tainment to the whole a Gambian Massive. We co-worked with a great quantity of sound systems and radios (City Limits, WestCoast, Gambia Radio and TV Services, Yiriwa, FMB).
We also did a lot of work promoting local talents and most of our dances featured positive Gambian singers and Dj’s : Abraham Kalonji, Stalwart, Heart Breaka, Junior K, Silver Youth, Horicane, Singateh, Vex Gunjeeman to name a few…
In 2006, Dj Ludo was offered to host some reggae shows on Kids With Talent (KWT) 107.6 FM. There was the Reggae Dancehall showcase on Wednesday evening featuring the latest vibes and the Reggae Sun-Jam on Sunday noon which featured the best of Roots and revivals music. Both shows quickly came to gather a massive audience and the show could be heard on radios at street corners, markets, in taxis and working places !
Thru this radio shows, Dj Ludo was able to carry the promotion of reggae music further. Interviews were recorded during stays in Europe and broadcast on the radio : Luciano, Gentleman, Bescenta, Queen Ifrica, Admiral Tibet. Some other interviews were carried out Live during artists tours in Gambia : Mad Professor and Earl 16, Etana, Glen Washington, Gramps of Morgan Heritage,…
Irie Nation’s team comprises several selectors and MC’s amongst them, Dj Shaba, Dj Paco, MC Principal,… and also a strong crew for all organisation, technical, transport, security,… matters : Bady Blueser, Saikou, Mr Brown, Babayaro, Pa, …
SINCE APRIL 2008, Dj Ludo had to return to Belgium for particular reasons and the sound’s on pause in Gambia. In Belgium, Irie Nation’s getting very active. Still organising or playing dances in Belgium, France and Holland. Promoting Gambian artists in Europe and worldwide. Recording interviews for KWT radio FM. Writing on www.reggae.be. Taking part in radio shows on RQC 95.00 FM.
ACTION SPEAKS LOUDER THAN WORDS
Irie Nation’s also active in development work in collaboration with other Belgian local NGO’s. Several times, humanitarian help (school items, tools, clothing and shoes, cooking items, medical stuffs,…) have been sent to Mauritania, Gambia or Burkina Faso.
EVERY ONE INVOLVED IN REGGAE MUSIC’s WELCOME TO INVEST PERSONALLY IN A BETTER FUTURE FOR THE UNDERPRIVILEGED. ACTION SHOULD NOT BE LIMITED TO THE MUSIC ALONE.
FOR contacts : 0032-(0)476-349895
[email protected]
