Since inception, the band has been promoting the ‘Griot culture and tradition’, thereby amassing huge followership in the country and beyond through their distinctive melodies.
In the past, the group had a remarkable breakthrough with series of hit songs. Thus, the band quickly rose to fame with the release of their hit song ‘Election’, which continues to earn constant airplay on both radios and television. The double album titled ‘Batufa’ or simply Patrons and ‘Kanoo’ meaning Love, comprises 22 tracks of 11 tracks each.
Ahead of the album launch, Wuli Band last Wednesday convened a presser to shed light on the upcoming double albums and modalities put in place.
At the ceremony, Jali Hammeh Saho, who is the lead vocalist and the kora player, explained that the band is more of a family band and that the band is out to promote and showcase the rich ‘Griot’ linage.
After years of cooking and careful selection of song, Jali Saho said their band is ready to drop their two new albums.
These albums, he added, comprises thrilling songs that their fans would not regret listening to, adding that despite successes in music, there still persists some challenges along the way.
“Some of the challenges confronting the band include, mobility, proper studio and financial constraints to enable us to perform as expected.”
He thus called on all to support the band to promote Gambian culture on the international scene.
“I gave the name of the band which is Wuli Band because we are from Wuli that is the reason I named the band after our origin place.” he concluded.
Alhaji Mawdo Suso, who is the elder and adviser of the band, called on people especially people of ‘Griot background’ to be steadfast and committed to reviving and propagating the ‘Griot lineage.
He spoke highly of the ‘Griot lineage’ in past and present-day Gambia, saying they do not only sing but also played a key role in society from settling disputes in community to other social functions.
To the young ‘Griots’, Suso challenged them to be up to the task and committed to promoting the old tradition, while also reminding them to be instrumental in promoting unity in the country.
Other speakers were Ebou Suso, Sheriff Jallow, and Lamin Kanuteh. Some members of the band also spoke on the importance of the ‘Griot tradition’ and their roles in any community’s development.
They further called all to promote the band in their quest to promote and showcase the rich ‘Griot tradition’.